Sales Configurator Information Systems Design Theory

We look for means to advance the field of configuration systems via research that is performed rigorously and methodologically with the aim of theory creation. Specifically, we explore the use of Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT) as a framework for defining a design science theory for sales configurator construction. ISDT is the primary output of Design Science research that “shows the principles inherent in the design of an IS artifact that accomplishes some end, based on knowledge of both IT and human behavior”. The components of ISDT include purpose and scope, constructs, principles of form and function, artifact mutability, testable propositions, and justificatory knowledge. Generalizing from the novel principles of our earlier work applied in the construction of a sales configuration system called WeCoTin, we present the Sales Configurator Information Systems Design Theory SCISDT. SCISDT aims to support development of generic configurators (aka configuration toolkits) that enable the creation of configurator instantiations for individual companies or product lines to provide choice navigation capability.