Expertise
Three areas of expertise. One integrated target architecture.
Modularization, product configuration and system architectures only deliver their full value when they work together. That is why we view products, processes, data and systems as one integrated whole – from market and portfolio through order, bill of materials, operations and service.
3
Areas of Expertise
Modularization
CPQ
Product Structures
Designed as one integrated model – from market and portfolio through order, bill of materials, operations and service.
Integrated Thinking Instead of Isolated Solutions
Complexity does not arise in just one place.
Variant-rich products create growth, differentiation and attractive margins – provided that portfolio, product structure, configuration and systems are aligned. In many companies, however, these topics are addressed separately: modularization in product management, configuration in sales and system integration in IT.
This creates local improvements, but rarely a sustainable end-to-end model. Variants are reduced without sufficiently considering the impact on sales and order fulfilment. CPQ systems are implemented before product, process and data logic have been clarified. Interfaces are added even though the underlying objects, structures and responsibilities are not consistent.
Our approach therefore combines three areas of expertise. Together, they structure the solution space, make it usable in sales and represent it consistently through product structures, data models and system roles. The principle remains the same: clarify the logic first, then select and integrate the systems.
Three Areas of Expertise
Three perspectives on the same challenge.
Each area of expertise has its own focus. Together, they form the foundation for manageable variety and integrated product development and order fulfilment processes.
01
Modularization & Variant Management
Variety in the market. Simplicity within the organization.
Structure portfolios, platforms, modular product systems and variant spaces so that external variety does not translate into uncontrolled internal complexity. Avoid complexity where possible, reduce existing complexity and make the remainder manageable.
Structures the solution space.
02
CPQ & Product Configuration
From customer need to a reliable quote.
Design guided selling, configuration, pricing, approval and quotation as one end-to-end process. Robust product logic enables faster, more consistent quotes, higher quality and more transparent decisions.
Makes the solution space usable.
03
Product Structures & End-to-End System Integration
Do not integrate systems first. Design the end-to-end model first.
Design product and configuration architectures, object and structure models, process classes, rules and derivations so that sales, engineering and order fulfilment work together consistently. This provides the basis for clear roles and handovers across PLM, CPQ, PIM and ERP.
Represents the solution space consistently across systems.
Why the Connection Matters
Isolated optimization merely shifts complexity.
The key question is not which individual topic should be optimized first. What matters is whether the change remains viable across the entire product, order and system model.
Modularization without end-to-end data models
may initially improve the product and portfolio, but its impact remains limited if modules, rules and structures cannot be used consistently across sales, engineering and order fulfilment.
CPQ without clarified product logic
merely digitizes existing inconsistencies. Even a powerful system cannot compensate for missing architecture decisions.
System integration without robust product structures
connects applications technically, but does not resolve unclear objects, responsibilities, rules, data ownership or handovers. Complexity is simply shifted into IT.
One common target architecture
combines market requirements, product architecture, configuration, process classes, data models and system roles into one implementable end-to-end model.
From Individual Initiatives to an Integrated Model
Structure. Enable. Integrate.
STRUCTURE
Organize market demand, portfolio, platforms, modules and variant spaces into a manageable solution space.
ENABLE
Translate customer needs into valid and commercially robust solutions through guided selling, configuration, pricing and quotation.
INTEGRATE END TO END
Process product, sales and order logic consistently through object models, structures, rules and system roles.
5
Our Consulting Principle
Perspectives. One Common Target Architecture.
Product · Process · Data · Systems · Organization
Complex initiatives cannot be solved from the perspective of a single system. Technology decisions must follow the business target architecture – not the other way around. These five perspectives ensure that architecture, responsibilities and implementation remain aligned.
Typical Challenges
Where companies typically start.
The starting point may lie in the portfolio, configuration or system landscape. The target architecture must nevertheless bring all perspectives together.
- How can we reduce variant diversity without losing market potential or customer relevance?
- Which product and configuration structure supports MTS, ATO, PTO, CTO, CTO+, MTO and ETO?
- How do we connect guided selling, configuration, pricing, approval and quotation into a reliable process?
- Which product, object and data models are required for sales, engineering and order fulfilment?
- Which responsibilities and data belong in PLM, CPQ, PIM and ERP?
- How do we prevent new software from merely digitizing existing complexity?
- How can we validate the target architecture and data model early using a real pilot product?
Independent. Experienced. Implementation-Oriented.
From an individual challenge to a robust end-to-end model.
Together, we develop a robust business and solution architecture – vendor-independent and aligned with your company’s actual product, process, data and system landscape.