Our guide to product configurators
Custom products can be difficult for sales teams and customers to configure. Multiple feature variations and interdependencies across extensive product lines require sales teams to have detailed knowledge, and customers to have clear product requirements. If you’re a manufacturer who wants to increase sales of custom products, this blog will tell you everything you need to know about product configurators and how they can transform your business.
What is a product configurator?
A product configurator is an interactive digital tool that enables customers and sales teams to configure and visualize custom products in 3D directly in a browser or on a mobile device.
A product configurator solution simplifies the configuration process by equipping sales teams with a guided selling tool powered by rules-based functionality. Valid product and feature options are displayed, ensuring only manufacturable configurations can be selected. Unlike static images, 3D configurators enable users to rotate, zoom, and change different product features in real-time.
Benefits for manufacturers of custom products
Streamlined configuration with 3D visualization.
Easier communication of complex designs
A product configurator streamlines the configuration process by making configuration interactive and visual. Rather than relying on technical drawings, customers and sales teams can see the design take shape in real time. It’s easy to see the impact of any configuration changes and to understand what the finished product will look like.
Streamlined customer journey
With a product configurator, the customer journey is faster and could even be self-service. Customers can explore options, test different configurations, and get real-time, accurate pricing information without the need to take up sales or design time. As B2B customers increasingly expect a B2C purchasing experience, this enables manufacturers to offer a more personalized buying journey to their business customers.
Reduced errors
Product configurators are powered by rules-based logic that automatically validates design inputs. So, for example, if a customer or sales rep selects a material type that isn’t compatible with a certain feature, the configurator won’t allow that combination. Ensuring all configurations are feasible for production reduces errors, minimizes back-and-forth communications, and saves time and money.
Increased sales
Incorporating a product configurator into your sales workflow makes it easier for customers to configure and buy. Customers are more likely to buy when they can visualize and personalize the product to fit the exact needs of their business. The availability of upgrade and add-on options can also increase average order value. Additionally, a streamlined buying process leads to faster approvals and a reduction in sales cycle times.
Faster sales onboarding
Product and pricing logic are embedded into a product configurator, so sales teams don’t have to rely on product manuals or memorize product specs to sell custom products effectively. The onboarding process is significantly shorter, and new sales employees quickly have the confidence to sell complex configurations.
Easy to scale up
Product configurators provide a scalable solution that handles more products, more customers, and more complexity. Whether it’s selling in a new market or launching new products, a product configurator provides support and infrastructure that grows with your business.
DriveWorks 3D product configurator solution
Manufacturing custom products doesn’t have to be complicated. A DriveWorks product configurator solution enables you to make selling easier, reduce errors, and improve efficiency with these powerful features:
- Custom user interfaces
- Guided selling
- Configure on any device, anywhere
- Interactive 3D visualization
- Seamless integration with other business systems
- Automatically create sales and manufacturing documents
Explore DriveWorks online configurator examples
Our product configurator examples are a great way to see what’s possible with DriveWorks, in a range of scenarios and industries.
DriveWorks product configurator software is used by companies of all sizes. It’s suitable for any industry where quotes or 3D files and drawings are part of the sales to the manufacturing process.
Our configurator examples show how versatile and customizable DriveWorks is and provide great inspiration for your DriveWorks projects.
The software is not limited to what you see in our examples, with DriveWorks you build a custom solution that suits your needs and is easy to maintain and update.