Release a product configuration model
After you build a product configuration model, and before it is ready to use in configure-to-order scenarios, you must complete several processes to finalize the product configuration model.
You must create, approve, and activate a version for the product configuration model before you can use it to configure order lines. However, several additional options are available that you can complete to complement the product configuration model:
Customizing the configuration user interface - The configuration user interface (UI) can be changed by introducing attribute groups in one or more subcomponents. These types of groupings can highlight the relationships between certain attributes and help the user identify the area of the product that is currently being configured.
Validating and testing a product configuration model - Validating a product configuration model can occur on several levels and cover different scopes. Validation can vary from checking a single expression constraint to validating that a whole product configuration model has the correct Microsoft Solver Foundation (MSF) syntax and naming conventions. Testing a product configuration model resembles running an actual configuration session. With this process, the user can review the configuration screens for the components and subcomponents and verify that the product configuration model structure is displayed as designed. Testing also includes testing constraint behavior and attribute values. If the user concludes a test session by selecting OK, the system will generate the corresponding bill of materials (BOM) and a route. If errors occur, the system displays a message to the user. If no errors occur, the BOM and route are deleted without a message displayed.
Building configuration templates - Configuration templates are created to encourage specific attribute combinations. They can facilitate the configuration process by predicting the customers' needs by providing popular versions of the product.
Adding configuration translations - When the product is sold in different countries and/or regions, the manufacturer might provide translations. Translations can be created for all text that displays in the configuration user interface.
Creating, approving, and activating versions - A version of the product configuration model must be created, approved, and activated before it can be used to configure an order line. The version represents the relationship between the product master and the product configuration model. After you activate the version, you can configure an order line by using the product that represents the version.