Alina Egelhofer: The 3D configurator makes our complex products tangible for our customers.

We already had an online configurator for our ACD products on our website. However, we had reached our limits when it came to maintaining and implementing the countless configuration options. In addition to wanting to be up to date again, our main goal was to give our customers the ability to configure our mobile workstation solutions in a realistic and individualized way – visually, intuitively, and online.

The most important aspect for us was an intuitive user experience – meaning an easy configuration of the individual mobile workstation and a realistic 3D visualization. The ability to generate a PDF parts list for easy further processing is also particularly helpful. And the integration of the AR function was the cherry on top, making the product even more tangible for our customers.

We were able to use the configurator live for the first time at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart. Our trade fair team was thrilled: customers could view the mobile workstation — especially the countless attachments and accessories that we couldn’t physically display at the booth — directly in 3D, try out different variants, and ask questions on the spot. The interface was extremely user-friendly and was very well received by visitors.

The PDF parts list is a real asset for our internal sales team, as it greatly simplifies the quotation and order processing. Our field sales team also actively uses the configurator during customer visits. This allows us to present the product in a realistic way without needing to bring along a complete mobile workstation physically. It makes consultations significantly more efficient.

The collaboration with Roomle was consistently positive – especially in terms of support and communication. The biggest challenge was definitely the quality of the data and the complexity of our configuration variants. However, this was approached in a very solution-oriented way. Even after the go-live, the Roomle team continues to support us intensively – especially through a training package that is currently very helpful for us.

We are currently working on expanding and optimizing the configurator for the MAX Black Edition. After that, we plan to implement an online configurator for our M2Smart® HMI family – which enables wireless and secure machine operation. In the long term, we are evaluating how to integrate other product lines such as mobile handheld computers, wearable scanners, or vehicle mount terminals.

imply have the courage to take the step. It’s important to start with a clear goal and keep the end user in mind. We found a partner in Roomle who supported us in the best possible way – both professionally and personally. And we are very happy with the result.

“The configurator not only streamlines our internal processes – it also makes our products visually tangible and provides a modern, interactive experience.”
— Alina Egelhofer, Head of Marketing & Communications, ACD Elektronik GmbH

Anni, thank you for taking the time for this interview. You were involved in the technical implementation of the 3D configurator for ACD Elektronik. What were the biggest challenges in this highly modular project?

Anni: The configurator itself was actually relatively simple in structure. The biggest challenge lay in the 3D models. ACD’s workstation systems are very detailed and complex. We had to invest a lot of time in optimizing the models — especially the textures — to ensure everything looked good and ran smoothly across all devices. The greatest effort was coordinating with ACD to make sure the supplied models were suitable for real-time applications.

How did you handle the variant logic, and how did you ensure a good user experience despite the complexity?

Anni: ACD provided us with an Excel sheet that clearly mapped out the entire logic — meaning which parts could be combined with which options. That was extremely helpful and prevented a lot of misunderstandings from the start. UX/UI designs were mainly delivered via a Miro board, primarily by Tanja. This gave us visual guidelines, which we discussed directly with ACD and translated into an intuitive and uncluttered implementation.

What technical requirements did ACD have in terms of performance and visualization?

Anni: The most important requirement was that the 3D models had to be optimized. Initially, we received CAD files, which were far too complex for real-time rendering. These often contain invisible internal components that aren’t necessary. So we heavily simplified the models — removing screws that wouldn’t be visible anyway, and reducing the polygon count. ACD typically uses metallic surfaces, which we were able to represent using our own material library. When needed, we collaborated with our external partner WM Motor to convert CAD or 2D drawings into optimized models.

What learnings or best practices did you take from this project?

Anni: A key takeaway from the ACD Elektronik project was that we mainly worked with the marketing team — not with technical contacts.
This required a different kind of communication: rather than deep technical workshops, we adopted a more agile, needs-based support approach. We answered specific questions as they came up, explained technical concepts in a clear and accessible way, and developed practical solutions together.

This approach turned out to be much more efficient — and it brought valuable learnings not only to the client but also to our support team. As a result, we’ve continued developing the Roomle Academy and adapted our training materials more closely to the needs of marketing and e-commerce teams.

Was there a moment in the project when everything suddenly “clicked”?

Anni: Yes, definitely. A big “aha” moment for our entire team was when ACD provided us with an Excel sheet containing their complete product logic. The structure was so clear and well-organized that we could immediately start scripting — without any need for clarification or interpretation.

In previous projects, this kind of information was often shared via Miro boards or in many small coordination steps, which required significantly more time and effort. Thanks to this structured document, we were able to fully understand the product logic right away and translate it directly into the configurator.

This input from ACD was not only incredibly helpful but also so valuable that we now plan to use a standardized template in future projects to make the onboarding process more efficient and transparent for both sides.

Looking back, what are you most proud of?

Anni: I’m proud of how we managed the complexity. Despite the wide range of parameters and options, the configurator runs smoothly, and the models look great — without any performance issues. That’s the result of a lot of attention to detail and great teamwork.

In conclusion, the collaboration with ACD Elektronik was extremely insightful and successful for both sides. We look forward to continuing our partnership and developing more innovative configurator projects.

Thank you for the great insights, Anni!