What is a Product Configurator?
What is a product configurator and when is it used?
Today's customers are looking specifically for products that can be adapted to their needs. In the past, this was always a matter of course at the tailor or carpenter around the corner. But today on the Internet? ... and worldwide? ... and around the clock? This is where the product configurator enters the picture. It enables exactly these customized products to be put together on the Internet. Customers can create their desired product without special knowledge and change color, material, shape, characteristics and func-tions, while they can view the product from all sides and beautifully set it in scene. They experience the product before it actually exists. The shopping experience happens at home in front of the screen.
In other words, a product configurator is a tool that allows users to customize the components and features of a product so that the final configured product meets their expectations as much as possible.
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Are there other terms for a product configurator?
Depending on the area of application, various terms have become established, such as variant configurator, quote configurator, online store configurator, CPQ software, configurator software, or ERP configurator. The term “product configurator” is not yet familiar to everyone, but it is gradually entering common usage. It often becomes clear when one mentions the example of the numerous car configurators. In this industry, it has long been common to configure one’s own car — that is, to design it according to one’s own preferences.
What features should a product configurator have?
There are countless companies that offer off-the-shelf, standard configurators. The key factor, however, is whether the configurator can meet your specific requirements — no matter how complex or varied they may be. Outstanding visualization, performance, and user-friendliness are equally crucial to the configurator’s success.
What are the benefits of a configurator?
This question could be the subject of an entire academic paper. Put simply, the benefits can be broken down into the following categories.
- Performance Boost: The use of product configurators has been proven to increase revenue and boost conversion rates. Studies show that personalization can generate up to 20% more revenue. The return rate can also be drastically reduced. Aren’t these already compelling arguments and benefits for sales?
- Simplification: Products with countless variants can be presented with ease, and seamless integration with your ERP and CMS systems significantly streamlines the workflow. The sheer volume of catalogs and brochures can also be reduced in the interest of sustainability.
- Efficiency: With product configuration, custom orders can be created easily at the click of a button. Time spent in the sales process is optimized because customers engage with the product in advance. Standard customer inquiries are also minimized. Questions like “What goes together?” and “Which elements are compatible?” will be answered directly by the product configurator in the future.
- Customer Satisfaction: Tailored, customized solutions create a shopping experience and a strong emotional connection to the product. With configurator software, you can showcase your products in a unique way.
In an in-depth blog post, you can learn more about the benefits of a 3D configurator.
What are the possible applications?
Product configurator software is of interest to any company that wants to sell products with many variations. Essentially, it can be divided into two categories:
- Consumer Goods: From motorcycles to lamps to beds, there are (almost) no limits to the use of product configurators. Take a walk through your living space and take a closer look at the items around you. You’ll quickly realize that virtually all products can be customized — whether they’re shelves, kitchen appliances, doors, windows, garden sheds, clothing… and so much more!
- Capital Goods: Here, too, there are numerous applications for many companies. Customizable machines, modular control cabinets, and conveyor systems are just a few examples that benefit from the use of a product configurator.
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How do you create a product configurator?
Simply put, a product configurator is a software solution. The complexity of the use case determines the complexity of the configurator. What looks more or less simple at first glance is anything but easy to create. The product configurator must replace all the knowledge of the sales staff. It must know whether individual components can be used together or whether Model A is available in white, etc. The solution space — which varies with every product configuration, i.e., the logical set of rules for the respective product — must also be digitally represented in the product configurator. This is because the product’s functionality must be guaranteed for every configuration. Configurators can be embedded in a website, an app, or an online store. Depending on the use case, seamless integration may require an interface to a CMS (Shopware, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.) or an ERP system.
Types of Product Configurators
How do product configurators differ from one another?
Depending on the nature of the product, a distinction can essentially be made between three types: cosmetic, functional, and parametric product configuration. There is a fundamental difference between whether the product consists of static components that customers arrange individually and whether the product itself is configurable via parameters, allowing the product’s dimensions to be freely selected.
Cosmetic Configuration
The finished product already exists and is personalized, for example, with a print or embroidery.
Functional Configuration
The product consists of static components that customers can arrange as they wish. A typical use case would be configuring a bicycle. Customers can choose the wheels, saddle, gears, and so on themselves.
Parametric Configuration
This is the case with custom-made, one-of-a-kind products where the dimensions can be chosen entirely at will, such as the walls of a wooden house.
In an in-depth blog post, you can learn more about “Types of Product Configurators.
Configurator Examples
Have you taken a look at the impressive examples from B2B and B2C yet? Get an overview of selected configurators in our video.
How complex are the different species?
If we consider the individual configuration types in terms of their complexity, we can derive the following classification:
Low complexity:
- STO Configurator (Select-to-order)
- PTO Configurator (Pick-to-order)
- CTO Configurator (Configure-to-order)
Medium complexity:
- ATO Configurator (Assemble-to-Order)
High complexity:
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MTO Configurator (Make-to-Order)
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ETO Configurator (Engineer-to-Order)
Product Configurator Examples:
How much does a product configurator cost?
The cost of a product configurator depends largely on the features and complexity of the project.
It would be irresponsible to give a flat rate here. We like to compare our pricing to buying a car. Every car goes from A to B. Just like with the product configurator, when buying a car, I can choose between a compact car and a luxury sedan. The specific model then determines the price.
What challenges might arise when implementing a product configurator?
The most commonly cited reasons for the failure of projects involving configurators can be identified based on the following points:
- Unclear Requirements
- It was not specified who the configurator is intended for. Inadequate definition of the product scope
- Not all stakeholders were involved
- Problematic integrations with third-party systems
- Poor browser support
- Lack of UI/UX expertise
- Floating scope
- Choice of the wrong platform
For more detailed information, please see our blog post: Failure of Configurator: 9 Critical Mistakes
Who would find the product configurator particularly useful?
The answer is quite clear: Whether B2B or B2C — in both the consumer goods and capital goods sectors — companies that manufacture and sell products have been relying on product configurators for quite some time. A product configurator is particularly useful for companies that offer products with many variants or custom-made products.
In general, it can be said that there is no single industry for which configurators are particularly useful. Configurators are used in a wide variety of industries and sectors: the furniture industry, the apparel industry, the automotive industry, the electronics industry, the construction industry, and mechanical engineering.
B2C Examples:
B2B Examples:
When do you start needing product configurators?
Product configurators are essential when the number of possible — and necessary — product variants is too high due to the wide range of possible combinations. Do you think this doesn’t apply to you? Actually, it applies to any product that’s available in different variants. Suppose a product consists of several components that can be combined with one another, each of which can in turn have its own color, shape, or specification. This quickly leads to a confusing multitude of orderable options. And how can this be presented simply? Exactly — with configurator software or a product configuration tool.
Mass Customization is here to stay
The ongoing digitization and automation of manufacturing processes, new technologies, and the shift away from cheap mass-produced goods toward customized products are driving the spread of mass customization — a term that’s on everyone’s lips, especially in connection with configurators, and is becoming increasingly important.
Countless configurator projects
Have you seen Combeenation’s references and case studies yet? Here you’ll find inspiring examples and success stories from companies that are already successfully using Combeenation’s innovative product configurators.
FAQ
What is a product configurator?
A product configurator is a software tool that enables companies to customize and configure their products. By using this solution, customers can select from a wide range of options and features to create customized products tailored to their specific needs.
How much does a product configurator cost?
The cost of a product configurator varies depending on requirements, complexity, and feature set. Providers typically offer different pricing models based on functionality and integration with existing systems. For an accurate cost estimate, we recommend contacting our sales team directly.
How do you create a product configurator?
The process of creating a configurator depends heavily on the type of configurator and the platform on which it will be used. In general, however, the following steps can serve as a guide:
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Defining the Purpose and Requirements: Clearly define the purpose the configurator is intended to serve and identify the requirements and features it must offer.
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Selecting the Platform and Technologies: Decide which provider—and consequently which technology or platform—you want to work with, and whether the configurator should be web-based, mobile, or designed for another platform.
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Data collection: Gather all relevant data required for the configuration, including product data, prices, 3D models, etc.
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Designing the user interface (UI): The next step is to design a user-friendly interface that enables intuitive configuration. This involves incorporating elements such as sliders, drop-down menus, and other interactive components.
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Backend development: Next, the logic for the configurator is implemented. Simply put: This ensures that only products that can be ordered are available for ordering.
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Testing to ensure smooth functionality.
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Implementation: Integration into the desired platform (website, online store, etc.).
The specific steps may vary depending on the requirements and the platform on which the configurator is used. It is also important to keep an eye on usability and user feedback in order to make continuous improvements.
What features should a product configurator have?
We always emphasize that a configurator should not only be aesthetically pleasing but must also meet all technical requirements. Beautifully designed configurators alone are useless if the underlying ruleset is inadequate. It is crucial that high-quality configurators be able to effortlessly map out complex product variants.
That’s why we at Combeenation prioritize both: attractive configurators that can also handle complex scenarios. With us, an unlimited number of options and variants is possible.
How does a configurator work?
A configurator is a tool that helps users assemble products from individual components and features according to predefined rules.
In this process, the resulting product is assembled step by step in a knowledge-based manner according to predefined rules and relationships. This complex set of rules in the background is important because only products that can be ordered may be configured. The configuration process follows a logical structure that ensures the products created meet the defined standards. This not only provides an efficient way to select products but also minimizes errors and increases customer satisfaction through customized solutions.
Which companies use product configurators?
Many well-known companies use configurators to allow their customers to customize products according to their individual preferences. Here are a few examples from various industries:
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Automotive industry: BMW and Tesla offer online configurators that allow customers to customize their cars.
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Computers and electronics: Apple allows customers to customize their Mac computers and MacBook models.
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Furniture industry: IKEA offers online furniture configurators that allow customers to customize the colors, sizes, and configurations of their furniture.
This list is not exhaustive, and many other companies in various industries use configurators to promote the customization and personalization of their products.
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