Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules

Yahoo Archive
1
That was a very frustrating experience for me also when I first started
developing our Configurator's. One thing I did recently was write a
shell program that basically sends keystrokes and mouse clicks to the
configurator for doing object layouts and rules entry. it has saved us
tons of time, especially since I can start this program running before I
go home, and hopefully it didn't mess up when it was running. Our
situation is kind of unique though as we are adding 'Verification pages'
at the end of the configurators which allow the users to see the exact
options they will receive. All of the code for the pages are pretty
much the same to begin with, so that allowed me to set the shells up to
just do the repetitive parts.

if you are familiar with VB coding, you can petty much do the same thing
though if you have a bunch of stuff to add. My main reason I couldn't
just copy the first one we did was all of these are page additions, not
new configurators. When we get to making new configurators again, we
will just copy the old ones over and modify them.

Paul Millsaps
Time Manufacturing
254.399.2170
paulm@... <mailto:paulm@...>

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________________________________

From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Steven Gotschall
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 3:31 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules



I agree, its not the best interface in the world, but I've seen worse.

I haven't found any way to add a "batch" of rules. I personally prefer
staying out of the Configurator rules and modifying the Method when I
can.. In most cases I can set a "keep when" rule on the operation and
not have to set anything on the materials under the operation since if
the operation is not used then the materials for the operation don't get
used. If I need to change the materials or quantities under an
operation, then I can do this in the method and I don't have to change
the rules in the configurator.

One thing I do that might be considered out of the norm is that I have a
set of operations for each product in our configurator. Lets take
chairs for an example. We may make 30 different models of chairs.
Instead of having one set of operations in the super BOM for the
configurator and doing keep when rules on the materials, I have 30
different sets of operations. The first model of chair has operations
10 through 190, the second model has operations of 200 through 390, etc.
This way, when chair model xxx is selected, I only have to keep
operations xxx through xxx and discard the rest. The downside to this
is that you are duplicating operations many times with different op
numbers.

----- Original Message ----
From: Calvin Krusen <ckrusen@... <mailto:ckrusen%40comcast.net>
>
To: vantage@yahoogroups..com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups..com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 3:54:40 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules

Is there a quicker way to enter the product configurator rules?

It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid. Actually
it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.

It would work better for me if the default for each material was to NOT
be included, and only rules that explicty call for the component would
add it. I like to put 'potential' components in a Part's method, and
set the Keep When rule to 'false'. Then if I ever need use them in the
future, I only need modify the Configurator, and don't have to touch
the BOM/MOM.

Are there any "tricks" to make better use of the Product Configurator' s

horrible user interface?

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
2
Is there a quicker way to enter the product configurator rules?

It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid. Actually
it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.

It would work better for me if the default for each material was to NOT
be included, and only rules that explicty call for the component would
add it. I like to put 'potential' components in a Part's method, and
set the Keep When rule to 'false'. Then if I ever need use them in the
future, I only need modify the Configurator, and don't have to touch
the BOM/MOM.

Are there any "tricks" to make better use of the Product Configurator's
horrible user interface?
3
I agree, its not the best interface in the world, but I've seen worse.

I haven't found any way to add a "batch" of rules. I personally prefer staying out of the Configurator rules and modifying the Method when I can.. In most cases I can set a "keep when" rule on the operation and not have to set anything on the materials under the operation since if the operation is not used then the materials for the operation don't get used. If I need to change the materials or quantities under an operation, then I can do this in the method and I don't have to change the rules in the configurator.

One thing I do that might be considered out of the norm is that I have a set of operations for each product in our configurator. Lets take chairs for an example. We may make 30 different models of chairs. Instead of having one set of operations in the super BOM for the configurator and doing keep when rules on the materials, I have 30 different sets of operations. The first model of chair has operations 10 through 190, the second model has operations of 200 through 390, etc. This way, when chair model xxx is selected, I only have to keep operations xxx through xxx and discard the rest. The downside to this is that you are duplicating operations many times with different op numbers.


----- Original Message ----
From: Calvin Krusen <ckrusen@...>
To: vantage@yahoogroups..com
Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 3:54:40 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules


Is there a quicker way to enter the product configurator rules?

It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid. Actually
it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.

It would work better for me if the default for each material was to NOT
be included, and only rules that explicty call for the component would
add it. I like to put 'potential' components in a Part's method, and
set the Keep When rule to 'false'. Then if I ever need use them in the
future, I only need modify the Configurator, and don't have to touch
the BOM/MOM.

Are there any "tricks" to make better use of the Product Configurator' s
horrible user interface?






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
4
There are other options with designing the configurator to be generic where
all of the Material, Operations, Resources, etc. are loaded based on user
inputs. This can be achieved by storing the data in UD tables, Excel or CSV
files. The rules when then apply to the user inputs which in turn would
load the proper information to build the engineering data on the fly. This
eliminates the need to maintain the configurator if designed correctly. All
the user would need to do is keep the data stored in the UD Tables, Excel or
CSV files up to date and the configurator will do the rest.



Aaron Continelli

www.cre8tivetechs.com

Office - (858) 457-2786

Fax - (858) 457-2787

Cell - (858) 967-4352

E-mail - aaron@...



Cre8tiveLogo Creative business intelligence for your enterprise.
EPICOR_Authorized



Cre8tive Technology & Design 4455 Morena Blvd. Suite 115, San Diego CA
92117





From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Steven Gotschall
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 1:31 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules



I agree, its not the best interface in the world, but I've seen worse.

I haven't found any way to add a "batch" of rules. I personally prefer
staying out of the Configurator rules and modifying the Method when I can..
In most cases I can set a "keep when" rule on the operation and not have to
set anything on the materials under the operation since if the operation is
not used then the materials for the operation don't get used. If I need to
change the materials or quantities under an operation, then I can do this in
the method and I don't have to change the rules in the configurator.

One thing I do that might be considered out of the norm is that I have a set
of operations for each product in our configurator. Lets take chairs for an
example. We may make 30 different models of chairs. Instead of having one
set of operations in the super BOM for the configurator and doing keep when
rules on the materials, I have 30 different sets of operations. The first
model of chair has operations 10 through 190, the second model has
operations of 200 through 390, etc. This way, when chair model xxx is
selected, I only have to keep operations xxx through xxx and discard the
rest. The downside to this is that you are duplicating operations many
times with different op numbers.

----- Original Message ----
From: Calvin Krusen <ckrusen@... <mailto:ckrusen%40comcast.net> >
To: vantage@yahoogroups..com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups..com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 3:54:40 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules

Is there a quicker way to enter the product configurator rules?

It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid. Actually
it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.

It would work better for me if the default for each material was to NOT
be included, and only rules that explicty call for the component would
add it. I like to put 'potential' components in a Part's method, and
set the Keep When rule to 'false'. Then if I ever need use them in the
future, I only need modify the Configurator, and don't have to touch
the BOM/MOM.

Are there any "tricks" to make better use of the Product Configurator' s
horrible user interface?

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
5
> It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid. Actually
> it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.

Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule? When I
have groups of parts that are added or subtracted together (on the same
operation) I choose one of two solutions:

1.) Create a hidden variable and assign the rule value on a Page Exit. Now
all of the parts just have to check the one Input Field during the Keep When
processesing.

2.) Use a Phantom Bill of Material. You can still enter rules at a lower
level if you need to select at a finer degree.

Mark W.
6
> There are other options with designing the configurator to be generic
> all of the Material, Operations, Resources, etc. are loaded based on user
> inputs. This can be achieved by storing the data in UD tables, Excel or
> files. The rules when then apply to the user inputs which in turn would
> load the proper information to build the engineering data on the fly. This
> eliminates the need to maintain the configurator if designed correctly.
> the user would need to do is keep the data stored in the UD Tables, Excel
> CSV files up to date and the configurator will do the rest.

We do this as well. In fact, most of our drop-down lists are populated from
delimited text files. The only downside with this approach is that it may
circumvent engineering control.

Mark W.
7
--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@...> wrote:
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?

Yes. But the rule is 'Keep When FALSE' for all the parts that are
not being used.

You might ask, "Why there are parts in the BOM that aren't used in
any configuration?"

I put them in for possible future configurations.

For example, pretend we make extension cords. We offer various end
styles (single, double, triple, receptacles, various international
styles, etc...). I include parts in the BOM for 'potential future
configurations', and set their ProdCfg rule to 'Keep When FALSE'. If
we decide to add new configurations, then only the ProdCfg needs
updating. The BOM remains unchanged.

My basis for doing this is that the ProdCfg and/or BOM warnsthat
changes to the BOM materials might affect the ProdCfg.

Vista/Vantage does enough bad things without providing any warning.
I figured if the programmers took the time to put it in there, it
must be REALLY IMPORTANT!

Calvin

--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@...> wrote:
>
> > It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid.
Actually
> > it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?
When I
> have groups of parts that are added or subtracted together (on the
same
> operation) I choose one of two solutions:
>
> 1.) Create a hidden variable and assign the rule value on a Page
Exit. Now
> all of the parts just have to check the one Input Field during the
Keep When
> processesing.
>
> 2.) Use a Phantom Bill of Material. You can still enter rules at a
lower
> level if you need to select at a finer degree.
>
> Mark W.
>
8
I do something similar for parts in the BOM that are not yet available to our sales department.

I use a Keep When rule with an input = "Special" or anything word not available through the input screen. "Special" is not an option from the input screen. Therefore this condition will never be met and the option will never be kept in the created BOM. When the time comes and I need to add this option, I change the input values and the "Keep When" rule.

This also works for "Prompt When" inputs.








----- Original Message ----
From: Calvin Krusen <ckrusen@...>
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 11:34:37 AM
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules


--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@ ...> wrote:
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?

Yes. But the rule is 'Keep When FALSE' for all the parts that are
not being used.

You might ask, "Why there are parts in the BOM that aren't used in
any configuration? "

I put them in for possible future configurations.

For example, pretend we make extension cords. We offer various end
styles (single, double, triple, receptacles, various international
styles, etc...). I include parts in the BOM for 'potential future
configurations' , and set their ProdCfg rule to 'Keep When FALSE'. If
we decide to add new configurations, then only the ProdCfg needs
updating. The BOM remains unchanged.

My basis for doing this is that the ProdCfg and/or BOM warnsthat
changes to the BOM materials might affect the ProdCfg.

Vista/Vantage does enough bad things without providing any warning.
I figured if the programmers took the time to put it in there, it
must be REALLY IMPORTANT!

Calvin

--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@ ...> wrote:
>
> > It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid.
Actually
> > it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?
When I
> have groups of parts that are added or subtracted together (on the
same
> operation) I choose one of two solutions:
>
> 1.) Create a hidden variable and assign the rule value on a Page
Exit. Now
> all of the parts just have to check the one Input Field during the
Keep When
> processesing.
>
> 2.) Use a Phantom Bill of Material. You can still enter rules at a
lower
> level if you need to select at a finer degree.
>
> Mark W.
>






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
9
Another thing I have found is that most of my time goes into creating a brand new Product Configurator.

After the first Product Configurator is created, I can copy the Product Configurator into other top level part numbers by using the "Get Details" in the Engineering Workbench and copying the BOM from the part with the existing Product Configurator. I then delete the options I don't want in the new BOM and I add the options I do want. You can also do this by using the "Duplicate" function in Part Maintenance. I then make changes to the input screens and correct the rules for each option and I'm done.

Fairly fast and straight forward.

It works great for us, the only complaint I have about the Product Configurator is that it does not create additional revisions to reflect changes made by our sales department. We have worked around this by creating new configured part numbers for each change made. It would be nice if it created revisions: A, B, C, etc. for each change made under the same congifured part number.

I hopew this helps!

Ed






----- Original Message ----
From: Ed Ortiz <fast.zx6r@...>
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:29:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Re: Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules


I do something similar for parts in the BOM that are not yet available to our sales department.

I use a Keep When rule with an input = "Special" or anything word not available through the input screen. "Special" is not an option from the input screen. Therefore this condition will never be met and the option will never be kept in the created BOM. When the time comes and I need to add this option, I change the input values and the "Keep When" rule.

This also works for "Prompt When" inputs.

----- Original Message ----
From: Calvin Krusen <ckrusen@comcast. net>
To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 11:34:37 AM
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Faster way to enter Product Configurator Rules

--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@ ...> wrote:
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?

Yes. But the rule is 'Keep When FALSE' for all the parts that are
not being used.

You might ask, "Why there are parts in the BOM that aren't used in
any configuration? "

I put them in for possible future configurations.

For example, pretend we make extension cords. We offer various end
styles (single, double, triple, receptacles, various international
styles, etc...). I include parts in the BOM for 'potential future
configurations' , and set their ProdCfg rule to 'Keep When FALSE'. If
we decide to add new configurations, then only the ProdCfg needs
updating. The BOM remains unchanged.

My basis for doing this is that the ProdCfg and/or BOM warnsthat
changes to the BOM materials might affect the ProdCfg.

Vista/Vantage does enough bad things without providing any warning.
I figured if the programmers took the time to put it in there, it
must be REALLY IMPORTANT!

Calvin

--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, "Mark Wonsil" <mark_wonsil@ ...> wrote:
>
> > It doesn't allow the Copy & Paste function in the Rules grid.
Actually
> > it allows the Copy function, but not the Paste.
>
> Are you saying that a large number of parts all use the same rule?
When I
> have groups of parts that are added or subtracted together (on the
same
> operation) I choose one of two solutions:
>
> 1.) Create a hidden variable and assign the rule value on a Page
Exit. Now
> all of the parts just have to check the one Input Field during the
Keep When
> processesing.
>
> 2.) Use a Phantom Bill of Material. You can still enter rules at a
lower
> level if you need to select at a finer degree.
>
> Mark W.
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]