The advantages and disadvantages of a configurator platform for digital agencies

Author: Elisabeth Sonnleitner

The world of digital agencies faces constant challenges. Competitors offering similar services at lower prices present one. The lack of skilled professionals in areas such as UX design and software development makes it difficult to find talented employees and complete projects on time. But that's not all by any means. There's also the huge challenge of keeping up with the rapid development of new technologies like AI and machine learning. For those who overcome these challenges, a bright future lies in the digital world. One promising and efficient way to shape this future could result in the use of a configurator platform.
 

What is Combeenation's configurator platform?

With the Combeenation platform, digital agencies and companies can create their own configurators without having to start from scratch. Through the unique modular system of the Combeenation configurator platform, it is possible to choose from a wide range of functions, tools, templates and elements to create an individual configurator. The platform is flexible and can be adapted and expanded at any time to meet changing customer and product requirements. All dependencies are taken into account in the background, so that only variants that can actually be ordered and produced can be selected. This means that there are no errors and no incorrect orders can be placed. In addition, it is possible via the platform to create interfaces to other systems such as store systems, websites, PIM or ERP systems.

The free version of the platform includes:

• the creation of 3D configurators in the development environment, 
• a 3D viewer and 
• Augmented Reality.

What are the advantages of the configurator platform?

In the planned blog article, we will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of configurator platforms for digital agencies, providing a comprehensive overview of their benefits.

Competitive advantage: Offer added value

In recent years, competition in the digital agency sector has increased enormously. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to win new customers and hold one's own against the competition. At the same time, agencies have to endure a tough price war without sacrificing quality. In this highly competitive market, innovation and creativity are more important than ever.

The big question is: Is there still a way for an agency to really stand out from the competition? The answer is yes. Currently, not many digital agencies are focusing on the topic of configurators. So there is an opportunity to specialize in this topic, acquire new knowledge and make a name for yourself in the industry. By developing their configurator capabilities, they can gain an important competitive advantage and offer real added value to their customers.

Increase your sales with the configurator platform

It's a very simple calculation: The more extensive an agency's portfolio is, the more customers can be attracted, which leads to increased business success. However, it is important that nothing goes wrong in the calculation of configurator projects in order to achieve this goal. Many agencies rely on do-it-yourself variants, which only end up costing them their last nerve because the factors of time, resources and money get out of hand. Our tip: Use a proven configurator platform. This will save you valuable time and resources. With a platform, you can get started right away and you don't have to start from scratch.

Counter the shortage of skilled workers

There is a shortage of qualified professionals in the digital industry, especially in the areas of web development, online marketing and software development. As a result, it is becoming more difficult to find and retain employees who have the necessary skills to implement challenging digital projects. Open projects can often no longer be completed in a timely manner. Agencies need to address the issue of skills shortages and find innovative solutions to deliver a strong portfolio as efficiently as possible. And what does the configurator platform have to do with the skills shortage? It's simple: by using the platform, you need fewer staff to create professional configurators. Instead of worrying about the tedious creation of custom features and templates, you can use existing features and templates, saving valuable time and resources. A real boon in times when qualified professionals are in short supply.

Demonstrate digital competence by expanding the range of services offered

However, the rapidly advancing development of new technologies, especially in the field of AI and machine learning, presents agencies with the challenge of always staying up to date and integrating these technologies into their services. In this context, 3D and augmented reality have long since become indispensable tools. But it's not just the technologies that continue to evolve; the behavior of customers is also constantly changing. In order to satisfy these customers and provide them with the latest solutions, agencies must constantly expand their range of services. In this dynamic world, standing still is death - if you don't move with the times, you move with the times. In this context, configurators offer a unique opportunity to expand the offering and benefit from the strong growth in this area.

Increased efficiency through automation

Have you given the topic of configurators a wide berth so far? Perhaps for good reason. Because creating a configurator from scratch can consume an immense amount of time and resources. But with the Combeenation platform, a digital agency can do everything Combeenation can do - create configurators efficiently and smoothly. Instead of starting from scratch, agencies can easily use existing templates, features and functions. This allows them to save time and resources, which can then be used to develop new projects and strategies.

Inspire your customers

Imagine you are faced with the choice of buying a new kitchen. What if you had to rely on just one photo to make your decision? Surely that would be a risky and insufficient approach. Instead, it would be much better if you had the opportunity to look at all the elements of your future kitchen from all possible perspectives to make sure you find the perfect one.

That is precisely why configurators have become so indispensable in this day and age. With these innovative solutions, customers can be offered an extraordinary experience that will amaze them.
It is important that agencies are able to react quickly to the needs of your customers and adapt your services accordingly. A beautiful website with glossy images is no longer enough. It is no longer up to date. The customer wants interaction, he wants fun. They want to experience the product with a 2D or 3D configurator.

All-round carefree package

When you build a configurator from scratch, you have to take care of everything from hosting, availability and backups to security issues and new features. You need to make sure that all developments and standards are up to date to provide the best possible experience for your customers. This requires a lot of work and expertise to keep everything running smoothly. With a platform, these worries are eliminated.

What are the disadvantages of the configurator platform?

Dependency

A disadvantage can be the dependence on the platform provider. Or if the platform vendor does not implement an important feature for you. At Combeenation we solve this problem with "No-Limits" through Java Script. If something doesn't work out-of-the-box, you can always program it with Java Script.

Monthly fee for your customers

However, as soon as a configurator is used for commercial purposes, i.e. "put online" and "go live", the customer of the configurator is charged a monthly service fee. This guarantees a smooth operation (security, backups,...). Click here for detailed information about the prices.

Is there an alternative to the platform?

Although you are enthusiastic about the platform, you lack the resources to create configurators yourself. Don't worry, you can still stand out from the competition and expand your range of services by simply having a configurator created directly by Combeenation.

The future of digital agencies: Is a configurator platform essential?

Digital agencies play an immense role in the business world. Companies of all sizes rely on their expertise. But what does the future hold for this industry? With digital transformation as a driver, agencies must therefore be more capable than ever of responding to the needs and challenges of their customers and developing suitable solutions and new business models. Above all, personalization and customer experience will continue to be central topics in digital marketing in the future. Customers expect tailored solutions at all levels. In short, the future of digital agencies will be shaped by changes brought about by digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence and automation, the importance of data-driven marketing, new business models, and a focus on personalization and customer experience. Digital agencies must therefore remain flexible and agile in order to respond to the changing demands of their customers and the market. Those agencies that align their competencies and offerings with future developments and successfully adapt will be able to compete and grow in an increasingly competitive market. The future of digital agencies is thus characterized by opportunities and challenges that must be recognized and exploited.
 

Are you curious? Why not arrange a non-binding appointment with us? We will give you a private tour of the Combeenation configurator platform:
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FAQ about the platform

What can Combeenation's configurator platform do?
By using the Combeenation platform, digital agencies can effortlessly and quickly create an unlimited number of product configurators - whether they are in 2D or 3D. In addition, they have access to a 3D viewer as well as augmented reality.

What is the cost of using the platform for an agency?
The use of the platform is free of charge. No matter whether for agency or company. As soon as a configurator is put online, costs are incurred. However, these are usually borne by the company and not by the agency.

What knowledge do I need to have in order to use the platform?
People who have experience using JavaScript can operate the platform. It may occasionally be necessary to read documentation to gain a better understanding and a live demo is provided.

We don't have 3D models?
If you find the configurator platform interesting, but can't create 3D models, you don't have to worry. Combeenation offers a 3D service. We create 3D models for you at a fixed price.

Why Combeenation?
Combeenation draws on many years of experience in the field of configurators. The company has acquired extensive knowledge and is one of the pioneers in this field. The company has won numerous national and international awards.