Product Configurator
Product configuration begins with a well-define “base” product. Variations (a base product configured with specified attributes), addons and accessories can then be offered to provide a custom, built-to-order solution for situations where a “standard” product does not quite meet a customer’s requirements.
Nomenclature
Base – The starting point, or baseline configuration for a given product.
Base Options (attributes) – Base options, or attributes, are predefined alternatives to one or more features defined in the base configuration of a product. For example, an automaker may offer a car with six (6) color options (color attribute) and three (3) engine options (power plant attribute). These attributes provide a total of 18 possible combinations (6 color choices X 3 engine options), which are commonly known as variations or variants.
Product Add-Ons – Unlike attributes, which simply provide alternatives to a “required” component (e.g. all cars have paint / all cars have engines), “Addons” are options that build upon, or add to, a selected product variation. For example,
Accessories – Similar to product add-ons, accessory products are often made available to meet a customer’s specific needs. The key difference is that “accessories” are typically offered as simple, standalone products … thus requiring their own unique stock keeping unit (sku) number, independent inventory counts/restock thresholds, etc. Another key differentiator is that “accessories” are generally not installed at the time of purchase, whereas “add-ons” do include installation, since they are not sold separately (no sku required).
Parts – Parts, like accessories, are frequently offered for sale independent of any particular product a buyer may purchase. Think of “parts” as replacements for components typically included in a base product or any variation thereof. As with accessories, parts offered for sale require a separate sku. Parts are generally sold for user installation, unless covered under a factory warranty.
Key Components
Our product configurator include an administrative interface for defining attributes, creating and removing variations, defining optional add-ons, and assembling an extended part number that can build a code string to match the variant and options chosen by a customer to a set of engineering drawings (AutoCAD) and a Bill Of Materials (BOM). The user interface enables users to choose among product variations, specify desired add-ons, view available accessories and add these to an order or quote request.
Attribute Builder
Variation Generator
Part Number Assembler
Customer Interface
