crossbase | Crossbase's configurator module in use at KTM AG

The flexible implementation of the configurator solution with crossbase allowed us to make maximum use of synergies and avoid duplicate data management. The existing XML interface made it possible to export the configurator data, which shortened our development time considerably.

Gernot Leitner
Application Consultant, KTM AG

Mattighofen, 07/07/2015: KTM AG, based in Mattighofen, Austria produces and develops race-ready offroad and street motorcycles. KTM products are distributed to more than 1,700 independent dealers and importers by over 26 sales companies. Since 1995, in addition to KTM brand vehicles, the company has also been manufacturing motorcycles under the HUSABERG brand. Since acquiring the license rights to the HUSQVARNA brand in 2013, these have been sold once again under the name "Husqvarna Motorcycles". "READY TO RACE" – to KTM, these three words are more than just a slogan. They represent the company's whole philosophy: to develop vehicles that hold their ground 100% in any race, straight from the factory. From dealer to circuit – straight into the race and heading for victory.

To supply product information (Bikes, PowerParts, PowerWear, SpareParts) for websites and its Dealernet in country- and brand-specific form (be it KTM, KTM USA or Husqvarna), KTM chose the PIM, MAM and cross-media solution from crossbase. The aim was to create a consistent, central database with easy data maintenance for all markets, media, and communication channels. The configurator module has now been added to the solution to allow users to configure motorcycles on the website, see http://www.ktm.com.

Central functions of the solution

Aim and description of solution

The aim was to allow buyers to configure a bike with their chosen accessories and save the result. The configuration had to be visually attractive and the bike had to be shown photorealistically in the right colour and with the chosen accessories, in three views.

The user interface was created by the agency Kiska GmbH in Salzburg. The data, product information and configuration rules are supplied from crossbase through an XML interface.

Database and export interface

A maintenance structure was added to the database to allow the accessory parts to be organized into categories for each bike model, e.g. packages, protection, performance, comfort, styling, luggage systems and navigation. Packages are identified separately because they need to be considered together with their components. Around 80 referenced accessory parts can be selected per bike using these categories.

As usual, the catalog range of bikes and accessories (PowerParts) for the configurator is defined in an electronic catalog for the export interface. The type of product information to be exported is also defined, e.g. the product name, product photo, product description and country-specific price.

Configuration rules

The configuration of accessories follows certain rules which are defined in a rule set for each bike variant: 'requirement rules' and 'conflict rules'.

Conflict rules state which parts are mutually exclusive. In a simple scenario, part A might exclude part B or alternatively parts B, C and D. In a special scenario the combination of certain parts can be prohibited. Example: A package excludes the selection of its own components, the Ergo seat excludes the Sozius seat.
Requirement rules state that parts require certain other parts. In a simple scenario, part A might require part B or parts B and/or C. In a special scenario several parts (A, B, etc.) might require part C. Example: An alarm system requires a mounting kit, a luggage bag requires a luggage rack.

Around 170 rules are defined for each bike, including approximately 140 conflict rules for around 80 selectable accessories; see images below. The configuration rules are also made available through the XML export interface.