Option and Variant
An option is a selectable product feature (e.g., motor size, color, power supply); a variant is the specific product configuration that results from a particular combination of selected options.
Why it matters
Distinguishing options from variants clarifies PLM data modeling — options are managed as modular BOM nodes, while variants are derived instances. Conflating the two leads to BOM proliferation and the "one BOM per variant" anti-pattern.
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Option and Variant.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/option-and-variant