Configuration rules are applied to each new configuration variant that you select in the Define new configurations or choose between existing configurations.dialog box. Configuration rules ensure that item numbers that do not have any logical links are not selected incorrectly. They also make it easier to define configurations, because an item number that is directly linked to another item number is automatically selected as a connected unit in system transactions.

Existing configurations are not affected by subsequent changes to the configuration rules. It is important, however, to set the rules before you define a new configuration, or to check them if you think the rules have been changed.

You can use configuration rules to direct a configuration group and item number to automatically select an associated item number in another configuration group, or you can use them to prohibit a configuration group and item number from selecting a particular item number in another configuration group.