Variant configurator: Sell complex products quickly and without errors

Companies in all industries are facing a major challenge today: customers expect customized products, quick responses, and error-free quotes. This is where a variant configurator creates real added value. Product configuration, pricing, and quoting are structured and automated. Companies save time, reduce errors, and offer a modern shopping experience.
 

Flexible configuration instead of rigid structures

What exactly is a variant configurator? – In short: A variant configurator is part of CPQ software that can be used to configure individual products as desired.

• Components
• Materials and colors
• Dimensions and sizes
• Extras and features

are put together as desired in the variant configurator. Product logic in the background performs a plausibility check. Only configurations that can be produced can be created. Even non-experts can use the solution to design customized products. Tailor-made products are created at the touch of a button – whether furniture, construction products, machines, or control technology.
 

Pricing & quotation included: A complete sales solution

A modern variant configurator such as the solution from Combeenation takes a holistic approach to the sales process. Once the configuration is complete, pricing and quotation are also carried out automatically:

• Real-time pricing
• Quotation with a single click

Practical example: Customized outtdoor kitchens. The variant configurator allows users to configure their individual outdoor kitchen live and in 3D. The plausibility check ensures planning reliability and a producible outdoor kitchen of high quality. Combeenation's CPQ software then calculates the price. The corresponding quote is also generated at the touch of a button. Instead of quote processes that take days, the process is completed within minutes. This is how a modern variant configurator functions as a powerful tool in sales processes. 

Why do manufacturers and retailers need variant configurators?

These thoughts are understandable, but increasing customer demands and cost pressures require modern solutions in sales. A variant configurator as part of CPQ is a game changer.
 

Solving common problems and challenges

1. Flexibility and variety without chaos: The more complex a product is, the greater the risk of errors in planning or price calculation. A configurator brings order to the chaos of variants: the stored product logic ensures that only producible variants can be configured. A variant configurator works for all sales channels: in the online shop, in the showroom, at dealers, and in the partner network. Even complex products can be offered in omnichannel sales. 
2. Fast and error-free price and quotation calculation: Spreadsheet calculations and manual price determination are prone to errors and take a lot of time. A variant configurator replaces these steps with automatic price calculation: product parameters and roles (e.g., dealer vs. end customer) are incorporated into the pricing process in real time. If the product is changed in the configurator, the price is adjusted immediately. The advantage is obvious: accurate price calculation without time expenditure or personnel involvement. 
3. 3D visualization builds trust and reduces uncertainty: Today's buyers want to see exactly what their customized product will look like before placing an order. With 3D views in the configurator, products can be experienced live. Users see changes in the configuration process immediately and gain confidence in the product. This increases customer satisfaction and conversion rates while reducing the return rate.
4. More efficient sales processes: A CPQ variant configurator combines product configuration, price determination, and quotation generation in a single solution. Interfaces to ERP and CRM systems increase efficiency in all downstream processes. Sell faster with less time and resources, reduced error rates, and a better customer experience. A modern variant configurator as part of CPQ creates efficient sales processes with the highest quality. 

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Additional benefits of a variant configurator

In addition to the obvious advantages, there are further benefits in practice that strengthen brands and companies: 

• Tailored product recommendations based on individual requirements
• Guided selling: guided selection for quick orientation and certainty
• Display of configurations in 2D, 3D, or augmented reality
• Lead generation through personalized customer experience
• Central knowledge base for sales teams and new employees
• Data for evaluating common configurations and customer requests

With a strong CPQ partner like Combeenation, you can get the most out of your variant configurator. Right from the design stage, we focus on a holistic approach that's ready for the future.

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Guided selling makes complexity easy to understand

Many products today offer countless variants, dimensions, materials, and options - an environment that can quickly become overwhelming. A variant configurator such as the one from Combeenation makes the configuration process much easier. The guided selling approach takes users step by step through all the decisions and only explains what's relevant at that moment. Even complex products like kitchens or special-purpose machines can be configured correctly without any special knowledge.

The intuitive process reduces uncertainty in the purchasing process. Complex products become easy to understand. Customers feel well supported, make decisions faster, and their willingness to buy increases.

Ask your questions about the potential of guided selling for your products. Combeenation's CPQ experts will advise you personally.

INITIAL CONSULTATION

In which industries are variant configurators used?

Variant configurators are used wherever products are complex and can be configured individually: 

• Furniture industry
• Construction industry
• Mechanical and plant engineering 
• Electronics and control technology
• Medical technology and laboratory equipment
• Automotive and agricultural technology 

The wide range of applications demonstrates the technical sophistication of modern CPQ configurators. Not only consumer goods, but also complex B2B products are successfully sold using variant configurators. Flexibility, efficiency, and quality assurance are convincing arguments in all industries. 

Immerse yourself in the practical application of variant configurators in different industries. Combeenation's case studies highlight challenges and possible solutions. 

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One configurator, two worlds: B2C and B2B benefit

A variant configurator works in both the B2C and B2B sectors. The requirements differ, but there are decisive advantages in both areas:

Variant configurator for consumer goods

In the B2C sector, customers today expect maximum transparency: they want to put together products themselves, see variants live, and know immediately how much their desired product costs. A variant configurator delivers exactly that. It makes complex products understandable, shows every change in real time, and gives customers confidence in their purchasing decisions.

• Live visualization
• Real-time prices
• Strengthens trust
• Increases closing rates 

Whether in online shops, showrooms, or at sales partners, sales figures for customized consumer goods are rising thanks to the use of modern variant configuration. 
 

Variant configurator in B2B sales

B2B sales is less about emotion and more about efficiency and process reliability. Sales teams, dealers, and technical planners use the configurator to correctly map variants, automatically determine prices, and quickly create quotes. The stored product logic ensures that only producible combinations are allowed, which reduces errors and coordination rounds.

• Error-free product configuration
• Automatic price calculation
• Quotes within minutes
• Resource savings 

Whether you want to reduce the workload on your sales teams, accelerate sales processes, or support an internationalization and growth strategy, a modern configurator brings efficiency and security. 

What should I look for when choosing a variant configurator? 

Are you considering investing in a configurator? We'll show you what to look for when making your selection:

• Rule-based product logic and plausibility checks: Only with these functions can you ensure that only producible, correct configurations are created. This function significantly reduces error rates, complaints, and returns. If configuration without prior knowledge is to be possible, this function is essential. 
• Echtzeit-Preisberechnung und Preislogik: Die Preisermittlung in Echtzeit ist eine Kernfunktion moderner Variantenkonfiguratoren. Nur wenn der Preis sofort ersichtlich und individuelle Rabatt- und Preisstrukturen genutzt werden, sollten Sie eine Anschaffung in Erwägung ziehen. 
• 3D visualization and intuitive operation: The configurator must be very easy to use and display products realistically. So check the topics of UX design and visual product presentation for your selection. 
• Seamless integration into existing systems: A new variant configurator must be easy to embed into your IT landscape (ERP, CRM, PIM, eCommerce). Open-system configurators such as those from Combeenation offer clear advantages here and can be easily connected via interfaces (APIs). The system adapts to your requirements, not the other way around. 
• Scalability and variety: The configurator must offer maximum performance even with millions of variants and should not impose any limits. Pay attention to the scalability and flexibility of the CPQ system. The Combeenation configurator offers free, intuitive configuration via sliders.

Would you like to learn more about how to successfully select and implement a variant configurator? Then download the Combeenation white paper with checklists and practical knowledge free of charge.

CONFIGURATOR CHECKLIST
 

How much does a variant configurator cost, and when is it worth the investment?

The costs for a variant configurator cannot be specified as a flat rate. They depend on individual factors:

• Complexity and scope of the product tree
• Role and authorization models 
• Effort required for interfaces to the IT landscape

To give you an initial idea, Combeenation offers an online calculation tool that allows you to better estimate the scope of your project. Determine the most important key points of your project with just a few clicks.

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Many companies achieve a return on investment (ROI) in a short period of time. Faster quotation processes, less coordination effort, and fewer errors create a financial advantage.

The purchase of a variant configurator should be carefully considered from a business, organizational, and technical perspective. Take advantage of Combeenation's free initial consultation to explore these questions.