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Exhibit B: Expert Configurator Multi-Level Example
Exhibit B: Expert Configurator Multi-Level Example
The Expert Configurator supports single and multi-level configurations. The following example illustrates a multi-level use of the configurator to order, price, and manufacture furniture (Exhibit A illustrates a single-level example). Note that this example is only one possible method for creating configured parts. The rules and definitions shown here do not represent all of the rules which would be necessary to manufacture the part; however, the example does illustrate each type of rule needed in a multi-level environment (several different rules of each type described here would be necessary).
The product description:
· A manufacturer of furniture offers two desks in the catalog:
- The Stockholm model
- The London model
· Each model is available in three sizes:
- 2.0m x 0.8m
- 3.0m x 0.8m
- 3.0m x 1.0m
· Each model can be made in four colors:
- Black
- Cedar
- Natural light
- Natural dark
· Each model is available in two versions, the standard and the luxury. However, the following exceptions apply to the versions:
- Cedar is only available in the luxury version
- Natural light is only available in the standard version
· An add-on table is available for microcomputers.
· Each model requires a configured component of drawers which are available in a two or three drawer version. The drawers may also be built with a pencil/pen tray. The drawer component requires the use of a multi-level configuration environment.
· The manufacturer does not maintain an inventory of finished goods. All production is released on a make-to-order basis.
There are 144 different combinations of the desk available without including the microcomputer table, calculated as follows: (2 models X 3 sizes X 4 colors X 2 versions X 4 drawer types) - (2 models X 3 sizes X 2 drawer types X 2 color/version exceptions) = 144. With the microcomputer table, 288 (144 with the table and 144 without the table) combinations are available. Each combination of the desk would require a separate bill of material and routing without the Expert Configurator. By using the Expert Configurator, we can reduce this to the management of just a few subassemblies through the use of sales order entry, pricing, and manufacturing rules.
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