Online Equipment Selection on a Supplier’s Website: A Configurator Instead of a Call to an Engineer
Contents
Suppliers of engineering equipment know the situation: a client sends their requirements, and an engineer spends half a day selecting a model, checking compatibility, calculating the cost and preparing a proposal. Half of these inquiries do not turn into sales, while the engineer spends time that could have gone toward complex projects.
Online selection on your website handles routine requests.
What the configurator can do
- accepts project parameters such as flow rate, head, fluid temperature, power and operating conditions;
- selects suitable models from the catalog based on the manufacturer’s rules and specifications;
- shows alternatives from different brands;
- checks component compatibility;
- calculates the cost using the client’s pricing;
- generates a specification or commercial proposal in PDF;
- sends the request to a manager in the CRM and accounting system.
Who can benefit
- suppliers of pumps, boilers, ventilation and HVAC equipment;
- distributors of electrical equipment and cable products;
- spare parts suppliers that select parts by equipment model;
- manufacturers of configurable products.
Where automation ends
The configurator works well for routine tasks. Complex projects, unusual conditions and large facilities should go to an engineer with the parameters already filled in. This saves time on follow-up questions.
Integration with accounting and CRM
- catalog and specifications from 1C or MoySklad;
- prices based on the client’s contract;
- stock levels and delivery times;
- a request or deal in Bitrix24 with the selection parameters;
- the client’s selection history in their personal account.
How to launch
- Choose one equipment group with clear rules.
- Formalize the rules with engineers.
- Prepare the data: specifications, curves and tolerances.
- Test against historical requests.
- Launch on the website and in the dealer portal.
- Expand to other equipment groups.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need manufacturer data?
Yes, specifications and operating ranges. The more complete the data, the more accurate the selection.
Can the selection tool be integrated into a dealer portal?
Yes. The dealer can select equipment with their own pricing applied and place an order immediately.
Will the configurator replace an engineer?
No. It handles routine tasks and prepares data for complex ones, so engineers can focus on projects.
