A Historical Perspective on the Development of Knowledge-Based Product Configuration Systems in Germany from 1985 to 2000: Domain-Independent Hybrid Configuration Tools

This article provides an overview of the evolution of knowledge-based configuration systems in Germany from the 1980s to the early 2000s. It traces the development from an expert system such as PLAKON and its variant μ PLAKON, to more advanced hybrid and modular configurators such as KONWERK, the SAP Variant Configurator, or EngCon. Emphasizing foundational methodologies, key technological innovations, and notable applications, the paper highlights how these systems evolved and shaped the modern landscape of product configuration in industry. The discussion also reflects the shift from purely rule-based approaches to logic-based, declarative approaches such as constraint and ontology-driven systems, illustrating the progression towards more flexible and maintainable configuration solutions. Finally, we will discuss the influence on and relationship to currently ongoing developments.