Configurix glossary
What is a pergola configurator?
A pergola configurator is software that turns a pergola catalogue into guided product choices. Users change dimensions, roof systems, finishes and accessories while a 3D model—and, when included, the price and project record—updates with those selections.
Definition in one sentence
A pergola configurator combines a controlled product catalogue, configuration rules and a visual model so customers and sales teams can define an approved pergola without redrawing it from the beginning.
System anatomy
Six layers make a configurator useful.
A realistic 3D model is only one layer. A sales-ready implementation also needs to explain what may be configured, how choices interact, which prices apply and what information continues after the customer saves or submits the design.
Product catalogue
Systems, structures, roof types, profiles, finishes, closures, comfort options and regional availability.
Configuration rules
Size limits, increments, dependencies, exclusions, structural layouts and combinations that need review.
3D visualization
A product model that updates when dimensions, materials and compatible components change.
Pricing logic
Price lists, formulas, margin, labour, delivery, installation, tax, currency and controlled discounts.
Customer and project output
Saved configurations, enquiries, estimates, quotes, approvals, drawings and scoped order data.
Users and workflow
Different experiences and permissions for customers, salespeople, dealers, surveyors and operations teams.
How it works
From catalogue data to a saved project.
The quality of the output depends on the quality and governance of the product data behind it. Each layer should have a clear owner and an acceptance test.
- 01
Model the product families
Create the approved structures and parametric geometry for bioclimatic, retractable, fixed, wall-mounted, freestanding, multi-bay or wood systems included in scope.
- 02
Encode permitted choices
Define size limits, increments, post positions, roof zones, finishes, closures, motors, sensors, lighting, heating and the dependencies between them.
- 03
Connect commercial rules
Map price lists or formulas, cost and margin controls, tax, installation, delivery, discounts, currencies and market-specific availability where required.
- 04
Design each user journey
Decide which choices and prices a homeowner, salesperson, dealer or administrator may see and change, and which actions require login or approval.
- 05
Validate representative projects
Test normal, boundary and invalid configurations against approved examples. Validate any quote, BOM, drawing, CRM or order output separately.
Configurator, simulator, CAD and CPQ
Similar words. Different depth.
Vendors may use these terms differently. Compare the actual working system and the data retained after selection instead of relying on the label alone.
| Tool type | Primary purpose | Typical user action | Important question |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D simulator | Visual exploration | Change appearance or scene options | Are catalog rules and product data retained? |
| Product configurator | Guided valid selection | Choose permitted dimensions and options | Which constraints and dependencies are encoded? |
| CPQ | Commercial configuration and quote | Calculate a controlled price and proposal | Which price, approval and document rules are included? |
| CAD / 3D modeler | Open-ended design and documentation | Create or edit geometry | How does the model connect to catalog and commercial data? |
Key terminology
The words behind a pergola configuration.
- Bioclimatic pergola
- An aluminium pergola whose rotating louvers regulate sun, ventilation and rain protection. Configurable details may include roof zones, blade direction, drainage, motors and sensors.
- Product rule
- A constraint or dependency that governs a valid choice—for example a maximum projection, a screen available only below a certain width or a motor required for a roof type.
- Parametric model
- A model driven by values such as width, projection, height, bay count and profile selection rather than a separate fixed model for every possible size.
- CPQ
- Configure, Price, Quote: the commercial process that turns permitted product choices into an approved price and customer-facing proposal.
- Price formula
- A calculation that derives a value from selected quantities or attributes, such as price per square metre, linear metre, module, accessory or installation condition.
- Bill of materials
- A structured list of components and quantities required by an approved configuration. It must be mapped and validated separately from the visual scene.
- White label
- A customer-facing or dealer-facing experience presented with the seller's approved brand, domain, language and document templates.
- AR preview
- An augmented-reality view that places a supported 3D product in a camera scene. Device support, scale validation and available product options should be tested explicitly.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers before implementation.
- What is a pergola configurator?
- A pergola configurator is software that guides a user through the permitted dimensions, roof systems, finishes, closures and accessories of a pergola catalog while updating a visual product model. When commercial rules are included, the same configuration can also drive a price, lead record, quote or order-related output.
- How is a pergola configurator different from CAD software?
- CAD and general 3D modeling tools let a user create or edit geometry freely. A product configurator presents a controlled set of catalog choices and applies defined rules between them. CAD is valuable for product development and unusual projects; a configurator is valuable when many users repeatedly sell approved variants of the same product families.
- Does every pergola configurator include live pricing?
- No. Some tools only visualize options. Live pricing requires maintained price lists or formulas, option dependencies, labour and installation rules, tax treatment, discounts, currencies and user permissions. Confirm the exact calculation scope against a working build and sample quote.
- Can customers use a pergola configurator on a website?
- Yes, when the implementation includes a customer-facing web experience. The public version may expose a simpler selection and lead journey than the internal salesperson or dealer version. Branding, available prices, languages, login requirements and submitted data should be defined by market and audience.
- What pergola systems can be configured?
- A configurator can represent bioclimatic louvered pergolas, retractable roofs, fixed roofs, fabric canopies, wall-mounted structures, freestanding structures, multi-bay systems and wood pergolas when the required models, size limits, option rules and commercial data are supplied and accepted into scope.
- Can a pergola configurator generate a bill of materials?
- It can when the product model maps each permitted configuration to the required components, quantities and rules. A bill of materials is a separate implementation deliverable from a visual configurator and should be validated against approved technical examples before production use.
- Is a 3D pergola simulator the same as a configurator?
- The terms are often used interchangeably, but they can describe different depth. A simulator may only change the visual appearance. A configurator usually implies catalog choices and compatibility logic. CPQ adds commercial configuration, price calculation and quote output. Ask what data remains connected after the visual selection.
See the definition working
Configure one of your real pergola systems.
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