Innovative configuration systems with SAE - from simple configurators to multi-level configuration systems

In times of increasing variant diversity and growing customer requirements, configurators are becoming a key tool in product management. Configurators are becoming increasingly important, especially in companies that value flexible and efficient product individualization. SAE has specialized in this challenge and offers solutions for a broad spectrum - from simple, single-stage ("normal") configurators to highly complex, multi-stage and dynamic configuration systems.

First of all, we explain the particular strengths of SAE solutions in the area of simple, one-step configurators. They are the basis for the configuration systems.

Basics: Characteristics, characteristic values and rules

A single-level configurator usually describes a single product or assembly, which can be varied by characteristics and their characteristics (characteristic values). Typical characteristics include color, material, performance classes or function options. These characteristics are controlled by a set of rules that defines permissible combinations. A cordless screwdriver that is available in different colors (red, green, blue) and can be equipped with different battery types (e.g. 12 V and 18 V) is a simple example of this. The set of rules ensures that only technically sensible and approved configurations are created - for example, by ruling out that a certain feature may only be combined with a certain equipment variant.

The advantages of single-stage configurators

1. Fast implementation and easy handling: As single-stage configurators are geared towards a clearly defined product, they can be implemented particularly quickly. SAE relies on clear data structures here. Clear, table-driven sets of rules enable a short time-to-market. Companies can therefore react quickly to new customer requirements and individualize products even faster.
2. High data quality and stringent rule validation: SAE relies on a clean and consistent database, even for simple configurators. Characteristics, values and rules are maintained systematically so that incorrect configurations are ruled out. The integration of a robust set of rules ensures that the resulting variants can be built - every configuration is well thought out, tested and technically feasible.
3. Efficient care and maintenance: As it is always a single, clearly defined object, the effort required for maintenance, updates and extensions is minimal. New equipment variants can be added effortlessly by creating new "configuration releases", rules can be adapted and product attributes can be changed. This efficient maintenance effort facilitates the ongoing management of the product portfolio and reduces operating costs in the long term.
4. Intuitive operation for users: Simple, one-step configurators from SAE are easy to understand for end users - both in sales and on the customer side. The user interface is clearly laid out and navigation through features and options is intuitive. This reduces the amount of training required, speeds up the ordering process and increases overall customer satisfaction.
5. Scalability and future-proofing: Even if the complexity of single-level configurators is lower, SAE technology is based on a scalable foundation. If the requirements for variability or networking with other systems increase over time, the existing setup can easily be expanded into a multi-level or even dynamic configuration system. SAE therefore offers a future-proof entry into the management of variants and products.
6. Cost efficiency: The simple implementation, the clear data structure, the low susceptibility to errors and the minimal maintenance required reduce the total cost of ownership. SAE's single-stage configurators are therefore also an economically attractive solution for small and medium-sized companies.

From a simple configurator to a multi-level configuration system

As soon as the complexity increases, i.e. when an overall system consists of several individual, configurable objects, we speak of multi-level configurators or configuration systems. A configuration system is made up of a large number of configurable assemblies or modules that are linked to each other via parts lists. Only the flexible composition of these individual objects makes it possible to map complex end products, e.g. systems for the process industry, in a wide range of variants.

SAE distinguishes between two basic forms of configuration systems:

1. Rigid multi-level configuration systems: In rigid systems, the composition of the individual configurable objects is specifically predefined via parts lists. The hierarchy and arrangement of the modules is fixed. An example of this could be a motorcycle that can be optionally equipped with a separately configurable sidecar. The structure of the system is largely static; the configurator only determines the configurable "sub-object" within this predefined structure - in this example, the sidecar.
2. Dynamic multi-level configuration systems: Dynamic configuration systems, such as those developed and used by SAE, allow the individual configurators to be flexibly inserted or changed into an overall system at runtime. Such systems are used in particular in sophisticated machine and plant engineering, where a rigid predefinition of all variants is virtually impossible.

When implementing dynamic, multi-stage systems, the rules and functions specially developed by SAE are used to ensure simple operation and compatibility between the individual modules. As the customer often specifies the sequence, quantity and combination of process steps in these scenarios, the system must check which modules can be arranged together and in which constellation. Examples of this are finishing systems in paper or textile production: Different treatment and processing steps require different modules, the selection, sequence and combination of which is only determined in the course of the individual customer inquiry.

Challenges and added value

The biggest challenge is to ensure that the selection of each new module to be added is not made in isolation, but always in the context of the configurations already made. In these systems, it is essential that the selected characteristic values of previous ("predecessor modules") and parallel ("lateral") modules are taken into account before another configurable module ("successor module") is made available. Sophisticated SAE rules apply here. These require an intelligent, easy-to-understand set of rules, sophisticated data structuring and highly developed variant management. SAE offers a unique solution portfolio that covers all requirements, from single-level configurators to complex, multi-level dynamic configuration systems.

Conclusion:

From the single-stage configurator, which offers a single product in different versions, to the basis for highly complex, multi-stage, dynamic configuration systems, which consist of a large number of freely combinable modules (configurators), SAE covers the entire spectrum. While simple configurators already offer a high level of convenience and security in product individualization, dynamic configuration systems represent the top class in the technical implementation of customer-specific solutions. Here, not just a product, but a complete system is flexibly composed that is precisely tailored to the customer's needs. This breadth and depth of expertise make SAE software a first-class solution for all the requirements of modern, multi-variant industries.