Parametric modeling allows for the rapid development of quote configurations for cabinets, cases, and molding. In general, a base model configuration is created to represent the basic build structure of an end item. For example, a three-dimensional cabinet may vary by its width, height, and depth for each customer order. Since each order may vary slightly in one or all dimensions, it is desirable to translate the changes in the overall base dimensions to the material requirements that comprise the cabinet such as board stock, cut panels, hardware, molding, etc. Using parametric modeling, the mathematical relationships between these dimensions is taken into account so the material requirements calculations for a custom job are performed automatically. Most custom jobs will still need some final adjusting and review, but the parametric model gets the designer/planner to an approximate configuration much faster than if the quote had been worked up by hand. 

            Due to the rich dimensional inventory functionality in Catalyst, shop orders and inventory can be created and tracked that relates to the dimensions of the product. For example, if Catalyst calculates that you need to produce 30 front door panels that measure 2’ x 3’, Catalyst will let you create a shop order specifying those dimensions as well as track the inventory for that particular size. With dimensional inventory, however, you do not need separate item numbers for parts that are identical in all respects except dimension. It is only necessary to create a single item and then refer to the dimension codes accordingly. This feature saves time in data maintenance and results in improved data integrity.