Let’s say you have a complex product to be modeled, for example, a product with sub-components that are also configurable, or a product that requires multiple rules. You might be using a platform like SAP or Oracle because those configurators can handle the complexity. However, the challenge that comes with these systems is that you’ll need to use a programming language to build the model and therefore involve your already spread-thin IT department. More impactful, this dependency on IT limits both your speed and creativity in fully supporting your business and “wowing” the end customer.
At viax, we acknowledge complex configurations but look at them more holistically from a sales perspective. For this blog, let’s use a lawnmower as our sample product. We want a lawnmower manufacturer to be able to show relevant configurations, but as important, we want that end customer to see every relevant mower attachment, accessory, warranty plan, and service package. We want manufacturers to be able to apply contract and geographic rules, as well as bundle options into promotional packages so their sales teams can compete and win while giving customers the best experience possible.
Built for Product Managers: With viax you have the simplicity of a no-code configurator with the robust power of a configuration engine that can handle the most complex products as well as accessories and services. The viax Product Configuration module gives you an easy way to build and maintain configurable product models and their supporting products. The inference-based rules engine allows you to build sophisticated models and relationships for any type of product. The visual model editor and no-code approach to rule building puts the power of product models in the hands of product experts, not IT — this enables a faster time to market by taking out the reliance of your IT team.
Built for Business: The viax sales enablement tools have a visual editor for creating and editing models and establishing rules and relationships with both products and services. And there is full support for importing your models from an external source like SAP. The Interactive Preview allows you to simulate and test models in real-time as you assemble them. The Interactive Preview gives you full access to the sales data context so you can test your models under various master data scenarios — e.g., change the sold-to customer or the sales channel.
Product in Action: As an example, we can step through the creation of a product configuration model for a commercial lawnmower. We can start simple with two options: engine size and cutting deck size. We can enhance the functionality of the model in future articles.
First, create a configuration model for a “Commercial Zero-Turn Mower”.
Then create a segment to contain the mower options.
Now create an “Engine” and a “Cutting Deck Size” component and make both components required.
The engineering rules for these mowers state that we cannot order a 60” or a 72” cutting deck with the 27 HP engine. We can add a rule in the configuration model to enforce this. Now here’s where things get really easy — by simply dragging the components over from the left side you can build out the conditions and actions for the rules. Dropdowns allow simple access to many different types of modifiers.
Now if we use the Interactive Preview, we can see that when 27 HP is selected as the value for Engine, the Cutting Deck Size options are 48” or 54”.
It's clear to see the benefits that viax provides. With an intuitive self-service interface, it's easy to create complex models and rules without the need to code or expert knowledge in development. You can have BOM definition mapping and creation, matching products, versioning, as well as the ability to preview your configuration with dynamic user contexts so you can see real-time behavior and pricing. These benefits, and more, allow manufacturers to stay competitive and streamline productivity. Get in touch to learn more about our no-code configurator.
