Industry Environment and Configured Items

Customers require manufacturers to build complex product configurations that follow detailed specifications. Manufacturers build a basic product to a customer's specifications and might even provide some level of customization.

Configured items are products that customers specify; they are not make-to-stock items that can be bought ready-made. Because customers specify configured products, features and options can be associated with a final product. Thus, infinite combinations of the end item can exist.

In addition, customers want improved service, including detailed, real-time information at order entry and shorter lead times from order to delivery of the product.

Customers with unique configuration and customizations needs present manufacturers with both challenges and opportunities. Currently, manufacturers struggle with manual paperwork, slow response times, lack of systems integration, and product volume versus complexity. Manufacturers need the agility to provide specialized (configured) products at a competitive price.

To be agile, manufacturers require assistance in implementing customer specifications to create a valid configuration for an end product. A manufacturer then needs to communicate the customers' requirements to the rest of its internal organization, associated branch/plants, and suppliers. A company's sales, manufacturing, and service organizations need a fast, accurate, and flexible system on which they can rely.