Sustainability and product configuration
CPQ systems support the careful use of resources, raw materials and capital
Nachhaltigkeit und Produktkonfiguration
CPQ-Systeme unterstützen beim schonenden Umgang mit Ressourcen, Rohstoffen und Kapital
Process optimisation through product configuration — sustainability is more than just environmental protection
The topic of sustainability is on everyone’s lips and is not only playing an increasingly important role in the manufacturing industry. A CPQ solution or a product configurator can make a significant contribution to optimising the resources used and bringing sustainable aspects of product variants to the fore. Even legal requirements such as CO2 labelling can be met by a CPQ-solution.
The common view of using a product configuration to accurately create the product variant that meets the customer’s wishes and requirements is that the sales department does not make any mistakes, so that the quotation process is optimised and efficient. This aspect has something to do with sustainability if, for example, the sales staff do not have to travel to the prospective customer as often and the duration of the quotation phase is also optimised. However, issues such as incorrect orders, faulty production and even incorrect delivery can also be avoided by using a CPQ solution. It is easy to see that this saves resources.
However, questions about sustainability can be answered in many more aspects of product configuration.
Toyota Material Handling Deutschland GmbH
As one of the leading manufacturers of industrial trucks,Toyota Material Handling Deutschland (TMHDE) has integrated the return and resale of old equipment into its quotation process. This means that old equipment is returned to the manufacturer, where it is reconditioned and put back into use. This is integrated into the quotation process of the product configurator used, which is based on CREALIS® CPQ. This allows the sales department to conveniently record all requirements and returns at the customer’s premises and integrate them into the customised quotation. This optimises the handling of fleet procurements to the maximum, and not just for the customer.
Correct calculation, simulation and digital twin are seamlessly integrated into the sales process with CPQ
The use of design tables can be utilised in many areas of product configuration. A good example is the load calculation of skylight domes for industrial buildings. In large buildings such as storage warehouses and production halls, complete daylight systems are installed in the ceilings to ensure the best possible lighting and ventilation. Depending on the material, size, snow load and wind load in the area of application and other parameters, these systems have very different requirement characteristics. In order to harmonise individual customer requirements, a virtually unmanageable range of variants is created, which can quickly lead to miscalculations. Only a product configurator with linked design tables can support sales in such a way that the problems listed above are avoided.
If the supplier uses special offers in its sales (such as appliances with an extended discount), sales staff should be informed quickly about such promotions. A CPQ system can be provided with an information channel so that sales staff are always up to date on what topics could be important in the sales dialogue. It goes without saying that the correct discount levels are also set for such promotions. If a sales employee has a hesitant customer, they may be able to spontaneously persuade them to sign a contract with a promotion that has just been activated. And if the CPQ system then immediately communicates the changes in the offer to the customer, nothing stands in the way of signing the contract.
Virtual product and process development and optimisation (VIPO)
This approach was further developed in the project “Virtual Product and Process Development and Optimization” (VIPO), where CREALIS® was directly integrated into product simulation and the digital twin. This offers companies a remarkable opportunity for optimization, especially for products with a wide variety of variants, not limited to additive manufacturing. The major advantage lies in the ability to simulate specific requirements for an additive component through parameterized configuration to determine whether it meets technical specifications. Previously, this required sample pieces, which were time-consuming to manufacture and unnecessarily consumed resources. By advancing the simulation of the digital twin, it becomes possible to predict how a component or product will behave throughout its lifecycle, where and to what extent wear will occur, or how stability will vary under different operational scenarios. Gaining this knowledge about a product variant before any part of it enters production is undoubtedly not only resource-efficient but also saves materials and costs.
CPQ Systems provide accurate quotes with all legally required documentation and certifications
Legal requirements for disclosing environmentally impactful factors, such as vehicle CO2 emissions or energy efficiency labels on electrical devices, are becoming increasingly visible in daily life. Similarly, the ErP label for newly installed heating technologies, such as heat pumps, is mandatory. As a result, it must be clear during the quoting process what energy efficiency a new heating system provides. Displaying legally mandated information can, of course, be seamlessly integrated into the product configuration process. The advantage is that the configuration can automatically determine which data needs to be displayed and how, or what additional documents must be attached to the quote.
But does complying with legally mandated energy efficiency labeling (ErP label) on electrical devices sufficiently address environmental protection and sustainability? There is certainly potential to incorporate much more information about resource requirements, durability, and material origin into product data in a meaningful way. Using these data points, the sales process can be directed towards environmental considerations within a product configuration. A CPQ system can be designed to make it immediately clear to users the impact or ecological footprint of their chosen product variant. Moreover, it can suggest ways to improve the ecological footprint during the configuration process by adjusting the desired parameters.