Perspectix AG added a web configurator to its P'X Industry Solution, a comprehensive configure-price-quote (CPQ) solution for modular industrial product systems, several years ago. Users in various industrial sectors have now gained experience with this solution.

The P'X Industry Solution is aimed at manufacturers who adapt complex product systems to the individual requirements of their customers. This includes not only components, but also expertise and technical calculations. Components from 3D catalogs are combined according to product logic rules to create technically and economically viable solutions.  To this end, the product configurator integrates with existing systems such as 3D CAD, PLM, ERP, and CRM. Customers such as Bosch Rexroth have achieved significant improvements in their sales processes, for example for assembly technology products.

Interaction with web configurator

The company wanted to build on this success with an Internet front end: "A web configurator provides up-to-date product data 24 hours a day, seven days a week," says Dr. Joachim Brettschneider, who was project manager at the time. The Perspectix web configurator is now available to Bosch Rexroth's sales department, sales partners, and customers. "We save customers and partners the hassle of installations and regular updates and can make new products available even faster," says Dr. Joachim Brettschneider. "Using 3D visualizations and parts lists, our sales team can discuss plans with customers online. Better collaboration shortens project lead times."

Perspectix customer bott has also added the web configurator to the P'X Industry Solution to intensify its efforts to acquire new customers for its vehicle equipment. "This allows us to reuse 95 percent of everything we have already programmed," says Manuel Meixner, project manager at bott. "We are getting added value from our existing software and have very little additional maintenance work."

Seamless integration with sales

Manufacturers can use the existing database to prepare a special product portfolio for online retail. Customers select from preconfigured modules, make adjustments, and group them in the installation space. At the touch of a button, the project file is sent to the sales organization, which creates the offer in P`X Industry Solution. The "dual strategy" allows manufacturers to continue processing, verifying, and supplementing online inquiries offline. Customers then review their project without any spatial or temporal constraints. To do this, they receive 3D views that can be rotated, zoomed, marked, and commented on. The 3D data with parts lists and explanations improves communication and reduces sales expenses.