Choosing the right product configurator: SaaS, open-source, or custom-built?

A product configurator can transform your business—streamlining sales, automating quotes, and improving the customer experience. But selecting the right type of configurator depends on your goals, product complexity, IT capabilities, and the systems you need to integrate with. This guide compares the four most common approaches: SaaS platforms, open-source systems, custom-built solutions, and CAD-based configurator modules.

SaaS platforms (Software as a Service)

SaaS configurators such as Variantic, ARLITY, ShapeDiver, KBMax (Epicor CPQ), or Threekit are ready-to-use subscription-based platforms. They run entirely in the browser—no installation or infrastructure required. Depending on the vendor, these tools range from simple visual configurators to advanced CPQ engines with ERP and CRM integrations.

Key advantages:

• Quick implementation (from days to weeks),
• No development team required,
• No-code product editor (e.g. Variantic),
• Regular updates and technical support,
• API integration with ERP, CRM, and e-commerce platforms,
• Works across all devices, including mobile
  

Potential drawbacks:

• Limited access to backend or source code customization,
• Dependent on provider’s development roadmap,
• Recurring subscription fees.

SaaS is an excellent choice for companies looking for a fast, scalable solution that doesn’t require custom development. Platforms like Variantic offer no-code configurator creation and rapid deployment.

Open-source configurators

Open-source tools allow full control over the codebase and can be customized extensively. Examples include e-commerce plugins (e.g. WooCommerce Product Configurator) and frameworks like Three.js for 3D rendering.

Key advantages:

• Full access to source code,
• Unlimited customization potential,
• No licensing fees.

Challenges:

• Long implementation time,
• Requires experienced developers or IT agencies,
• No guaranteed support or updates,
• You’re responsible for hosting, security, and maintenance.

Open-source configurators work best for tech-savvy teams that need a high degree of customization and control—and are willing to take on the responsibilities of development and maintenance.

Custom-built configurators

Custom solutions are developed from the ground up to match a company’s specific product structure and internal workflows. These can be built using frameworks or created entirely from scratch.

Key advantages:

• Tailored exactly to your products, rules, and sales processes,
• Full control over logic, visuals, and UX,
• Deep integration with existing systems like ERP, PLM, or CAM.

Challenges:

• High development and long-term maintenance costs,
• Implementation may take several months or more,
• Dependency on a chosen development partner,
• Greater risk of delays or scope creep.
  

Custom-built configurators are suited to large manufacturers or highly specialized businesses where standard tools simply don’t fit the requirements.

CAD-integrated configurator modules (e.g. IMOS, SolidWorks, TopSolid)

Some configurators are tightly integrated with CAD/CAM platforms like TopSolid, IMOS, SolidWorks Configurator, or Autodesk Inventor iLogic. These are designed for manufacturers with complex engineering processes.

Key advantages:

• Highly precise technical configurations,
• Direct link to production drawings and documentation,
• CNC-ready output files,
• Seamless integration with the CAD design workflow.

Challenges:

• High costs of full CAD/CAM system implementation,
• Requires expert-level users and IT support,
• Long onboarding time due to system complexity,
• Must manage infrastructure (servers, licensing, backups),
• Lacks web interface for non-technical users,
• Difficult integration with e-commerce and CRM systems.
  

CAD-based configurators are most appropriate for large production environments where technical accuracy and end-to-end automation are mission-critical.

How to choose the best solution for your business

Choosing the right configurator requires evaluating the following factors:

• Product complexity: The more rules and variants you have, the more flexibility the tool must provide.
• Budget: SaaS is cost-effective and predictable. Custom solutions demand larger investment.
• Implementation timeline: SaaS is fast to deploy. Open-source and custom tools require more time.
• Technical resources: No internal dev team? Opt for a supported, hosted platform.
• Integration needs: Ensure the configurator can communicate with your ERP, CRM, and e-commerce stack.

There’s no universal answer—each approach has its place. For most companies, SaaS offers the best balance of speed, affordability, and features. Open-source tools appeal to engineering-focused teams with custom requirements. Fully bespoke configurators are ideal when your product or process can’t be modeled using existing solutions.

If you’re looking for a versatile, ready-to-use platform for building modern 3D configurators—without writing code—explore what Variantic has to offer.