Implementing Configure to Order Solutions for Industrial Manufacturers

Posted on: May 10, 2011 | By: SuperUser Account | Microsoft Dynamics AX/365

Today’s sales driven industrial manufacturers often need the ability to quote configured products or solutions with a reliable understanding of cost and ability to build. Historically, “configurator” solutions have provided some of this capability, but have failed to deliver at the manufacturing floor. Now, more sales organizations want to accurately quote using an iPad or other such tablet. Building this capability is a costly venture. Fortunately, “configurator” packages exist to satisfy these needs.

Implementing these configured products solutions can be enormously challenging. It is critical that the industrial manufacturing company select both the correct package and the correct implementation partner. The complexity can become overwhelming. The project team must focus on extracting, documenting, and understanding the engineering and assembly rules that drive both the material requirements and manufacturing / assembly needs. Regardless of the functionality of the chosen configurator, failure to identify and understand the rules will result in time delays, cost overruns, and disappointing ROI. The project team must also continuously evaluate whether the benefit of increasing levels of complexity are worth the cost.

Implemented properly, the correct product configurator can give your company a competitive advantage and ensure your make money on your products and customers. Implemented improperly, it can mean many dollars spent on a failed project, and worse, an inability to nimbly quote customers or ensure you are pricing products to make a proper return on investment.

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