Configurators
There are different types of configurators, and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. This section describes the different types of configurators and how they work, with examples from different industries and applications. The explanations are somewhat simplified to provide a basic understanding, as configurators are often a mix of different types of solutions and can be customized to specific needs and complexities. However, this is an introduction to the different ways of attacking a configuration problem, which can help companies and individuals choose the right tool for their specific situation.
The following types of configurators are described here:
Sequential configurator
A sequential configurator guides the user through a predetermined flow of steps, with each step building on the previous one.
The user makes choices in a specific order, and these choices affect the options available in the next steps.
This type of configurator is common in the automotive industry, computer building and similar areas where the choices have clear and logical sequences.
The advantage of this method is that it is simple and intuitive for the user, and it reduces the risk of making incompatible choices.
Benefits
Easy to create – intuitive
No additional software required
Disadvantages
User has to answer the questions in a specific order
Difficult to do conflict resolution for the user
Changes in data require changes in the configurator code.
Changes usually have to be made by a programmer
It is very time consuming to maintain logic
Relationship-based Configurator
A relational configurator uses logic and rules to manage complex relationships between different components or choices.
This makes it very flexible and capable of handling products or services with many dependencies.
For example, the choice of a specific engine in a machine configurator can influence which other components are compatible.
This approach is particularly useful in industrial manufacturing and software configuration where complex dependencies need to be carefully managed.
Benefits
Easy to create – no programming skills required
Intuitive connections
Disadvantages
The table increases drastically with each new component added
Maintenance can become a nightmare as the database grows
If the conditions for the compatibility of the components change, the configurator must basically be redone.
OK / Not OK says nothing about what it actually is that makes the components compatible.
| Machine A | Machine B | Machine C | Machine D | |
| Comp X | EJ OK | OK | OK | OK |
| Comp Y | EJ OK | EJ OK | EJ OK | OK |
| Comp Z | EJ OK | OK | EJ OK | OK |
| Comp W | OK | EJ OK | OK | OK |
Excel Configurator
An Excel configurator is a simpler and often more accessible solution that uses Microsoft Excel to create and manage configuration processes.
By leveraging Excel’s formulas, macros, and data validation, companies can create customized solutions for product configuration, project management, and more.
This is a cost-effective approach that is easy to implement and customize, especially for smaller companies or projects that do not require advanced configuration systems.
Advantages
No new software needs to be purchased (usually)
The knowledge is often in-house
The environment is familiar to most users
Disadvantages
Often difficult to maintain
Often difficult for the user
Cannot be (easily) linked to the web
Database Configurator
A database configurator uses a database to manage and store all possible choices and combinations of products or services.
This type of configurator is often integrated with a company’s ERP or CRM system and is used to manage large amounts of data and complex product structures.
Database configurators are powerful and scalable solutions that can handle extensive and detailed product catalogs, making them ideal for e-commerce platforms and industrial applications.
Advantages
Relatively powerful
The user can answer questions in any order he or she wants
Cons
You may find yourself in a situation where the configurator can’t find a solution (after answering a dozen questions)
Heavy to maintain
Gets slower the more data you have in the database
| Display screen | Processor | memory | |
| Solution 1 | 14″, 15″ | 1.3 GHz, 1.4 GHz | 256 MB, 512 MB |
| Solution 2 | 15″ | 1.5 GHz | 1024 MB |
| Solution 3 | 14″, 17″ | 1.3 GHz, 1.5 GHz | 512 MB, 1024 MB |
