igus Configurator Platform
Development of a platform for creating online configurators
Over the years, a variety of online tools and configurators were to be developed on a software platform. The goal of these tools is to advise, configure, and sell products and product systems. The resulting technical drawings are used in the factory's production process.
Implementing configurators for customizing igus products is very complex. With dynabase, we have a powerful, loyal, and open partner by our side to tackle this challenge together. dynabase significantly contributes to the success of our product configurators and the digitalization of igus.
THE WHOLE STORY
In 2017, we developed a prototype for our client igus GmbH for configuring linear motion systems. The goal was to replace the previous generation based on Flash and simultaneously build a platform to develop and operate additional configurators.
Over the years, we, together with igus, built this platform. Today, more than 30 different online tools and configurators are operated on it by an agile international development team.
We incorporated the following expertise into this setup:
- Introduction of SCRUM
- Microservice Architecture
- Angular, Express / NestJS
- 2D configuration in the browser
- Machine Learning / Heuristic Search Algorithms
- DevOps / Jenkins / NX
- AWS Cloud Operations
- Generation of technical drawings (PDF) for factory assembly
Frank Blase, the owner of igus GmbH, had the vision that an igus product is only truly an igus product when it can be configured online. We are proud to be significantly involved in the success of this inspiring vision.
Highlights
Over the years, the first configurator was continuously improved. It follows the classic Finder+CPQ (Configure Price Quote) approach but also provides a lifespan calculation. This allows users to calculate the runtime they can expect under the load of their forces.
This configurator, referred to as an 'Expert,' also follows the Finder+CPQ approach and includes a lifespan calculation. However, it can be considered the big brother because of its significantly greater complexity.
It uses ML (Machine Learning) to accelerate the search for suitable products. Additionally, it has a 2D configurator for the interior division of energy chains. This interior division can also be automated by AI if necessary. At the end of a configuration, all data is converted into technical drawings used for factory assembly, greatly benefiting production.
Technologies
Activities
RESUME
The technical and cultural challenges in building such a platform and its associated development department are enormous. Thanks to our strong technological expertise and agile DNA, we could ensure sustained success for our customer igus.
From 2017 to 2023, igus increased its revenue from 670 million to 1.115 billion in the same period.
We have infused our experience and culture into the company, empowering igus to take control and look to the future with confidence.
