Product Variants
Product variants are the distinct, separately orderable configurations of a base product, each defined by a unique combination of options, features and component selections. Managing the space of valid variants is variant management, a discipline related to but distinct from configuration management.
Why it matters
Confusing the two is the most common CM misunderstanding. Variant management tells you what can be ordered. Configuration management tells you what was built, what changed since and whether the field unit still matches its definition.
Related concepts
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Product Variants.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/product-variants