Configure Product
Configuration is a method for obtaining a large number of variants of the same product based on the product structure. A configured product must have configuration code 1 or 2 in program ‘Item. Open’ (MMS001/G).
Description
A product configuration is mainly used to minimize the number of products and product structures. However, it also offers an easier way of specifying the contents and appearance of different products variants, which makes the dialog between seller and buyer easier.
Product configuration is an activity which results in the specification of sales price, function, or appearance of a delivered or manufactured product. A configuration is based on features and options which describe the desired result. Drawing measurements, sales price, material and routing can then be determined from this information.
Two methods for configuring a product are described below.
Product configuration
The result of creating different variants of a standard product is a product configuration (configuration code 1).
This configuration is identified by the standard product’s item number and a attached configuration result.
A product configuration can be created dynamically on several levels, on one level or non-dynamically. With dynamically means that the given set of question can vary between different configurations. The variation is due to that the prompt of a question can be based on the given answer on other questions. A non-dynamic configuration always gives the same set of questions.This is regulated by the field Dynamic configuration in program ‘Product Structure. Open’ (PDS001/E).
Product variant with item number
The result of creating different stocked-variants of a main product is a product variant with item number (Configuration Code 2) It is identified by an item number based on specified configuration options for product variants in program ‘Settings - Product Variants’ (CRS775). This item number is assigned automatically.
When each product variant is configured, it is also entered as an item in the item file. It can then be used for other purposes just as "normal" items are.
Description
A car must be configured for sales purposes into a customized product. The customer may choose the color, engine size and various options, such as a radio. During product configuration, the customer must specify the parts which may vary. After the result is obtained, the sales price can then be calculated and the production department can manufacture the car according to customer specifications.
Item X is a family item (configuration code 2) having the features Color and Size. When a product variant with item number is created, the option Green is entered for Color and the option 42 is entered for Size.
The product variant is then saved with item number Y, which represents a commonly reoccurring item kept in stock.
During customer order entry, either Y or X can be entered as the ordered item. If X is entered, options for the features Color and Size must also be entered. If the options Green and 42 are entered, item number X is automatically replaced by item number Y.