A product configurator will allow you to create innovative, personalized solutions that meet customer requirements and set your company apart from the competition. Learn how much this powerful tool can bring to your business!
What is a product configurator?
A product configurator is a tool that allows buyers to customize what they want to purchase from you according to their tastes and preferences, from A to Z. With it, your customers can independently choose colors, patterns, types of paper, logos, texts, and other packaging elements. The configurator not only provides them with complete freedom in designing but also enables them to visualize the outcome in real-time.
The packaging industry and technological trends
The sustainability trend unquestionably drives innovations in the packaging industry. Currently, the focus is primarily on creating biodegradable and compostable packaging. Companies worldwide are striving to reduce waste by using lighter and more environmentally friendly materials as well as innovative packaging designs.
However, in 2023, it appears that we are getting closer to the development of so-called "smart packaging." What does this actually mean? Their functionality is significantly enhanced through easy integration of technology. This paints a future where sensors monitor the contents of packaging, and QR codes record their history.
An example of a company actively engaging in sustainable development in the packaging industry is zapakuj.to. They not only produce packaging from biodegradable materials but also continuously educate readers through their eco-friendly blog and participate in various "green" initiatives.
E-commerce and Personalization
The rapid growth of e-commerce has also necessitated numerous innovations. Today, we increasingly see durable and tamper-proof packaging tailored to the specific needs of e-commerce.
At the heart of this transformative era is personalization. Packaging has become a canvas for custom designs, personalized messages, and materials that reflect the tastes and preferences of users.
Which packaging elements can be personalized?
- Color. Customers can choose colors that best represent the character of their products.
- Pattern. The option to select different patterns or even design their own.
- Type of paper. Customizing the material to match the content and aesthetics of the packaging.
- Logo. Emphasizing the customer's brand on the packaging.
- Text. Personalizing content, such as advertising slogans, product information, or special instructions.
- Tape. Choosing the type and color of tape that will perfectly complement the packaging.
How can a product creator improve the packaging design process?
- Human factor elimination. The configurator allows customers to design independently, eliminating errors resulting from inaccurate communication.
- Shortening production time. Thanks to the automation of the design and product approval process, it proceeds much faster than with traditional methods.
- Real-time visualization. Customers see the results of their design in real-time, making them more engaged.
- 24/7 accessibility. Buyers can use the configurator at any time of day or night.
- Adaptation to different seasons. The configurator allows your customers to customize packaging for various occasions, such as holidays or seasonal promotions.
- Personalization. Customers can also design packaging for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.
- Preference analysis. You can collect data on customer preferences, helping you tailor your offerings to their needs.
Key Features of the Packaging Configurator
- Selection from various types and sizes of packaging.
- Customization of colors, patterns, logos, and text.
- Matching the type of paper or other material to the type of product.
- Adding tapes, ribbons, closures, and other decorative elements.
- 3D visualization - customers can see their design in three dimensions
- Ability to calculate costs and adjust the project to the budget.
- Integration with the ordering system - easy transition from design to purchase.
Can the product configurator fully automate the entire process?
The configurator is integrated into many areas. As a result, it can virtually completely automate the packaging design and production process. This means that many activities that previously required human intervention can now take place automatically.
The tool can collect all the necessary guidelines from the customer and create a complete packaging configuration based on these. Forget about errors that result from a simple misunderstanding between employee and buyer!
The next step is to generate a preview and approval of the design by the customer. The configurator creates a visualisation of the packaging, which the buyer can carefully inspect and accept.
Taking care of the entire order process
However, this is not all. The configurator is able to coordinate the entire order process - from receipt through payment and invoicing to the transfer of guidelines to the production line.
How does it work? As soon as an order is paid for, the software automatically transmits all the necessary information to the production line.
What's more, the configurator is able to send a signal that the order is ready not only for production. It can also inform the customer itself, as well as the courier company, in order to deliver the packages within the agreed timeframe.
Do you see what a powerful tool the configurator is? Not only does it streamline the entire design process - it also saves valuable time and human resources. All this translates into efficiency and satisfaction: for both customers and your team.
Benefits of the configurator
By implementing the product configurator in your company, you can reap many benefits:
- High level of product personalisation. Your customers can create unique packaging tailored to their needs.
- Increased customer engagement. Buyers will be more involved in the design and, as a result, more loyal to the company.
- Adaptation to market trends. You can respond quickly to changing customer preferences.
- Optimising the order process. Automating the order process will save you time and resources.
- Analysis of customer preferences. Data extracted from the configurator will help you better understand your buyers' needs.
Analyse customer data
The use of the product configurator also allows for the analysis of customer behaviour data.
- Personalisation preferences - which elements do they configure most often?
- Frequency of wizard use - how often do they design packaging?
- Analysis of time spent on configuration - how long do they work on their designs?
- Conversion rate - how many of the submitted designs go on to order
- Geolocation - where are your customers located?
- Shopping basket analysis - what prompted the buyer to abandon the purchase?
With this data, you can refine your configurator, adapt your offer and marketing communications and keep abandoned baskets to a minimum.
Configurator - the future of the packaging industry
The product configurator is a milestone in the development of packaging production. It allows you to customise your offerings, reduce production time and involve buyers in the entire design process.
Webmakers are experts in building advanced packaging configurators - we'll help you position yourself at the forefront of the market. Contact us for more details - let us see how we can help your business!
