Product configurator
A product configurator guides product choices and their rules. Its result must clearly describe the selection that is currently valid.
Assembling permitted product options
A product configurator helps customers choose a product's properties or components. It represents defined rules such as required inputs, dependencies or excluded combinations. The selected options form a traceable configuration. Depending on the business workflow, this can be ordered directly or used as the basis for a quotation request. The product and sales model determine which combinations are offered.
A fictional notebook seller offers printed initials only with a linen cover. This is an example rule for its range. If a customer first selects linen and the print, then switches to a plastic cover, the earlier combination is no longer permitted. The configurator must clearly reset the incompatible option or display the conflict for correction. The summary and price calculation must then refer to the same currently valid selection. Simply hiding the initials field would not clear an option value that is still stored.
Sources
Related terms
- Product variantA product variant is a particular version of a product. Its attributes must remain consistent across selection, pricing, stock and ordering.
- Product catalogueA product catalogue organises range information for search and selection. Catalogue entry, inventory availability and channel publication are separate data.
- CheckoutCheckout leads from the cart to order submission. The current selection, required details and order summary need to agree.
- Delivery capabilityDelivery capability describes whether a specific request can be fulfilled. A stock value alone does not fully answer questions of quantity, destination and time.
- Order historyOrder history shows previous orders within an agreed account scope. Old prices, current availability and current processing remain separate information.
- Dealer portalA dealer portal gives affiliated dealers digital access to agreed information and workflows. Its scope and company assignment need to be clear.
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