Mar 5th, 2024
Transforming Traditional Product Data Modeling for B2B Manufacturers
Categories:Product Data Management SystemHave you ever wondered why, when you try to buy a phone, TV, or bicycle, you see many almost identical products listed separately on a seller's website?
This occurs because most IT systems handling product data typically support only 2-3-4 dimensions of product offerings.
In traditional setups, consumer electronics such as iPhones are typically listed by model. For example, each iPhone model—iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max—might appear as separate product entries. Within these entries, options might be further limited to choosing memory size (128GB, 256GB, 512GB) and color. This structure restricts the ability to present all available customizations and variants in a single, unified product view.
Now, imagine not just a simple product but a really complex one with 20-30-40 axes—what happens then? Moreover, consider that this product is not sold alone but is often combined with other multi-axis products to create a comprehensive solution. For instance, a manufacturing system might integrate various machines, each with its own set of customizable features, into a single streamlined production line. The complexity and integration demands skyrocket, presenting a significant challenge for traditional product data management systems. solutions, and distribution channels.
Challenges Across Platforms
Online configurators and CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) solutions, which are heavily customized for specific business needs, often lack the flexibility needed to support e-commerce or indirect channel B2B models effectively. Furthermore, while CPQ systems are capable of producing final configurations, they do not support sharing the configurative process itself with distributors and partners
This restriction significantly affects market responsiveness and accuracy in product representation. Partners looking to integrate or utilize a shared CPQ process face substantial constraints: they can either configure products independently, must be allowed access to the company’s CPQ instance, or just ask for a quote from a manufacturer. Unfortunately, enabling this level of integration is either not possible or would impose exorbitant costs on the partners, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Neurologik’s Multi-Axis Solution
Neurologik introduces a revolutionary approach to product data management that supports an unlimited number of attributes or axes, dramatically simplifying the complexity of managing extensive product lines. This capability is particularly transformative for products with multiple configurable attributes, allowing manufacturers to drastically reduce the perceived number of different products.
For instance, instead of listing each model as a separate product, Neurologik ProductHub Modeling Engine could categorize 'iPhone' as a single product line. Within this category, customers can specify their device by selecting from a range of attributes—model number (iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max), color, memory size, and additional features like the type of electric plug. This consolidation significantly simplifies the interface and enhances the customer experience by providing a comprehensive set of customization options from a single product page.
The true potential of Neurologik is fully realized within the B2B manufacturing sector, characterized by products that often incorporate extensive customization options, ranging from 5 to even 50 possible axes.
By reducing the number of distinct products, manufacturers can simplify the purchasing process for their customers and partners. Consider a manufacturer with 1,000 SKUs that could, under Neurologik’s system, present only 50 core products with various configurations. This simplification reduces choice overload—a phenomenon where too many options can hinder decision-making and increase sales friction.
In B2B sales, the complexity and variety of products often deter buyers. Simplified configurators enhance the buying experience, leading to more sales and accelerated growth against competitors who may offer less streamlined processes.
Complex Products Configuration/Modelling in B2B Manufacturing
In such environments, Neurologik's capability extends beyond configuring individual products; it innovates by enabling the combination of multiple axes not just within a single product but across various products to engineer comprehensive integrated solutions. Neurologik facilitates the seamless integration of these diverse components into a coherent, tailored solution that precisely meets specific customer requirements.