Personalization is the key to a happy customer. Studies show that 71% of consumers are frustrated at some level since their shopping experience is so impersonal. Easy enough to say, but can customization on a mass scale be achieved? Personalization is not a new conversation - it’s been the promise ever since the dot com revolution - but its time has come now that manufacturing technologies have finally caught up with product configurators.
There are four main ways that customization can be handled:
- Adaptive customization: Using standardized products to accommodate many uses such as Phillips light bulbs. Here, customers can adjust color, brightness, and change how lights are controlled.
- Transparent customization: Where manufacturing is able to use customer data. This is often seen in the beauty, hair, and skin products industry, formulated for each customer.
- Cosmetic customization: Nike is a great example, where there is a standard style and size of shoe, customizing colors and finishes.
- Collaborative customization: This is the highest and most advanced level. One example is Sheffer Cylinder Configurator, where customers can work directly with their engineering.
Infographic by: partsolutions
