A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A sub-function of software code requested by a software program residing elsewhere in a different program or even an external program residing in another network or communicating over the internet.

A production environment where goods or services can be assembled after receipt of a customer's order. The key components used in the assembly or finishing process are planned and usually stocked in anticipation of a customer order.
See Build to Order

A CAD tool used for highly engineered and configured-to-order products.
See CAD

A list and quantity of materials and components that is needed to create finished goods. Quote, order, BOM and design errors resulting from multiple hand-offs and manual handling drive up manufacturing and customer-service costs, increase scrap and rework and multiply warranty claims and returns.

See Bill of Material (BOM)

See Bill of Material (BOM)

A process used to produce custom products to meet a customer's specific needs. The terms "assemble-to-order," "design-to-order" and "engineer-to-order" are used to differentiate the level of custom processing required and describe practices ranging from assembling standard components to make a custom part, to designing, engineering and manufacturing "one-off" parts.

A business process is a collection of interrelated tasks that solve a particular issue. It is important to consider that a business process begins with a customer's need and ends with a customer's need being fulfilled. Process-oriented organizations break down the barriers of structural departments and try to avoid functional silos.

See Business Process Software

Applications that provide tools for business process improvement. Initiatives designed to significantly improve enterprise performance by radically re-engineering operations and focusing on improving outcomes instead of routines.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) uses technology to plan the drafting and design of a product. A part-visual (drawing) and part-symbol method of communications particular to a specific technical field.

The process of using catalogs to manage the categories, products, SKUs, kits and bundles.

Systems that manage the content and appearance of online catalogs, offering comprehensive functions to add, delete and edit product, classification and attribute data. Catalog management systems are also used to create catalog content, providing tools to acquire, transform and aggregate product data from multiple sources into content suitable for e-commerce use.

Describes applications used to publish product information to the Internet, providing sales staff and customers 24/7 access to products and information.

A process of transferring customer needs into concrete product specifications. While the solution space is set up at the enterprise level, elicitation activities take place with every single customer order.

The list of the components necessary to make a part or product and the amount of each component required. In some industries, this may be referred to as a recipe or formula.
See Bill of Material (BOM)
See Configuration

This process represents the sequence of configuration changes to various configuration objects.

A process that enables the linking of the actual configuration of maintenance objects with its allowed configuration and thereby, in the context of "configuration control," the comparison of the two structures in a configuration check.

A configuration error for a customer order often results in an incomplete or inaccurate order. This can be a costly event in terms of time and money, particularly when it results in rework.
See Rework

Component of an information technology (IT) structure or system under the control of configuration management

An application that identifies and defines configuration items in a system while recording and reporting the status of configuration items and requests for change and verifying the completeness and correctness of configuration Items.
See Configuration Item

See Configurator
See Sales Configurator
See Guided Sales Systems

A software application that allows users to select product options, while validating that the selected options are compatible and workable. Configuration rules or constraints are used to determine which options can be used together on which products, and ensure that the end-product is properly configured.
See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator
See Guided Selling

See Configurator
See Product Configurator
See Guided Selling

See Configurator
See Product Configurator

Configuration rules or constraints are used to determine which options can be used together on which products, and ensure that the end-product is properly configured. Using rules-based product knowledge, the system generates CAD drawings, bills-of-material and pricing based on the configuration.

See Configurator and Configurator Rules

Applications that improve order-entry, based on features and options selected for a customer quote and order. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop-down menu from which users can select options, and uses rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold.

See Configurator

This manufacturing methodology allows sales channels to select a base product and configure all of the associated variables. Based on the configurable items on each quote or order, Configure-To-Order (CTO) systems typically generate the manufacturing routing and/or bills of material based on features and options such as color, size, etc.

A set of information technologies designed to dictate a multifaceted process that focuses on creating two-way exchanges with customers so firms will have an intimate knowledge of their needs, wants and buying patterns. CRM strategies help companies understand, as well as anticipate, the needs of current and potential customers.

See CRM
See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator

See CRM
See Product Configurator

See CRM Software

Software that helps a company capture, analyze and share all facets of the customer's relationship with the enterprise. Typical capabilities within a CRM system include Contact Management, Opportunity Management, Sales Forecasting, Customer Account, and Customer Support/Help Desk management.

See CRM Software

This configuration process is typically used for new desktop deployment.
See Configuration
See Product Configuration

See Build-to-Order

Applications that are designed to automate and simplify the production process, often characterized by individual or separate unit production. Units can be produced in low volume with very high complexity or high volumes of low complexity. Low-volume/high-complexity production results in the need for an extremely flexible manufacturing system that can improve quality and time-to-market speed while cutting costs.

A plug-in software module that accepts drawing commands and produces a pasteurized image.

See Product Configurator
See Sales Configurator
See Engineer-To-Order (ETO)

This manufacturing methodology allows goods and related services to be created for unique customer specifications. Assemblies and raw materials may be stocked but are not assembled into the finished goods until a customer order is received and the part is designed. Engineer-to-Order products often require a unique set of item numbers, bills of material and routings and are typically complex with long lead times. Customers are heavily involved throughout the entire design and manufacturing process for engineer-to-order products.

A process used for changes in documents such as processes and work instructions. It may also be used for changes in specifications.

See Product Configuration
See Sales Configuration
See Guided Selling

Enterprise application integration (EAI) is the process of linking applications within a single organization together in order to simplify and automate business processes to the greatest extent possible, while at the same time, avoiding having to make sweeping changes to the existing applications or data structures.

See ERP

See Configuration

See Configuration
See Product Configuration

Describes any software system designed to support and automate the business processes of medium and large businesses. This may include manufacturing, distribution, personnel, project management, payroll and financials. ERP systems were originally extensions of MRP II systems, but have since widened their scope, using multiple components of computer software and hardware to achieve integration. A key ingredient of most ERP systems is the use of a unified database to store data for the various system modules.

See Enterprise Resource Planning
See Configurator

See ERP

See ERP

See ERP

See ERP

See ERP

See ERP

See Engineer-to-Order (ETO)

In business, front-office refers to Sales and Marketing divisions of a company. It may also refer to other divisions in a company that involve a customer's interaction.
See IT Front Office

Fulfillment solutions are designed to expedite and simply the process of taking an order and executing it. Fulfillment software can also enable warehouse pickup, packaging, labeling, etc.
See Product Configuration
See Sales Configuration

Applications that streamline quoting and order entry by guiding users to products, services and options fine-tuned to customer needs make up this suite of solutions. Guided-selling systems also capture the "tribal knowledge" of valued product experts and engineers so that sales channels can present the right solution to their customers accurately and effectively.

See Guided Sales Systems

Products created through the manufacturing process.

A group of applications that automate the configuration, pricing and quoting of complex products and services, empowering sales channels and partners to provide the right sales proposal for their unique needs. Sales can be closed faster when sales channels are able to define the right solution and generate a proper and relevant proposal.

See Online Configurator

In regards to information technology (IT), front office refers to integrated CRM software.

The range of procedures required to convert a customer inquiry or lead into an order.

This software system is designed to promote lean initiatives.
See Lean manufacturing
See ERP

Lean Manufacturing can be defined as a best practice focused on eliminating all waste in manufacturing processes. Principles of lean manufacturing include zero waiting time, zero inventory, scheduling (internal customer pull instead of push system), batch to flow (cut batch sizes), line balancing and cutting actual process times. The production systems are characterized by optimum automation, just-in-time supplier delivery disciplines, quick changeover times and high levels of quality and continuous improvement.

Applications that address lean manufacturing initiatives.
See Lean Manufacturing

Information that is positioned within an organization as a significant and important resource even though it has been created or stored by the use of software and/or hardware that is considered to be outmoded or obsolete.

Industrial production in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale.

See ERP
See Configurator

See Manufacturing
See Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

These applications capture product and pricing knowledge critical to the estimating process. These systems also deliver an integrated suite of quote-management, product-configuration and sales-configuration solutions that help reduce estimating costs.
See Manufacturing Planning Software

See Manufacturing

The measure of how much the manufacture of a product or service is free of deficiencies, due to customer or industry standards.

This methodology sets the foundation for the planning of all resources within a manufacturing company. Ideally, it addresses operational planning in units, financial planning in dollars and has a simulation capability to answer "what-if" questions and extension of closed-loop MRP. This is not exclusively a software function, but a marriage of people skills, dedication to database accuracy and computer resources. It is a total company management concept for using human resources more productively.

See ERP

Manufacturing software that is produced in the United Kingdom.

Supply-Chain Management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion and logistics management activities. Importantly, it also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers and customers.

Mass customization represents the delivery of mass-market goods and services customized to unique customer needs. To successfully implement mass customization, manufacturers must maintain the efficiencies of the mass-production model while offering the variety of options and customization required by modern consumers.

See Mass Customization

Commonly defined as "data about data," metadata is the descriptive information used to define information-technology assets, including Web services, documents, business processes, governance policies and user profiles.

This application manages and customizes key aspects of front-office business processes. Customization can occur on two levels: deployment-wide customization that affects all users of the system, and individual, user customization.

See Microsoft CRM

This is a framework for a component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The system has a library of pre-coded solutions to common programming problems and manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework. The .NET Framework is a key Microsoft offering and is intended to be used by most new applications created for the Windows platform.

On-demand documentation allows customers to view and print documents such as manuals, specification sheets and product images, anytime and anywhere from the Internet. Customers have access to documentation whenever they need it, i.e., "on demand."
http://www.technicon.com/glossary_OnDemandDocumentation.html

The online product-configuration software tool provides easy-to-use selection criteria for the end-user over the internet. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop-down menu from which users can select options, and uses rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold.

See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator
See Guided Selling

Applications that allow users to follow the status of an order (pending, submitted for approval, approved, shipped, etc.), and govern the status of these orders through internal business rules.

Provides the ability to manage quotes and orders via workflow routing and approval, to view status of electronic quotes and orders in real time and to automatically release orders to ERP system(s) online.

Price Quote Software creates pricing and proposals that include product configurations, contracts, drawings and other business-specific documents. These applications allow end-users to view, model and dynamically manage all aspects of their pricing-management and execution processes.
See Sales Configurator
See Guided Selling

Pricing and order status are typically functions of a sales configurator. A sales configurator also uses marketing rules to offer special option packages and package discounts.
See Sales Configurator

See Business Process

See Business Process

Supports the management of product information in a structured and consistent way in the form of catalogues. This process creates a cost-effective means to help customers and channel partners understand what the functionalities and usability of certain products or services are.

See Product Configurator

An application that simplifies order-entry and routing/bill-of-material design based on features and options selected for a customer order. Product Configurators are useful when an item is available with many different options (including colors, sizes or other variations) to match specific user needs.
See Guided Selling

See Product Configurator

These applications validate customer specifications and optimize the configuration of complex products and services. It allows for streamlined product configuration by providing a simple drop-down menu from which users can select options, while using rules or constraints to ensure that these options are compatible and can be properly ordered or sold. The system also provides easy-to-use selection criteria for the user over the internet.
See Guided Selling

See Product Configurator

See Product Configurator

These applications provide fast, accurate response on how decisions impact the cost of production. Consequently, product-costing software empowers the process-level staff to work as the "frontlines" against inefficient, costly production practices and decisions, ensuring a more profitable and cost-effective operation.
See Product Configurator

See Proposal

The act of choosing a product based on need or interest.

In this process, product images are placed in front of stock or uploaded background images to visualize the product in its proposed environment. Animated images can demonstrate how a part operates, components fit together or a product is assembled. Customers can "visually configure" products by interactively selecting different finishes, colors, sizes and other options.

Items produced in the manufacturing process.

A term covering many types of software, including scheduling, cost control and budget management, resource allocation, collaboration software, communication, quality management and documentation or administration systems, which are used to deal with the complexity of large projects.

This term describes an offering from a seller to a prospective buyer. In the sales process, the written proposal carries the terms of an agreement between buyer and seller and forms the basis for a subsequent business contract. When a proposed offer is accepted by the buyer, it creates a legally binding document for both parties.

See Proposal

Proposal applications allow users to produce accurate and quotes quickly, with accurate product specification and pricing. Account executives can also generate accurate proposals in minutes independently of support staff. The best proposal-management systems are powered by a product configurator and provide a centralized view of products and services.

See Configuration
See Product Configuration

See Configurator
See Product Configuration

See Manufacturing Quality

These applications help control the quality of software engineering products.

See Quote-to-Order
See Sales Configurator

See Quote-to-Order

See Quote-to-Order

See Quote-to-Order

A process defined by how manufacturers create, set and keep expectations in their quotes for custom-configured products. A quote-to-order system with a sales configurator, quote-management system and product configurator will win more orders from customers and fulfill them accurately and on time. Quote-to-Order strategies are often how complex manufacturers use quotes and proposal pipelines to capitalize on market growth and increase market share.
See Lead-to-order

See Sales Configurator
See Guided Selling
See Proposal Software

See Quote-to-Order

A term used in manufacturing that refers to the process of changing a customer order due to errors in the order or the finished product or service.

See Configuration
See Sales Configuration
See Guided Selling

See Sales Configurator

When used separately, a sales configurator produces a complete document for the order-entry department. Pricing and order status are typically functions of a sales configurator. A sales configurator also uses marketing rules to offer special option packages and package discounts. Sales configurators are proven to greatly improve the ability to sell and serve customers of complex, highly engineered products. The terms "sales configurator" and "product configurator" are often used interchangeably.
See Guided Selling
See Product Configurator

Sales configuration software acts as a virtual sales executive helping customers select the solution that fits their needs.

See Guided Selling Systems
See Product Configurator
See Sales Configurator

See Guided Selling Systems
See Proposal Software

See Guided Selling Systems
See Product Configurator
See Sales Configurator

See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator

See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator

See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator

See Sales Configurator
See Product Configurator

See Sales Configurator

On-demand tool for sales and product configuration.
See Sales Configurator

SAP AG is the largest European software enterprise and the third largest in the world, with headquarters in Walldorf, Germany.

An SAP application that provides configuration, quotation capabilities and pricing on parts and service.

Seibel CRM is a Customer Relationship Management application developed by Seibel.

See ERP

See ERP

SolidWorks Corporation develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software and product data management software. See CAD

See SAP

See Sales Configuration
See Product Configuration

See Product Configurator
See Sales Configurator

A computer program (or computer that runs the program ) that is responsible for accepting HTTP requests from clients, which are known as web browsers, and serving them HTTP responses along with optional data contents, which usually are web pages such as HTML documents and linked objects (images, etc.).

A software system designed to support interoperable, machine-to-machine interaction over a network. Web services are frequently just Web APIs that can be accessed over a network, such as the Internet, and executed on a remote system hosting the requested services.

Website proposals are project agreements generated to develop a new website.

See Product Configuration
See Sales configuration

See Product Configurator

See ERP

These programs and applications automate business procedures or "workflows" during which documents, information or tasks are passed from one participant to another in a way that is governed by rules or procedures.