CONFOR: Case Study "Pumps"
The design of individual pumps and particularly complex pump systems is very time consuming and requires a great amount of expert knowledge. If the customer seeks to configure it by themselves then they are confronted with extensive product information.
The following example relates to the design of larger pump systems which are used in the industrial sector.
Traditional procedure
1. Design
For the selection of the most suitable products not only the operational area is relevant but also basis data such as flow rate and height, the substance to be transported and their tightness. Furthermore depending on the exact operational area the performance data and details on materials as well as measurements have to be considered.
After one has determined the pump it is required to look for the appropriate accessory. This may include switches, pressure containers, valves and control systems which correspond with the operational requirements and pump.
2. Pricing
With the price lists one can determine the prices for the chosen pumps, accessories and all other parts included in the delivery.
It is necessary to determine and give regard to discounts which have been granted to customers.
3. Offer creation and documentation
After one has determined the applicable pumps and accessories it is necessary to compile an extensive documentation. Particularly large projects as well as those involving bidding processes must include comprehensive technical details, drawings and diagrams as well as tender specifications. The established delivery scope is summarized to an offer. This offer is created in the ERP or merchandise management system with all delivery positions – meaning that some information determined during the design process will have to be entered again.
4. Order
If an order is placed then the offer information is completed in the ERP or merchandise management system and carried forward into the order.
The above described process is relatively time consuming and the person tasked with it shall require extensive information in order to select the most suitable and matching products.
How does CONFOR support the above described process?
1. Design
After the basis data and parameters have been entered CONFOR will establish the suitable pumps and suggest the most effective use. It is possible to sort the pumps in accordance to all important criteria on the screen to simplify selection. One is able to directly access all product details (e.g. performance data, materials and measurements). After alteration or confirmation of the pump selection this is then laid out with the standard delivery options – these can be changed at a later date.
In a next step the required accessories can be chosen. Here matching accessory options are displayed to the selected pumps.
2. Pricing
The prices (both purchase and selling price) of all pumps with all offered delivery options are available for CONFOR via an interface. During the configuration process these are given regard in respect to the general calculation. The individual applicable discount agreements for customers are automatically used for the determined sale prices and certain offers and orders can be overwritten if the user has the necessary authorizations.
3. Offer creation and documentation
CONFOR compiles the resulting offer positions and determines all necessary additional details that must be included in the offer. All relevant documents such as technical information, drawings or tender specifications are automatically provided and can on request be added to the offer.
When the offer and documentation is being generated the currency and language of the customer is taken into consideration. The generated documents can be viewed on the screen, printed out or exported in different formats (e.g. PDF).
4. Order
In the case of an order offers can directly be passed onto an order. If the end customer is provided access to the system then they can initiate the order process themselves. The order details are passed on via an interface to the ERP or other merchandise information system. Due to the offered product logic in CONFOR the selected pumps will match the accessory components – one can immediately start with the disposition.
Resume
The total outlay for the design and offer creation for a pump system with accessories can be substantially reduced by the use of CONFOR. The end customer can receive an offer in much shorter time – on request they can generate it themselves via a direct access to the CONFOR-system. The selection of suitable accessories for the required pumps is far more reliable compared to manually handled procedures as the system will only suggest appropriate accessory components.
