Do we have the data needed for a self-service solution configurator?

In fact, even companies with a mature system map (ERP, CRM, PIM, PLM, CAD systems, etc) don't have everything they need. Here's why: the data required for a customer-facing configurator is different from the data you use internally. Much of it simply doesn't exist yet because no one has needed it before.

The data that does exist often has quality issues, since it's been designed for humans to interpret, not for systems to process automatically.

What kind of data are we talking about?

The missing data isn't just product specs – it's the configuration logic that guides customers to the right solution. This is business knowledge about how your products work together, what makes sense in different contexts, and how to solve specific customer problems.

Your existing systems store product information, but configurators need something different: the rules, constraints, and domain expertise that lives in your sales team’s heads, not in any database where a configurator can access it.

But don’t worry, together we can fill that gap.

How we solve this

We start a self-service solution configurator initiative from what your customers need, not from what data you have. This approach creates a precise specification of the required data as you build.

The configurator begins with manually maintained data. Once it's proven valuable with real customers, you backfill the data flows and integrations – as a separate initiative, on its own timeline.

This means you can move quickly. Build the configurator, test it with customers, prove the value. Then systematise the data sources.

We recommend building in small increments with customer feedback after each step. Start simple with the business logic, keeping integrations lightweight at first. Once you've validated that the configurator works for your customers, you invest in the more sophisticated technical infrastructure.

That said, it's good to understand your current system landscape, and we recommend creating a high-level map if you don't have one (we can help with that too). That map evolves as the project progresses and becomes valuable reference for future initiatives as well.

What about internal challenges?

Organising your internal data involves multiple stakeholders across the organisation. Different departments own different pieces of the puzzle, and coordinating that work takes time and careful navigation.

The good news: our approach is designed for this. By letting requirements emerge from proven customer value rather than internal debates, you avoid getting stuck in opinion wars. The configurator will show what data is actually needed, creating a concrete specification that's hard to argue with.

External facilitation often helps here. Someone without organisational history can ask necessary questions without political baggage, especially with clear sponsorship of the initiative from top management.

Treating internal data work as its own workstream – separate from the customer-facing configurator – keeps momentum going. You're not waiting for full automation before launching. The configurator launches with curated data that you maintain manually at first. Then, as you prove value, you increase automation of data sourcing and maintenance.

And because the purpose is clear (better customer experience and increased revenue), it's easier to unite the organisation around the effort.

Better data across the organisation

This work improves your entire data landscape, not just the configurator. You'll increase overall data quality, often redefining responsibilities for more effective operations. You're fixing problems at the source (incorrect data) rather than dealing with the consequences downstream (wrong orders, installation issues).

Your product catalogue becomes more complete and well-structured. Every essential detail – measurements, pricing, compatible combinations, production country, material specifications – must be accurate for the configurator to function. This creates a solid digital foundation that benefits the entire organisation.

The configurator initiative becomes a catalyst for broader operational improvements.

The bottom line

Your data is about to become more valuable than ever – because it will directly power your customer experience and sales process.

Yes, there's more to the data story. The data you do find is often duplicated across several systems with slight variations. Which version is authoritative? That becomes clear as you build. As your configurator matures, you'll also add preview and testing layers to ensure weak data quality and data changes don't unexpectedly affect customers. But these are topics for another time.

The key point: you don't need perfect data to start. You need a clear approach that builds the right data as you prove value with customers.

Ready to explore what a Self-service Solution Configurator could do for your business? We offer a two-hour workshop to help you discover the potential value – either remote or in-person. Get in touch!