Chandra Shekar - ABB's Product Owner - is helping ABB Smart Power craft targeted digital tools for customers. We find out how his work on the new ABB Application Configurator is helping customers generate bill of materials faster for their projects.
What is ABB's Application Configurator?
Designing an electrical system can be complex, time-consuming, and filled with potential errors. ABB’s Application Configurator is here to change that. This powerful web-based tool streamlines electrical design, accelerates configuration, and ensures optimal product selection— all in just a few minutes. Whether you’re working on motor starting and protection or EV charging infrastructure, this intuitive tool helps you design, configure, and order components effortlessly. Simply input your specifications, generate an architecture diagram, refine your selections, and in one click, receive a complete bill of materials and relevant documentation.
How does the Application Configurator save people time?
Navigating endless datasheets and product catalogs is tedious. Often, you already know what you need but struggle to quickly pinpoint the right components among thousands of options. With ABB’s Application Configurator, you can generate a complete bill of materials in minutes instead of hours.
With a guided selection process, it reduces complexity and eliminate errors. You also no longer need to flip through catalogs: the tool just suggests the optimal configuration based on ABB’s portfolio.From selecting the right circuit breaker for an EV charger to choosing control and protection devices for an LV motor, this tool streamlines the entire process—no guesswork required.
How does it improve productivity for engineers?
Time spent learning new software is time away from engineering. The Application Configurator is built for seamless integration into workflows. With user-friendly interface designed for both beginners and experts, navigation is quick and easy.
The Configurator is also integrated with other ABB digital tools, such as: SOC (Selected Optimized Coordination) for motor configuration tables; breaker selectivity tables for precise compatibility; master data for instant access to technical specifications; and E-Configure devices for hassle-free accessory configuration.
With an interface that guides you through the process, you can just focus on delivering for customers.
How can engineers make better choices, faster?
ABB’s portfolio includes hundreds of thousands of products and configurations. Finding the best fit for design can be overwhelming—but not with the Application Configurator. It automatically selects the right products for specific applications and helps users choose accessories and complementary components, such as Emergency stop push buttons; Interface relays; Pilot lights; and Voltage monitoring relays.
It suggests multiple solutions, allowing users to compare alternatives and make the best choice based on specifications, availability, and performance. No more second-guessing—just precise, optimized configurations at your fingertips.
How can the tool speed up delivery times?
Avoid supply chain delays and reduce the risk of selecting incompatible components. The Application Configurator does more than just pick products—it optimizes based on life-cycle of the products. The tool automatically suggests core products based on its users with alternative options when certain products are unavailable and eliminates long wait times for out-of-stock items by offering in-stock alternatives.
With ABB’s industry-leading expertise, the tool ensures the users design aligns with best practices and is tailored to their specific sector’s needs.
How much does Application Configurator cost?
The Application Configurator is free for anyone to use—whether you’re an existing ABB customer or new to ABB solutions. Simply create an account, input your project details, and start configuring your applications immediately. No prior ABB relationship is required and there is no cost.