🗒️[Glossary] Subtractive configuration
There are basically three different methods for creating a product variant:
Subtractive configuration / superset configuration
Subtractive configuration is based on the definition of a maximum solution. This is a maximum configuration of the product that contains all of the possible options. This is also referred to as a 150% solution (see also 150% parts list) or superset configuration.
A specific product variant is created by deleting (subtracting) all options from this maximum configuration that are not required.
Under certain circumstances, it may not even be possible to build the maximum configuration because the various options it contains may be mutually exclusive.
Examples
Cars
(with/without sunroof, with seats in leather or alcantrara, sport or normal brake)
Office desks
(optional height adjustment, table top white/grey/wood, with/without cable tray)
Note: Some products can be modelled with different configuration types alternatively. A PC, for example, could be configured using either subtractive or additive configuration.