Concept Enterprise Product Configurator Software

Exceptionally capable and flexible software

Pros

This software connects nearly seamlessly to NETSUITE and we can update it and maintain it ourselves without expensive support contracts. The implementation staff listened very carefully and responded quickly to our sales and reporting needs.

Cons

Implementation always takes longer and is more complex than originally considered but, in my experience, that's been the case with any highly-connected software tool.

Configure One was used as a front end sales configurator for a complex product.

Pros

Configure One has a great internal data management system which makes project updates easier than other solutions. The out-of-the-box sales capabilities are also great features that can be very beneficial to an end user.

Cons

The point-and-click rules generation system lends itself to a somewhat cumbersome menu admin interface. This made the software more difficult to grasp initially.

Configure One has improved our daily business operations significantly, mostly through time savings.

Pros

It eliminates the "human" element from our daily processes; because CFG1 has a rules engine, it takes more time for initial set-up than it did in the past, but once a product is set up and all of the rules are defined, any user can configure a product without having to have a product expert check that the rules were followed or that the configuration was created correctly.

Cons

I wish the training had been more robust. I know that there are several aspects of the software that we are not using simply because we don't understand certain features and elements. The training was fairly narrow and once it's over, there is not a great opportunity to learn about the unknown features without spending hours on the phone with the CFG1 team. Also, some areas of the software have helpful information pop-ups, but others have either nothing or a very vague description of what the feature is and how to use it. It's a shame because I think we would get a lot more out of the software if there were better instructional materials and demonstrations on how to use each feature.

Overall has been positive. Easy to learn, hard to master.

Pros

With the upgrade to v.11, the software has become more customizable. I also like the continous improvement via code update.

Cons

The Driven input is a great feature but also the worst feature since it does not allow adding or remove driver or Excel import / export.

Extremely configurable and usable software. Setting up is easy n but takes time to determine rules.

Pros

Ability to drive customers to standards. Take out Salesmen guessing and experience only knowledge. Easy selection of Variables. You dont have to be a prpgrammer tp setup tje rules or software.

Cons

Takes a long time to determine what rules are needed to make successful. Hard to have multiple people working on the workflow and programming at the same time.

The administration interface is difficult to use and not intuitive.

Gives our customers the ability to design their own version of our products.

Pros

The interface with our ERP software was the selling feature and this has made it easier to maintain and update products.

Cons

The backend is very difficult to set up. It is not user-friendly and requires significant help from the ConfigureOne team.

Configure One gave us a Fantastic Return on our Investment

Pros

The product is very easy to use. We have a 500 page catalog with over 4.5 million potential combinations. We implemented the configurator in 6 months and was even able to include all our "special" scenarios. The technical skill of the Configure One team and their follow-up was fantastic.

Cons

We had to create our own piece of software to allow us to upload Driven Input Data from Excel data sheets (All other ways of adding data can be uploaded from Excel). We feel this feature is the only thing lacking from the product.

Customer Service

Concept is very easy to use and very flexible making it able handle many different products with ease. Even with this product being so great it truly is the customer service that stands out with Configure One. They are always quick to respond and always willing and able to help regardless of how complicated or simple the question or problem may be.

Easy to Implement/Easy to Use

Concept is a tool that is easily utilized in any design to build manufacturing environment. The software can be implemented to achieve your needs for not only to benefit your customer and your sales team, but also your manufacturing operation. The best part is how scalable the product is and how it can grow with your company.

Best of Breed Product Configurator

Concept is flexible, powerful, and easy to use once it is set up. Because of its strong functionality, it requires a real up-front investment of time for complicated configured products, but the result is worth the work. Customer service is always good, and ConfigureOne responds very well to customer requests for enhancements and upgrades. They are alweays improving their product.

Chatsworth Products Review

Configure One has been a great partner. I would recommend the Concept application to anyone looking for an online Product Configurator tool that they can manage internally.

Pros

The Concept Admin interface is intuitive and easy to use. Customer and Technical support is very responsive.

Cons

I recommend not customizing the application. It is a significant effort and investment to upgrade the application.

Director - Sales Operations

Concept is a great software that makes it very efficient to process our workload internally and provide our customers with a self service tool. We've been able to gain significant efficiencies in processing time and accuracy.

Pros

Customer support is very good. Product functions very well and has helped us gain efficiencies previously unachievable. Accuracy of BOM's has helped reduced costs.

Cons

The only con is how you get your customers to perform the self service function, which really isn't a con for the system but something as a developer you need to consider. Taking the appropriate amount of time to completely define requirements up front will save you of any rework/redevelopment in the long run.

As designer and builder of our application:

definitely recommended

Pros

Concept is a very stable system with almost no down time.
Once you learn to navigate the menus, it is easy to use.
The system is flexible enough to accomodate almost everything I have been able to think of doing with it.
Support is excellent when I need it; however, I am able to make most of my changes and additions on my own.
I am able to work on our application from anywhere I can access the internet, and at any time.
Users familiar with web-based ordering systems find it easy to use.
Development of fairly complex interfaces can be accomplished quickly.

Cons

The fact that it is a web-based application means that the interface requires some getting used to if you are accustomed to more intuitive, locally installed applications.
The flexibility of the system means that the options can be overwhelming at times (if you consider that a con).

Easy, flexible and robust

I highly recommend this configuration software for it's flexibility and powerful integration tools. Configure One has an excellent support staff and they quickly resolve any issues I may have.

Pros

Web Based
Easy Implementation
Quick response to issues
SolidWorks Integration
Great customer service.
Extremely flexible in most programming areas

Cons

Sometimes programming interface is too basic for advanced programmers. Only a minor con because this also makes it easier for inexperienced programmers to use the software.
Some out of the box features do not support double byte characters.
No significant logging (notes) areas for changes to code.

C1 Review

I would recommend C1. It is easy to use and is a great product.

Pros

Gives Non-IT people the ability to setup and maintain a configurator. Easy for sales people to learn. Provides a professional looking quote document and an accurate bill of material. Staff at C1 is knowledgable and responsive when there are issues

Cons

Ability to see all options selected. Build time for complex congfigurations.

Thomas & Betts

One of the few 3rd party products I've brought in over the years that continually reaffirms that we made the right choice. There past, current and future enhancements confirm that they are in touch with their customers needs and are capable of meeting and exceeding them.

Pros

Uber functionality - does everything we need right out of the box. Flexible enough to support our extremely disparate product lines, each with a different go-to-market strategy

Cons

User interface needs a bit of polish