4 industries that benefit from configurators

Author: Elisabeth Sonnleitner

Configurators can be used in a wide variety of industries and for a wide variety of products. They create a unique selling proposition, provide a competitive advantage and are a valuable tool to support companies in sales. Be it in product presentation, lead generation or to simplify the sales process. The advantages of configurators are almost endless and would fill a separate blog article.

In this article, we show 4 industries that particularly benefit from configurators.

Home & Furnishings

The home and furnishing industry is virtually predestined for the implementation of configurators. In this sector, customers have the opportunity to design their own pieces of furniture, lighting and home accessories according to their personal ideas, be it a sofa, a table or a cabinet. This freedom allows them to customize materials, colors, sizes and other details to suit their needs.

But how do manufacturers in the furnishings industry benefit from the integration of configurators?

Furniture and furnishings are personal products that have to fit the person perfectly. The decision to buy a sofa set, for example, does not happen overnight. Customers want to consider the many options in their own homes before making a final decision online or in a store. Interaction with a configurator significantly increases customer satisfaction while minimizing the risk of incorrect orders due to unexpected or unsuitable product features. And by the way, thanks to the integrated augmented reality function, their products can be presented in a very unique way.

Are you a manufacturer of home furnishings and sell through retail?

You're probably familiar with the problem: as a manufacturer of home furnishings, you rely on retail sales. Unfortunately, a high turnover of sales staff is not uncommon in this industry, and expertise about your products is often lost. This is where a configurator comes in as an extremely useful knowledge base during sales calls. A configurator has a comprehensive knowledge of all available options and possibilities. This is undoubtedly an invaluable support for sellers:inside.
 

Are you a manufacturer of home furnishings and sell online?

In this case, there is a clear advantage: customers are looking for a shopping experience where they can try out all the options from the comfort of their own home. A configurator acts as your round-the-clock sales consultant. It is always available, always radiates good humor, and relieves you of numerous time-consuming customer inquiries.
 

Product examples: Configurator for Living & Furnishing

• Furniture pieces: Sofas, wardrobes, beds, tables and chairs, shelves,...
• Lamps and lighting
• Home accessories: curtains, carpets, insect screens, bedding.... 
• Kitchen and bathroom equipment
• Wardrobes and closet systems
• Garden furniture & outdoor kitchens

Case Study metal furniture configurator | system shelf configurator | shower enclosure configurator | furniture system configurator | front door configurator | furniture configurator | lamp configurator

Industry | B2B

Anyone who thought for a long time that configurators were only suitable for the B2C sector was mistaken. Configurators have become indispensable, especially in the B2B segment. Products with multiple variants that are difficult to explain can be presented easily with the help of a configurator. Technology doesn't always have to be complicated; in the industrial sector in particular, configurators are a significant facilitator in the sales process. Plans, parts lists and drawings of the configured products can be transferred directly to production. Integration with ERP, CMS or PIM systems ensures smooth data exchange.

My product is very complex and has many variants. Is there a set of rules?

Your product is undoubtedly extremely complex and rich in variants. It is amazing how modern configurators are able to represent an almost infinite number of product variants. In fact, configurators can map millions of product combinations, which is definitely an impressive feat.


However, this diversity requires a clear structure and a comprehensive set of rules to ensure that all variants can be configured and understood correctly. Such a set of rules is crucial to successfully manage the complexity and variant diversity of your product. Have you ever thought about the fact that a configurator can store years of knowledge of your employees? Especially in the industrial sector, we have found that this valuable knowledge is often not documented anywhere and is lost during retirements or turnover. A configurator can help preserve this knowledge and ensure that it is continuously used, regardless of personnel changes in your company.
 

Product examples: Configurator for industry

• Mechanical engineering and industrial equipment: machine tools, bearing systems, drive technology, robot cells,...
• Construction: Smart living, tiny houses, noise barriers,...
• Electrical engineering, electronics & automation: control systems, installation distributors, operator panels, displays,...
• Medical devices: prostheses, functional trolleys,...

Case Study configurator for automation solution | garge configurator | shelf system configurator | in-plant office configurator | configurator for distribution panel configurator

Mobility

The automotive industry was one of the pioneering sectors in the introduction of configurators. Configurators have been widely used in the automotive industry for years. But not only cars are perfect for configurators. Motorcycles, bicycles, and agricultural machinery can also be customized according to individual preferences, whether in terms of paint color, interior design, motorization, or additional extras. Manufacturers in the mobility industry have recognized that personalizing vehicles is an effective way to build customer loyalty and increase customer satisfaction. Configurators allow potential buyers to visualize their dream car or motorcycle, creating an emotional connection to the product.
 

Cross-selling and upselling in the mobility industry

In the mobility industry, cross-selling and upselling is crucial to lead customers to an expanded product range and increase sales. Through clever cross-selling, a configurator can, for example, suggest accessories or options that perfectly match the selected vehicle, such as winter tires for an SUV or a premium sound system for a luxury car. Upselling is facilitated by the configurator presenting higher-quality models or additional features that meet customer needs while increasing the value of their purchase.

Customers feel more connected to the buying process through personalized recommendations and the ability to customize their vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle to their liking.
 

Product examples: Configurator for mobility

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes,...
• Electric scooters
• Construction and agricultural machinery
• Motor homes
• Yachts

Case Study motorcycle configurator | wheel configurator

Clothing, Shoes & Leisure

The importance of personalization and individualization is more pronounced in no other area than in the world of clothing and leisure. Here, people strive to show their own personal style. Clothing serves as a means of expression for one's own identity. No one wants to lose themselves in mass-produced goods that countless others are wearing. Instead, people look for something unique - a piece of clothing that underlines their own personality and stands out from the crowd.
 

Do configurators strengthen the brand?

Yes, configurators can definitely help strengthen brand building. By offering the possibility to customize products according to individual preferences, they create a close connection between the brand and the customer. This leads to increased brand loyalty, as people feel that the brand is responsive to their needs. In addition, configurators can improve brand image by demonstrating innovation and customer focus. Brands that give their customers the freedom to customize products are often perceived as modern and customer-focused. They can also help solidify a brand's identity by emphasizing the uniqueness and originality of the products. People who create personalized products often identify more strongly with the brand. In addition, configurators allow brands to gain valuable insights into the preferences and needs of their customer:s, which facilitates the development of tailored marketing strategies and products.
 

Product examples: Configurator for clothing, shoes & leisure

• Tailored suits and shirts
• Sportswear, jerseys and sports teamwear
• T-shirts and sweatshirts
• Sneakers, running shoes,...
• Backpacks, tents,...
• Camping goods
• Stationery
• Winter equipment
• Pet accessories
• Playground equipment

Conclusion

The implementation of configurators has sparked a revolution in various industries by offering customers the opportunity to customize products according to their individual preferences and needs. Industries such as automotive, furniture, apparel, construction, and electronics are just a few examples of sectors that benefit from this personalization opportunity.

Configurators not only lead to more satisfied customers, but also strengthen customer loyalty and give companies a competitive edge. At a time when individuality and customized solutions are becoming increasingly important, configurators have become an indispensable tool.

In addition, it should not be neglected that the use of configurators significantly simplifies sales processes, saving time and increasing sales. Have we aroused your interest? We look forward to a non-binding conversation.