Expert knowledge: The 9 most frequently asked questions about product configurators

Author: Claudia Riener

Configurators are now widely used in many industries and companies and play a crucial role in providing individual solutions for customers. They enable users to customize and configure products according to their own needs. Be it online shopping or planning customized solutions.

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about configurators. Whether you are a company thinking about implementing a configurator or simply interested in this exciting topic, we are here to help you with the answers to your questions.
 

1. How is the configurator connected to my website?

The connection of Combeenation configurators to your website is uncomplicated and hassle-free. You will receive a link of the finished configurator, which you can integrate into your website via iFrame - wherever you want and as often as you want. Either directly in the main menu or also in submenus for the respective product groups or also in a dealer portal that is provided with a login.

You don't need an online store to make this happen. You have full control over the output of the configurator and can specify whether it should be a bill of materials, an email, a quote or something else.
 

2. How do I maintain my product data in the configurator?

Since it is likely that you will make changes to your assortment (item numbers, prices, images, ...) over time, it is important that the configurator's database is also maintained accordingly.

We offer the following options for this purpose:

• The integration of the configurator into your ERP system or the connection to your PIM system: this offers you a significant simplification of your workflow, prevents problems with data synchronization and allows you to avoid manual processes. You can synchronize different types of data, such as item data, price data, bills of materials, availabilities, technical data and much more. This makes collaboration and information flow between different systems seamless and efficient.
• Additionally, our platform offers an asset area where you have the possibility to manually upload data sources (.xls, .xlsx, csv) or text data (txt, svg, xml, html...).

3. How do I get the 3D models for my configurator?

You have image material, product data and/or technical drawings of your products, but no 3D models at hand? No problem - we'll take care of that for you and create the appropriate 3D models for your configurator. Prices for 3D visualizations can vary, depending on the complexity of the project, the quality of the results and the amount of work required. Therefore, you will receive a fixed price offer from us in advance.

There are many ways or source data to create a 3D model with different advantages and disadvantages. You can find more information here: "Create 3D model: Which data is suitable?"
 

4. How long does it take for my configurator to be ready?

You have two options: either commission the creation of the configurator directly from us or by means of an agency you trust.

 If you decide to create directly with Combeenation, the cooperation will be as follows:

• After a non-binding initial meeting, the concrete requirements are defined in a joint workshop.
• Combeenation then creates a design concept for you that gives you a first visual impression.
• If you are satisfied with this, a quotation is prepared and ideally the actual implementation begins shortly thereafter.

The duration of the implementation can vary depending on the initial situation, available data and project size. As a rule, however, you should plan for at least 2 to 4 months.

Of course, we would like to provide you with a fully functional configurator as quickly as possible. Therefore, depending on the project scope, our recommendation is to start with the implementation of one product variant and gradually add further product groups and functions.

5. My product is very complex, is that at all possible to represent in a configurator?

Behind every Combeenation configurator is a complex set of rules, the so-called product logic. Even with millions of possible combinations, the configurator knows which product components can be combined with each other. This ensures that only configurable products can be selected, thus avoiding incorrect configurations.

In short, this set of rules ensures that only products that can actually be ordered are configurable.
 

6. How much does a configurator cost?

Basically, the costs are made up of the following two components:

• Monthly service fee for the smooth operation of the configurator on the platform. Click here for the price overview.
• Creating the configurator: When creating a configurator, you have the option of doing this yourself with the appropriate expertise. Here, of course, there are no additional costs for you. If you commission Combeenation with the construction of your configurator, we unfortunately cannot quote a flat rate without a prior discussion - that would be frivolous. The costs for building the configurator are individual and will be calculated according to the effort involved, either as a fixed price for the project or on an hourly basis. However, we can say one thing for sure: You will receive a fixed price offer from us without any hidden costs.

7. What is better: 2D or 3D?

The decision between a 2D and a 3D configurator is of great importance, as there are different advantages and disadvantages depending on the product and target group. From our experience, we advise against starting with a 2D configurator and switching to 3D later. It is crucial not to compromise here, as the choice between 2D and 3D can have a significant impact on the success of the configurator.

Therefore, it is important to be clear in advance which goals you are pursuing with the configurator and who the users are.

For example, if you want to offer the customer a shopping experience and/or present the product optimally, we recommend a 3D representation. That's why the trend for consumer goods is clearly going in the direction of 3D visualization. If the goal of the configurator is different, for example to support the sales team and/or to find the right product combinations in order to quickly create offers, a 2D configurator can be completely sufficient.

Have you read our blog article: "2D vs. 3D Configurator: Which one is right for me?"
 

8. Can the configuration be saved?

Of course. This function is standard at Combeenation. When you save the configuration, you will receive a link of the respective configuration by e-mail and you can open and continue it at a later time.
 

9. Is your question not included?

We will be happy to take the time for a personal meeting with you to answer all open questions.