The product data management (PDM) interface is extremely intuitive. Using CREALIS® PDM does not require programming skills. All content and dependencies of the products to be configured are managed in CREALIS® PDM. Intuitive search masks support the structured view of the data. The product data is represented on a modular basis as parts, packages and configurable models and enriched with technical and commercial properties. Dependencies as well as constraints and exclusions are defined in If-Then rules, constraints (validity tables), procedural and slot rules.

The user interface of the CREALIS® configurators is generated from the data managed in CREALIS® PDM. The product configurator and the PDM are based on the current HTML standards and support the modern web browsers used on all common operating systems and standard devices, including tablets and smartphones.

The use of a wide variety of different data imports makes modelling easier. Each project defines the priority of the data. This relates to more than just the master data such as parts, articles and assemblies, It also means there is an original source for each master data structure required for a configurator. (PIM and CMS supply marketing texts, images and documents. CAD supplies 3D data. ERP supplies master data, properties and prices.) For each of these structures there are defined import structures and process definitions that describe how the data is to be handled. The modelling concepts allow a completely automatic update process for the data from the source systems to the configurator for the purpose of complete process integration. The reference to a model feature, e.g. an article list, includes all articles as possible values. If the list is updated from the data of a higher-level ERP system, the list will also be available in the configurator. When a corresponding attribute model is used, the dependencies update themselves automatically.

Short texts, long texts and information texts are available for configurator questions and answers (features and values) within the models that can be translated for any language (Unicode-compatible). They can be conveniently imported using Excel. Documents and document templates can be adapted to the specific market according to their characteristics. Translatable short texts, long texts and information texts are also available for parts, assemblies and models.

The availability of parts, assemblies and models in the configurator can be controlled in detail using validity periods (commencement and expiration dates) and market restrictions. Both pieces of information can be combined so that, for example, the period of availability in one or more markets can be limited. Prices for parts and assemblies can also have temporal and market validity. The appearance of a configurable product in the product catalogue can also be controlled in detail using validity periods and market restrictions. This enables certain products only to be displayed in selected markets. The text-based and visual characteristics of product catalogue entries can also be adapted to a specific brand.

The model structure and thus the description of the variance of a product can also be controlled in detail in terms of time and market. For example, certain inquiries (features) are only displayed in certain markets or rules can be restricted to certain markets or certain periods of time.

Data maintenance rights can be adapted to the specific market. It is possible to separate master users and market users.