Advanced Product Configurator
Kevin Veldman (Surestep) went over the basics for configurator: User Input, Document Rules, Method Rules, User Defined Methods, and Configurator Lookup tables.
Surestep is using configurators to drive most of their quote-to-cash process. They make extensive use of C# to customize the job and process as needed including adding additional parts to cover specific needs for different sized products. Using lookup tables, Surestep is able to apply pricing and discounts via the configuration data. PCValues table stores all the configurator inputs, including control information, used during entry. Kevin suggests using UD fields to store important configurator values. Use OnPageLeave to update the UD fields for storing important information. Then you can query the UD fields when needed instead of querying the XML in the PCValues.
Their configurators are integrated with Parttrap for online commerce. 30% of orders require no customer service interaction. Customer are able to configure their own orders speeding order entry and allowing customers to order at their convenience. Using the UD fields, orders that come from Parttrap are processed the same as if someone entered the item directly into Epicor.