Glossary of Terms Related to Guided Selling and Product Configuration
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API (Application Program Interface ) -A sub-function of software code requested by a software program residing elsewhere- in a different program or even an external program residing in another network or communicating over the internet.
Assemble-to-Order - A production environment where goods or services can be assembled after receipt of a customer�s order. The key components used in the assembly or finishing process are planned and usually stocked in anticipation of a customer order. Also see "See Build to Order."
Autodesk - A CAD tool used for highly engineered and configured-to-order products. Also see "CAD."
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Bill Of Material (BOM) - A list and quantity of materials and components that is needed to create finished goods. Quote, order, BOM and design errors resulting from multiple hand-offs and manual handling drive up manufacturing and customer service costs, increase scrap and rework and multiply warranty claims and returns.
Billing Software and BOM Software - Software that helps organize and streamline the process. See "BOM."
Build-to-Order - A process used to produce custom products to meet a customer's specific needs. The terms "assemble-to-order," "design-to-order" and "engineer-to-order" are used to differentiate the level of custom processing required and describe practices ranging from assembling standard components to make a custom part, to designing, engineering and manufacturing "one-off" parts. Read more about Product Configurator Software here.
Business Process - A business process is a collection of interrelated tasks that solve a particular issue. It is important to consider that a business process begins with a customer�s need and ends with a customer�s need fulfillment. Process-oriented organizations break down the barriers of structural departments and try to avoid functional silos.
Business Process Mapping Software - "See Business Process Software."
Business Process Software - Applications that provide tools for business process improvement initiatives designed to significantly improve enterprise performance by radically re-engineering operations and focusing on improving outcomes instead of routines.
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CAD - Computer-Aided Design (CAD) uses technology to plan the drafting and design of a product part visual (drawing) and part symbol method of communications particular to a specific technical field.
Catalog Creation - The process of using catalogs to manage the categories, products, SKUs, kits, and bundles.
Catalog Management - Systems that manage the content and appearance of online catalogs, offering comprehensive functions to add, delete and edit product, classification and attribute data.
Catalog Management Systems - Used to create catalog content, providing tools to acquire, transform and aggregate product data from multiple sources into content suitable for e-commerce use.
Catalog Software - Describes applications used to publish product information to the internet, providing sales staff and customers 24/7 access to products and information.
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Configuration - A process of transferring customer needs into concrete product specifications. While the solution space is set up at the enterprise level, elicitation activities take place with every single customer order. Read more about Product Configuration Software here.
Configuration Bill of Material - The list of the components necessary to make a part or product and the amount of each component required. In some industries this may be referred to as a recipe or formula.
Configuration Change - This process represents the sequence of configuration changes to various configuration objects.
Configuration Control - A process that enables the linking of the actual configuration of maintenance objects with its allowed configuration and thereby, in the context of "configuration control" -the comparison of the two structures in a configuration check.
Configuration Error - A configuration error for a customer order often results in an incomplete or inaccurate order. This can be a costly event in terms of time and money, particularly when it results in rework. See "Rework".
Configuration Item - Component of an information technology (IT) structure or system under the control of configuration management.
Configuration Manager - An application that identifies and defines configuration items in a system, while recording and reporting the status of configuration items and requests for change, and verifying the completeness and correctness of configuration Items.
Configuration Software - See Sales Configurator or Product Configurator Software
Configurator - A software application that allows users to select product options, while validating that the selected options, is compatible and workable. Configuration rules or constraints are used to determine which options can be used together on which products, and ensure that the end-product is properly configured.
Configurator Consulting - Get a free one-on-one personal demo.
Configurator Product - See Guided Selling Software.
Configurator Rules - Configuration rules or constraints are used to determine which options can be used together on which products, and ensure that the end-product is properly configured. Using rules-based product knowledge, the system generates CAD drawings, bills-of-materials and pricing based on the configuration.
Configurator Rules-Based - See Configurator and Configurator Rules
Configurator Software - Applications that improve order-entry, based on features and options selected for a customer quote and order. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop down menu from which users can select options, and uses rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold.
Configurator Solution and Configurators - See Sales and Product Configurator
Configure-To-Order (CTO) - This manufacturing methodology allows sales channelsto select a base product and configure all the associated variables. Based on the configurable items on each quote or order, Configure-To-Order. Also, a (CTO) systems typically generate the manufacturing routing and/or bill of materials based on features and options such as color, size, and etc.
Contract Management - Can be summarized as the process of systematically and efficiently managing contract creating, execution, and analysis for the purpose of maximizing financial and operational performance and minimizing risk. Contract Management simplifies your internal processes so you can focus on exceeding your customer's requirements in a profitable manner.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) - A set of information technologies designed to dictate a multifaceted process that focuses on creating two-way exchanges with customers so firms will have an intimate knowledge of their needs, wants and buying patterns. CRM strategies help companies understand, as well as anticipate, the needs of current and potential customers.
Our Sales and Product Configurator works with Microsoft Dynamics CRM to provide a comprehensive interactive selling system that improves the ability to sell to and serve customers that have complex products and services. Read more
Cincom Acquire's guided selling system and product configurator software for use with SAP greatly improves the ability to sell to and serve customers who need complex, highly engineered products. Read more
The Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator enables Salesforce.com users to win more orders from customers, fulfill them on time and accurately, according to their unique requirements. See how it works for you. Read more
Cincom's Sales and Product Configurator for Cincom CONTROL provides a comprehensive guided selling system that greatly improves the ability to sell and serve customers with complex products and services. Read more
CRM Sales Software - Software that helps a company capture, analyze and share all facets of the customer's relationship with the enterprise. Typical capabilities within a CRM system include Contact Management, Opportunity Management, Sales Forecasting, Customer Account, and Customer Support/ Helpdesk management.
CRM Product Configurator or CRM Configurator - See "CRM" or "Sales Configurator" or Product Configurator.
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Desktop Configuration - This configuration process is typically used for new desktop deployment. See Sales Configuration
Design to Order - See "Build-To-Order".
Discrete Manufacturing Software - Applications that are designed to automate and simplify the production process often characterized by individual or separate unit production. Units can be produced in low volume with very high complexity or high volumes of low complexity. Low volume/high complexity production results in the need for an extremely flexible manufacturing system that can improve quality and time-to-market speed while cutting costs.
Drawing Engines - A plug-in software module that accepts drawing commands and produces a "pasteurized" image.
Engineering Configurator - See Product Configurator Software or Sales Configurator Software
Engineer-To-Order (ETO) - This manufacturing methodology allows goods and related services to be created for unique customer specifications. Assemblies and raw materials may be stocked but are not assembled into the finished good until a customer order is received and the part is designed. Engineer-to-Order products often require a unique set of item numbers, bills of material, and routings and are typically complex with long lead times. Customers are heavily involved throughout the entire design and manufacturing process for engineer-to-order products. Read more about Engineer to Order here.
Engineering change order (ECO) - A process used for changes in documents such as processes and work instructions. It may also be used for changes in specifications.
Engineering software - See Product Configuration Software.
Enterprise Application Interface (EAI) - Enterprise application integration (EAI) is the process of linking applications within a single organization together in order to simplify and automate business processes to the greatest extent possible, while at the same time avoiding having to make sweeping changes to the existing applications or data structures. Get a free one-on-one demo.
Enterprise Resource Planning - See ERP
Equipment Configuration - See Sales and Product Configuration.
Equipment Configurator - See Product configurator Software.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) - Describes any software system designed to support and automate the business processes of medium and large businesses. This may include manufacturing, distribution, personnel, project management, payroll, and financials. Read more about ERP here.
ERP Systems - were originally extensions of MRP II systems, but have since widened their scope, using multiple components of computer software and hardware to achieve integration. A key ingredient of most ERP systems is the use of a unified database to store data for the various system modules. Visit Cincom ERP here.
ERP Configurator - SEE Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP Manufacturing Process Software or ERP Software System - See ERP.
ETO - See Engineer-To-Order (ETO)
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Front Office - In business, front-office refers to Sales and Marketing divisions of a company. It may also refer to other divisions in a company that involve customer�s interaction.
Fulfillment Software - Fulfillment solutions are designed to expedite and simply the process of taking an order and executing it. Fulfillment software can also enable warehouse pickup, packaging, labeling, etc.
Guided Selling Systems - Applications that streamline quoting and order entry by guiding users to products, services and options fine-tuned to customer needs make up this suite of solutions. also capture the "tribal knowledge" of valued product experts and engineers so that sales channels can present the right solution to their customers accurately and effectively.
Guided Selling - See Guided Sales Systems
Industrial Products - Products created through manufacturing process.
Interactive Selling System - A group of applications that automate the configuration, pricing, and quoting of complex products and services, empowering sales channels and partners to provide the right sales proposal for their unique needs. Sales can be closed faster when sales channels are able to define the right solution and generate a proper and relevant proposal or quotation. See Guided Selling Software.
Internet Pricing Configurator - See Online Configurator.
IT Front-Office - In regards to information technology (IT), front-office refers to integrated CRM software. Read more about Front Office Solutions here.
Invoice Management - Automates the billing process regardless of back-office solutions. For complex products, projects and contracts, the customer billing can be very complex and can occur with a mixture of milestones, advance/progress billings, shipment billings as well as customer acceptance of delivery.
Lead-to-order - The range of procedures required to convert a customer inquiry or lead into an order. Read about Proposal Management here.
Lean ERP - This software system is designed to promote lean initiatives. See Lean manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing - Lean Manufacturing can be defined as a best practice focused on eliminating all waste in manufacturing processes. Principles of lean manufacturing include zero waiting time, zero inventory, scheduling (internal customer pull instead of push system), batch to flow (cut batch sizes), line balancing and cutting actual process times. The production systems are characterized by optimum automation, just-in-time supplier delivery disciplines, quick changeover times, high levels of quality and continuous improvement. Read more about Lean Manufacturing here.
Lean Manufacturing Software - Applications that address lean manufacturing initiatives. See lean manufacturing
Legacy Data - This term describes information that is positioned with an organization as significant resource, and which has retained its importance, but which has been created or stored by the use of software and/or hardware that has been rendered outmoded or obsolete.
Manufacturing or Manufacturing Process - Industrial production, in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale.
Manufacturing Configurator - See Product Configurator Software or ERP
Manufacturing ERP - See Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Manufacturing Estimating Software - These applications capture product and pricing knowledge critical to the estimating process. These systems also deliver an integrated suite of Quotation and Proposal Management Software and Sales and Product Configurator Software that help reduce estimating costs.
Manufacturing Quality - The measure of how much the manufacture of a product or service is free of deficiencies, due to customer or industry standards.
Manufacturing Resource Planning - This methodology sets the foundation for the planning of all resources within a manufacturing company. Ideally, it addresses operational planning in units, financial planning in dollars, and has a simulation capability to answer "what-if" questions and extension of closed-loop MRP. This is not exclusively a software function, but a marriage of people skills, dedication to data base accuracy, and computer resources. It is a total company management concept for using human resources more productively. Read more about Manufacturing Resource Planning here.
Manufacturing Scheduling Software - See ERP
Manufacturing Supply Chain - Supply Chain Management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management activities. Importantly, it also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers.
Mass Customization - Mass customization represents the delivery of mass-market goods and services customized to unique customer needs. To successfully implement mass customization, manufacturers must maintain the efficiencies of the mass production model while offering the variety of options and customization required by modern consumers.
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Metadata - Commonly defined as "data about data", metadata is the descriptive information used to define information technology assets, including Web services, documents, business processes, governance policies, and user profiles.
Microsoft CRM - This application manages and customizes key aspects of front-office business processes. Customization can occur on two levels: deployment-wide customization that affects all users of the system, and individual, user customization. Read more about Microsoft Dynamics here.
Microsoft CRM Configurator - See Microsoft CRM
Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Sales and Product Configurator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a comprehensive interactive selling system that greatly improves the ability to sell and serve customers with complex products and services.
Microsoft .NET - This is a framework for a component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The system has a library of pre-coded solutions to common programming problems and manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework. The .NET Framework is a key Microsoft offering and is intended to be used by most new applications created for the Windows platform.
Online Configurator - Cincom Acquire's Online Product Configuration Software Tool provides easy to use selection criteria for the end user over the internet. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop down menu from which users can select options, and uses rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold.
Order Management - Applications that allow users to follow the status of an orders (pending, submitted for approval, approved, shipped, etc), and governs the status of these orders through internal business rules.
Order Software - Provides the ability to manage quotes and orders via workflow routing and approval, to view status of electronic quotes and orders in real-time, and to automatically release orders to ERP system(s) online.
Order Configurator - See Sales Configurator.
Order Management System or OMS - A computer software system used in a number of industries for order entry and processing. Order Management is primarily used by companies who have a catalog or who gather account information in eCommerce. Acquire Order Management System captures the commercial awarded business and streamlines the order entry process. It also automatically records and submits orders to Invoice Management as well as a back office ERP solution.
Price Quote Software - Creates pricing and proposals that include product configurations, contracts, drawings, and other business specific documents. These applications allow end-users to view, model, and dynamically manage all aspects of their pricing management and execution processes. See Quotation and Proposal Management
Pricing Software - Pricing and order status are typically functions of a sales configurator. A sales configurator also uses marketing rules to offer special option packages and package discounts. See Sales Configurator
Process Improvement - Take a free Assessment here.
Process Manufacturing Software - See Enterprise Resource Management
Product Catalog Management - Supports the management of product information in a structured and consistent way in the form of catalogues. This process creates a cost-effective means to help customers and channel partners understand what the functionalities and usability of certain products or services are.
Product Costing Software - These applications provide fast, accurate response on how decisions impact the cost of production. Consequently, product costing software empowers process-level staff to work as the "frontlines" against inefficient, costly production practices and decisions, ensuring a more profitable and cost-effective operation. See Product Configurator Software
Product Configuration - See Product Configurator
Product Configuration Software - An application that simplifies order entry and routing/bill of material design based on features and options selected for a customer order. Product Configurators are useful when an item is available with many different options (including colors, sizes, or other variations) to match specific user needs.
Product Configuration System - See Guided Selling System.
Product Configurator - These applications validate customer specifications and optimize the configuration of complex products and services. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop down menu from which users can select options, while using rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold. The system also provides easy to use selection criteria for the user over the internet.
Product Configurator Software or Product Configurators - See Product Configurator
Product Proposals - See Quotation and Proposal Software.
Products - Items produced in the manufacturing process.
Product Selection - The act of choosing a product based on need or interest.
Product Visualization - In this process, product images are placed in front of stock or uploaded background images to visualize the product in its proposed environment. Animated images can demonstrate how a part operates, components fit together or a product is assembled. Customers can "visually configure" products by interactively selecting different finishes, colors, sizes and other options. Read more about Acquire Sales and Product Modeling.
Proposal Software - Proposal applications allow users to produce accurate and quotes quickly, with accurate product specification and pricing. Account executives can also generate accurate proposals in minutes independently of support staff. The best Proposal Management Systems are powered by a product configurator and provide a centralized view of products and services.
Project tracking software - A term covering many types of software, including scheduling, cost control and budget management, resource allocation, collaboration software, communication, quality management and documentation or administration systems, which are used to deal with the complexity of large projects.
Proposal - This term describes an offering from a seller to a prospective buyer. In the sales process, the written proposal carries the terms of an agreement between buyer and seller, and forms the basis for a subsequent business contract. When a proposed offer is accepted by the buyer, it creates a legally binding document for both parties. Read more about Proposal and Quotation Software here.
Proposal Software - Proposal applications allow users to produce accurate and quotes quickly, with accurate product specification and pricing. Account executives can also generate accurate proposals in minutes, independently of support staff. The best Proposal Management System is powered by a product configurator and provides a centralized view of products and services.
Pump Configuration or Pump Configurator - See Product Configurator Software.
Quality in manufacturing - See Manufacturing Quality
Quality tracking software - These applications help control the quality of software engineering products.
Quote Software - See Quote-to-Order
Quote-To-Order - A process defined by how manufacturers create, set and keep expectations in their quotes for custom-configured products. A quote-to-order system with a sales configurator, quote management system and product configurator will win more orders from customers and fulfill them accurately and on time. Quote to Order strategies are often how complex manufacturers use quotes and proposal pipelines to capitalize on market growth and increase market share. See Quotation and Proposal Sotware.
Rework A term used in manufacturing which refers to the process of changing a customer order, due to errors in the order, or the finished product or service.
Sales Configuration See Sales Configuration Software
Sales Configuration Software See Sales Configurator
Sales Configurator - When used separately, a sales configurator produces a complete document for the order entry department. Pricing and order status are typically functions of a sales configurator. A sales configurator also uses marketing rules to offer special option packages and package discounts. Sales configurators are proven to greatly improve the ability to sell and serve customers of complex, highly engineered products. The terms sales configurator and product configurator are often used interchangeably. See Guided Selling
Sales Configurator Software - Sales Configurator Software acts as a virtual sales executive helping customers select the solution that fits their needs. Read more about the Acquire Sales Configurator here.
Sales/Product Configurator - See Guided Selling Systems.
Sales Proposal Software or Sales Software - See Guided Selling Systems.
Sales Quotation Software - See Guided Selling Systems. See Quotation and Proposal Management Software.
Sales Quote Software or Sales Quoting Software - See Sales Configurator. See Quotation Software.
Salesforce Configurator or Salesforce.com Configurator - See Salesforce.com Sales Configurator
Salesforce Software - See Sales Configurator for Salesforce.com
SAP - SAP AG is the largest European software enterprise and the third largest in the world, with headquarters in Walldorf, Germany. Read more about how Cincom Acquire can help you if you use SAP.
SAP Variant Configurator - An SAP application that provides configuration, quotation capabilities and pricing on parts and service. Read more about SAP.
Siebel CRM OnDemand - Siebel CRM is a Customer Relationship Management application developed by Siebel.
Software for manufacturers or Manufacturing - See ERP
SolidWorks - SolidWorks Corporation develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. See CAD.
Variant Configurator See SAP
Virtual Selling Environments - See Sales Configuration or See Product Configuration.
Web Configurator - See Guided Selling.
Web Server - A computer program (or computer that runs the program )that is responsible for accepting HTTP requests from clients, which are known as web browsers, and serving them HTTP responses along with optional data contents, which usually are web pages such as HTML documents and linked objects (images, etc.).
Web Services - A software system designed to support interoperable Machine-to-Machine interaction over a network. Web services are frequently just Web APIs that can be accessed over a network, such as the Internet, and executed on a remote system hosting the requested services.
Website Proposals - Web Site proposals are project agreements generated to develop a new website.
Windows Configurator - See Product Configurator Software
Windows Manufacturing Software - See ERP
Windows Configuration - See Product Configuration.
Workflow Software - These programs and applications automate business procedures or "workflows" during which documents, information or tasks are passed from one participant to another in a way that is governed by rules or procedures.
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