Kundenversion

Kundenversion is a term used in German-speaking industry to denote a version of a product that is tailored to a specific customer's requirements. It is commonly used for software, hardware, and systems integration projects. A Kundenversion differs from a standard, off-the-shelf release in scope and configuration, often involving added features, modified interfaces, or restricted functionality, and it is usually produced under a contract with the customer.

The development of a Kundenversion typically follows a defined process: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and formal acceptance, followed by deployment and ongoing maintenance. Because the changes are customer-specific, version control and upgrade strategies must explicitly address compatibility with future releases, which can complicate maintenance and increase risk.

In practice, Kundenversiones are common in enterprise software such as ERP or CRM systems, where business processes or data models must be aligned with a customer’s workflows. They are also seen in embedded hardware or devices where a variant is produced to meet regulatory, market, or partner requirements. Costs for a Kundenversion are generally higher, and delivery times longer, than for standard products.

The term emphasizes customization for a single client rather than a mass market release. In English-language contexts, equivalents include custom version or customer-specific version; in German, alternatives include kundenspezifische Version or Kundenanpassung depending on context.