CPQ systems provide various options for conveying additional information such as sustainability data. The advantage is clear: during configuration, product variants are created with different values, such as energy efficiency. These values can be easily determined directly by the CPQ system if they represent, for instance, the sum of the energy efficiencies of individual parts or assemblies used. However, a more complex calculation is often required, which can typically only be effectively implemented using a CPQ system. This information must then be attached to a quotation as documents or displayed directly during the configuration process, as legally required. A typical example of this is displaying total fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when configuring vehicles.
But do the legally mandated labels do justice to environmental protection and sustainability? Certainly, much more information on resource requirements, durability and material origin can be meaningfully incorporated into product data. In a product configuration, this data can also be used to steer the sales process towards environmentally related information. A CPQ system can be designed in such a way that users clearly understand from the outset what impact or ecological footprint the desired product variant will have. Moreover, during configuration, it can show ways to improve the ecological footprint by adjusting the desired parameters.
There are many additional ways to enhance sustainability and environmental protection through product configuration. Examples include integrating product simulations in additive manufacturing to avoid printing test pieces. Digital twins that individually replicate the configured variant can also be integrated. These digital twins can simulate service life and durability. If you are interested in enhancing your product sales with sustainability data and wish to convey this information to your customers, please contact our experienced team of consultants.
