Configurator software?
Everyone seems to have a configurator software package they want to sell you. Some are industry specific and others are a one-size-fits-all package. Which one is the right one?
What is the right configurator software for me?
Do lots of research. Not just for different software packages but research your needs and really understand why you need specific types of features in a software package.
- Why do I need configurator software?
- Who will benefit if I have a configurator software package?
- When and where can I use my configurator software?
- What do I want for a final output?
- What can I do with the output?
- Can I or do I want to host the software?
- Can I customize the interface for my needs?
These are a few basic questions that you need to ask yourself when you want to find what will best work for you.
Lets use an example of a Fence manufacturer.
Why do I need configurator software?
I have a product that is never the same for any customer but every fence uses the same materials and labor costs. The only thing that changes is the type, style and dimensions.
I use spread sheets, supplier manuals and tribal knowledge to put my quotes together.
I am usually pretty close to my estimate and I usually don’t make errors. But when I do, they can be small or big. Either way, errors cost me time and money.
I am so busy making quotes that I can’t grow my company by getting more jobs. I spend too much time estimating the jobs I do have.
I can hire more help to estimate but it will take more time bringing them up to speed than it would be faster to just do it myself. The new person would more likely make more mistakes because they won’t know all the little in’s and out’s.
Who will benefit if I have a configurator software package?
My customers usually have to wait 1 to 24 hours or sometimes even longer to get an accurate estimate from me.
I usually can give them a verbal estimate and will send them an actual estimate by mail, email or call them back on the phone.
When I make an error, my customers usually are not 100% satisfied unless I assume all blame for the error and eat all the costs. I live off word of mouth so I need that happy customer base.
If I can give an accurate quote with in minutes I have a better chance of landing the job because the customer says “yes” if I am standing in front of them. If I leave to finish the estimate my closing rate drops by 50%.
All I do is quote jobs, I can’t grow my company.
When and where can I use my configurator software?
I am out at the site and need to access my software so I can give the estimate right there and then. If I could just have it on my laptop, hand held or even my cell phone. My close rate would be better.
I’m not always working in the office, if I could access my software via the web or run a local version.
I have other software packages that help me track my customers, quotes, orders and billing but none of them help me configure my product.
What do I want for a final output?
I need my buy list of materials.
I need to know how much material/labor it will take.
I just need a price and the special options the customer picked.
I need EVERYTHING. I need cost, price, margin adjustment, I need to show the customer pictures of the product and options, I need have it build the Bill of Material, break down all elements of the quote separating my different labor costs, allow me to use different supplier parts to cut costs and anything else I can think of!
What can I do with the output?
I am not a very computer or technical company. I just need a simple output like an email, excel file, text document or even just to see it so I can write or type it in my proposal.
I need something that will save me time. I need it to integrate with my other software packages. I need it to integrate with my current quoting software.
Can I or do I want to host the software?
I am a very small company, I don’t have the staff or the knowledge of hosting or maintaining a software package.
I have the staff or the knowledge and can easily manage software.
I have older slower computers that I run software on.
Can I customize the interface for my needs?
I want to allow my customers to come to my website and configure the fence of their dreams!
I have a corporate image that has to be followed for any public display.
My marketing department want to make sure it is “flashy”.
Do I have to be in a specific industry to use ConfiguratorPlus?
No. Good configurator software packages know one size can fit all IF you give them the right tools. Industry specific software works well for company only if your company fits the mold. But, they may be exactly what you need. Usually industry specific software packages and help cut down on the little extra work that is needed for setup and or maintenance.