For outdoor structure manufacturers, the decision to integrate a 3D configurator into their sales process can significantly enhance the customer experience and increase sales. However, once the decision to implement a 3D configurator is made, the next crucial choice is whether to develop this technology in-house or to outsource it to an external party with specialized expertise. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of each approach to help manufacturers make an informed decision.
In-House Development
Advantages
Control over the process Building a configurator in-house gives you full control over every aspect of the development process, from the design to the deployment and beyond. This allows for a highly customized solution tailored specifically to your business needs and customer requirements.
Integration with existing systems Having your own team develop the configurator can make it easier to integrate with existing internal systems, as they are already familiar with the architecture and can ensure a seamless integration.
Dedicated support and upgrades In-house development means that your IT team can immediately address any issues or updates needed, potentially reducing downtime and ensuring continuous improvement based on user feedback.
Challenges
Resource intensive Developing a configurator requires significant time, expertise, and financial investment. The need for skilled software developers, who are often in high demand, can lead to high labor costs and resource allocation away from other projects.
Longer time to market The time to design, develop, test, and deploy a configurator can be considerable. This might delay your entry into the market with this new tool, potentially costing sales opportunities.
Maintenance and technology updates Keeping up with the latest technology trends and maintaining the software can be challenging and costly without dedicated resources.
Outsourcing to an external party
Advantages
Expertise and experience Specialized companies bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in building 3D configurators, which can translate to a more sophisticated, user-friendly, and robust product.
Cost-effectiveness While outsourcing involves upfront costs, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. This is due to the external party's ability to scale resources up or down as needed, and their responsibility for maintenance and updates.
Faster deployment External parties often have templates and pre-existing modules that can be customized for your needs, significantly speeding up the development process and allowing quicker market entry.
Challenges
Less control Working with an external party means less control over the development process. While specifications and requirements will guide the development, the process and execution will largely be in the hands of the external team.
Integration issues There might be challenges in integrating the external solution with your existing systems, potentially leading to additional costs or adjustments.
Dependence Relying on an external company for updates and maintenance can create a dependency, which might affect response times and flexibility in making changes.
How partnering with Virtual Sales Lab is best of both worlds
Customization according to the needs of the customer (customer in control) Virtual Sales Lab offers the capability to develop a custom 3D configurator that aligns perfectly with your specific business requirements. Unlike a purely in-house approach, Virtual Sales Lab brings specialized expertise in 3D configurator development, ensuring that the solution is both high in quality and tailored to your unique product offerings.
Seamless integration We handle all aspects of integration for you. By choosing Virtual Sales Lab, you eliminate the common integration headaches associated with both in-house and outsourced solutions. Our team of experts works directly with your existing IT infrastructure to ensure a smooth and seamless integration, allowing your new configurator to work in harmony with your ERP, CRM, and other critical systems.
Quick Go-to-Market with Flexible Adjustments Virtual Sales Lab excels in agility and flexibility, guaranteeing a quick go-to-market for every adjustment or update requested. This responsiveness ensures that you can adapt to market demands or internal changes rapidly, without the typical delays associated with in-house development or some outsourced solutions. Our commitment to flexibility means that as your business grows and evolves, your 3D configurator can too, with minimal downtime and disruption.
No customer lock-in or dependency
Cost-Effectiveness and efficiency Avoid the high initial costs of in-house development and the ongoing expenses of maintaining and updating your configurator.
Making the Decision
When deciding whether to build in-house, outsource, or partner with Virtual Sales Lab, consider how each option aligns with your strategic goals, available resources, and the urgency of your market entry.
Choosing Virtual Sales Lab allows you to leverage our expertise to develop a customized, integrated, and flexible 3D configurator solution that enhances your customer’s experience and optimizes your sales process. With our support, you can focus more on your core business activities while we ensure your configurator meets the highest standards of performance and customer satisfaction.
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