It's that easy: Maintain product data in the configurator

Author: Mathias Baumgartner

No configurator without product data. But how does the data get into the configurator? How is it ensured that prices, for example, are up-to-date and can be maintained? What happens when new data is added?

Since the configurator alone without the corresponding environment (web store, partner portal, etc.) would limit the functionality as well as the added value and is thus only one part of the sales chain, data is also often maintained at another location or in another system. Here, it must be ensured that the data in the configurator is also updated in the process.

Given the central importance of product data and data maintenance in the configurator, it is necessary to pay particular attention to these aspects and to set up effective processes.
 

Which product data can be maintained in a configurator?

All data relevant to the configuration of a product can be maintained and updated without interrupting operation. This includes:

• Prices: One of the most important attributes. In the configurator, the prices are always up to date. This thus saves the updating of e.g. price lists for dealers. Discount structures can also be stored and maintained.
• Characteristics & Values: for example colors, materials, technical specifications
• Article: Changeover to new models, expansion of the product range,...
• Images and 3D models: Since the visual aspect also plays an important role in the configurator, images and 3D data can be updated at any time.
• Information material: A configurator also takes on the role of a virtual consultant. Therefore, it is also important to adapt information, downloads, description texts or even integrated videos to the current products and the market situation.
• Translations: Keyword internationalization - the data can be integrated in all languages. A distinction is made here between static texts (e.g. menu items in the configurator, info areas) and the dynamic texts (product-relevant designations, e.g. product names, color names, etc,... which often come from another system and can be updated there).

How does the data get into the configurator?

Initially, the configurator must be enriched with the necessary data to be able to map the conceptualized functionality.  For this purpose, an Excel list of editable components and properties is required. The structure of the Excel list is defined by Combeenation at the start of the project. Often existing data lists are used to keep the effort for master data maintenance as low as possible.

If certain product data is already maintained in a PIM or store system, it can be transferred. The required data and the data structure are also coordinated in advance. An automated data exchange can also be set up.

However, it is important to keep in mind that a solid database often requires the involvement of several people from your organization, which can also take up resources.

How is ongoing maintenance done when the configurator is online?

Since it is very likely that you will make changes to your assortment over time, for example to change item numbers, prices or images, it is important that the configurator's database is also maintained accordingly. Every Combeenation configurator is based on a flexible system and can be maintained, adapted or supplemented at any time without affecting ongoing operations.

We offer the following options for data maintenance:

• One option is to manually upload data sources such as Excel or CSV files to keep the product data up to date.
• In addition, we offer an automated update option via a workflow connection, where the configurator is directly connected to your store, ERP system or PIM system. This results in an automatic synchronization of data such as item details, prices, parts lists, availabilities, technical information and much more.

Our tool for data maintenance - the Asset Editor

Through our so-called asset editor, we provide you with a user-friendly interface through which you can effortlessly maintain the configurator data. Assets are files that are used during the creation of a configurator. Usually, assets are imported from already existing files, e.g.: Images, documents or 3D models. Assets can also be organized into asset bundles. If you have multiple configurators that use a common data set, this is a good way to avoid inconsistencies and simplify maintenance.

Asset bundles are also versioned. This means that you can edit asset bundles as you wish without affecting the ongoing operation of the configurator. You determine when changes become active. If something goes wrong, it is also possible to return to earlier asset bundle versions.

Conclusion: Why the right maintenance of product data is important

To ensure that a configurator is (and remains) successful, it is essential to keep the data up to date. As in a web store, the user should not see outdated data, missing images or, in the worst case, old prices in the configurator.

Ongoing updating also promotes the feeling among (returning) end customers that they always have their finger on the pulse and benefit from the latest developments. It also promotes the perception of continuous improvement. We would be happy to discuss with you how we can integrate and maintain your products and product data in the configurator. I would like to contact without obligation.