Finalize a model for configuration
When a product configuration model is ready to be used in configure-to-order scenarios, a version must be created. However, several options exist that can enhance the modeling experience.
User interface
The configuration UI can be modified by introducing attribute groups in one or more subcomponents. Such a grouping can highlight the relationships between specific attributes and help the configuration user identify the area of the product that is currently in focus.
Templates
One or more configuration templates can be created to speed up the configuration process. Alternatively, templates can be created to promote specific attribute combinations, such as when a sales campaign focuses on a specific set of product features.
A configuration template is a complete or partially-configured product configuration model. Configuration templates are created to reduce the work that is needed to configure products. One or more configuration templates can be created for a product configuration model to either speed up the configuration process or promote specific product attribute combinations. For example, when you configure a sales order line, you can load a configuration template and the configuration settings are included.
Promoting specific product attribute combinations could be a response to a sales campaign that places focus on a certain set of product features. Your company could have excess inventory for components with specific attributes that it wants to sell quickly. You can create a configuration template that uses the attributes of these components to help the order entry team with the increased demand that is expected.
Translations
If the product will be sold in different countries and/or regions, translations can be created for all text that appears in the configuration UI. This text includes name and description fields and attribute text values.
With the translation functionality included in the product configuration feature, you can create translated text for the name and descriptions of product configuration models, components, subcomponents, attributes, attribute groups, and configuration templates.
Versions
The last and most important step in the finalization process is to create a version for the product configuration model.
To configure an order line, an approved and activated version of the product configuration model must exist. A version represents the relationship between the product configuration model and a product master. If all three steps in the finalization process are not completed, the version cannot be used in a configuration session.
The version represents the relationship between the product master, which can be selected for configuration on an order or quotation line, and the product configuration model. A version must be approved and activated before it can be used in a configuration session.
A product configuration model that has an active version can be configured from a sales order, sales quotation, purchase order, and production order.
You can create multiple versions of the product configuration model that are valid for different date periods. Multiple versions can help track the number of orders that are created during specific dates. The number of orders that are created during specific dates helps evaluate company sales trends. To compile this type of data, you must review the From date and To date fields on the Versions form. You can then review the sales orders that have a configuration ID and the product that represents the version during the same date range.