Benefits of a Configurator

Although a configurator requires intensive, detailed, front-end setup, it provides benefits by enabling you to perform these tasks:

• Specify features and options.

• Establish relationships between features and options.

• Generate a configured parts list.

• Create a configured routing.

• Establish a configured price.

• Reduce order lead time.

• Improve customer service.

• Create fewer end part numbers.

• Produce a configuration audit trail.

When selling complex, highly configurable manufactured products, the presentation and quoting assistance that a configurator provides can be a powerful sales tool. Customer service representatives do not need to know the product intimately to enter an order. The configurator leads the customer service representatives through the configuration and provides error messages so that the customer can order a valid configured product. Customer service representatives also can communicate real-time information, such as price and weight, to customers.

After an order is complete and the customer accepts it, the order communicates appropriate and correct information to the manufacturing and distribution departments. An integrated system facilitates a correct product build in a timely manner.

Although a configurator requires detailed setup, as well as timely and careful maintenance for product changes, it is a powerful tool for which the benefits cannot be overlooked. A configurator communicates accurate specifications and product requirements throughout the entire organization to the customer, as well as to suppliers.