The end of error-prone feature evaluation: efficient data management in variant configuration

Efficient data management is essential in order to increase the value and quality of data in a company - this is the core finding of the study "The Data Management Survey 24" by the Business Application Research Center (BARC).

Efficiency in data management is also a critical factor in the course of variant configuration in AVC in SAP S/4 Hana or in LO-VC in SAP ERP, including in the characteristic valuation of individual sales document items. In the standard SAP system, characteristic value assignment has to be carried out largely manually, which is time-consuming and error-prone.

Each characteristic is checked and evaluated individually - a Herculean task, especially when hundreds or even thousands of characteristics need to be evaluated, as is the case with complex multi-level configuration models. What's more, the necessary exchange of the evaluated characteristics of configurable materials (KMAT) between the variant manufacturer and the customer proves to be quite cumbersome. In the case of a car, for example, these are color, engine (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric), engine power, type of seats (fabric, leather), sunroof or trailer hitch.

Bundle product features under one ID

With Variant-ID, Networker Solutions has developed a solution in close cooperation with its subsidiary Trilux Digital Solutions that is specially designed for characteristic evaluation in SAP AVC and for use in single and multi-level variant configuration models. Variant-ID integrates seamlessly into AVC, as well as LO-VC, S/4 Hana Sales and the SD module of SAP ERP (SAP ECC) and the solutions from Networker Solutions.

Variant-ID generates a unique identification number (ID) with all relevant product features that must be entered into the solution in advance, where the information contained (color, height, width, weight, etc.) is bundled. This ID, which always remains the same throughout the entire life cycle of a configuration, enables an automated evaluation of the characteristics stored for it. This considerably simplifies and speeds up the process, relieving sales staff of this time-consuming activity, leaving them more time for other important tasks and reducing errors to a minimum.

Simplify information exchange with ID

Because the ID eliminates the need to exchange evaluated configuration characteristics, communication between the variant manufacturer and the customer in subsequent processes is also much simpler. For example, the unique ID generated during configuration is recorded in the SAP sales document, regardless of whether the customer puts together the desired product themselves in a web configurator or whether the variant manufacturer configures it in sales according to the customer's wishes. The customer can also order the product using this ID. It can also be found on all documents, for example on the quotation, the order confirmation, the product data sheet or the assembly instructions, which are created on demand with a click of the mouse in the web configurator once the configuration has been completed.

Perform product comparisons and ID updates

If the variant manufacturer and customer are already exchanging product information electronically, for example via the BMEcat format, the ID can also be transferred directly to the customer's IT systems. The Variant-ID solution also offers the option of conveniently carrying out product comparisons at ID level. This is an invaluable advantage, especially for products for which there are many thousands or even hundreds of thousands of combination options and for which no material variants and therefore no material master data have yet been stored in SAP.

Separate IDs can be generated for individual components or modules of a product during configuration. This records all associated features, for example all features (partial configuration), and an ID for the complete product. If product features change or new ones are added, the existing IDs can be extended accordingly with an update. In the case of changes or new features, the validity date defined in the SAP change service is taken into account.

The Variant ID offers several advantages for data management in companies: it assigns all product features to a unique ID as early as the configuration stage. This ID is used for communication in all subsequent processes and remains unchanged throughout the entire product life cycle. The solution can be flexibly adapted to individual requirements via customizing, for example with regard to number ranges (global/by series/by product group).

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