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While the potential for parametric configurators in the engineer-to-order sector is tremendous, the challenges are many. Curiously, few articles have been published on the topic, and selling and manufacturing magazines have sorely neglected this exciting new technology. In this environment there seems to be an informational void and many engineer-to-order companies remain unaware of what parametric configurators can offer. While larger organizations may have benefited from exposure to the concept through interaction with Concentra, mid-sized and small corporations remain unenlightened. Product specific limitations of parametric configurators vary from solution to solution. Integration of the configurators’ drawings to CAD applications seems to pose an obstacle at present. Either complex programming must be conducted in order to allow CAD to interpret the data into a drawing, as in Concentra’s solution, or the configurator must generate a CAD drawing itself which may then be read by CAD applications, as in Paravision’s solution. The first scenario requires costly maintenance, while the latter scenario implies a separate database of CAD drawings. Further, CAD drawings do not have embedded intelligence that allows configurators to interpret the drawings into configurations, so that any changes made to the drawings will not be re-interpreted by the configurator. The potential for parametric configurators to take a strong hold on the engineer-to -order marketplace will hinge on the providers’ abilities to create awareness of this new technology. I anticipate strong relationships to develop between parametric configurator vendors and prominent ERP vendors, thereby offering customers a total, integrated solution. Furthermore, I anticipate that this technology will thrive as an internet solution, creating new marketplaces for engineer-to-order manufacturers. Paravision has recently partnered with Syspro International, an ERP solution provider, to market their integrated solution. |
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