In today’s competitive market, customers expect speed, flexibility, and accuracy when personalizing products. Configure-to-Order (CTO) meets this need by allowing customers to select from predefined components, combining the efficiency of mass production with the flexibility of customization. 

However, as options grow into millions and rules become increasingly complex, traditional methods fall short. For our clients, AAXIS implemented a custom CTO solution that eliminates SKU explosion, ensures sub-second response times, and delivers only valid configurations to the cart. 

The Challenge: SKU Explosion 

Take a computer manufacturer as an example. Start with two processors—Intel and AMD. Add two memory sizes and two drive options, and you need 8 SKUs to cover all combinations. Now scale to 6 processors, 4 memory sizes, 4 drive options, 3 network cards, and 10 more customizable features—you’re looking at over 2 million SKUs for just one product. 

This is SKU explosion: the exponential growth of SKUs as options increase. The problem is compounded by rules like technical compatibility (e.g. Certain amount memory is dependent on the type of CPU), marketing restrictions, and regulatory compliance, which vary by country and user. Managing these complexities with traditional methods becomes a nightmare. 

The Solution 

We approached the problem differently: instead of predefining every combination as a SKU, we treated each option as its own SKU and grouped them into customizable “groups”—each group representing a computer. This turned the problem from a multiplicative domain to an additive one. 

For instance, instead of 2 million SKUs, this method reduced the total to under 100, one for each individual option. Compatibility tables ensured valid configurations by defining which components could work together. For example, Intel paired only with certain memory sizes, rejecting invalid selections automatically. 

To meet our clients’ demand for sub-second response times, we optimized performance by moving compatibility checks to the front end JavaScript, sending only relevant rules and data. This required a great deal of clever thinking and serious engineering to ensure it worked seamlessly and efficiently. 

I was personally involved in the architecture and even coded the proof of concept. From there, our talented architects and developers pushed the boundaries even further, fine-tuning and optimizing until we nailed it. This JavaScript running client-side approach, supported by a carefully optimized architecture, delivered a lightning-fast, native-app-like experience. This also had the added benefit of rules defined in common language running Server and Client side (Isomorphic code) greatly helping with maintenance.  

The Benefits 

This solution delivered significant value to our clients: 

1. Blazing Performance: Sub-second response times exceeded expectations and provided a smooth, app-like user experience. 
2. Scalability Without Complexity: Eliminated millions of SKUs while remaining scalable for future needs. 
3. Flexibility: Easy updates to rules and options enabled rapid adaptation to new product lines. 
4. Accurate Configurations: Reduced errors and complaints by ensuring only valid options were presented. 
5. Competitive Edge: Delivered a fast, intuitive solution, surpassing competitors’ slower systems. 
6. One Isomorphic JavaScript code running on Client and Server side. 

Applications Beyond Laptops 

At AAXIS, we’ve applied similar design patterns to many different types of retailers : 

• Eyewear Retailer: Configured glasses by enforcing prescription and compatibility rules. Our CTO, Rajeev Hans, reimagined the architecture and implemented dynamic rules. This innovation eliminated the need for extensive compatibility tables, replacing them with concise conditional snippets that elegantly handled restrictions in real time. 

• Telecom Provider: Bundled broadband, TV, and phone services while managing complex regional and promotional rules. 

• Conference Organizer: Simplified showroom layouts by enforcing space and logistical constraints. 

Whether you’re managing physical products, digital services, or event logistics, this architecture ensures speed, accuracy, and scalability, making it a game-changer for businesses. 

Let’s Talk 

At AAXIS, we specialize in creating solutions tailored to your unique needs. If an off-the-shelf approach works, we’ll implement it efficiently. But when your needs go beyond the box, we’re ready to think creatively and deliver exactly what’s required. With our expertise, we tackle challenges head-on to achieve transformative results.  

Have a complex problem and not sure where to start? Contact us today to explore how we can help.