ConfiguraThu, Sep 11, '252 min read

Unlock the Full Potential of CIL

In a recent webinar hosted by Rob Detrick, Product Manager for Commercial Interiors at Configura, we explored how manufacturers can better leverage the Commercial Interiors Library (CIL)—and how to communicate its value clearly to customers.

What Is CIL?

CIL stands for Commercial Interiors Library—a robust catalog of standardized product data and symbols, used by thousands of designers and salespeople every day. If your data is in CIL, it’s available inside Spec, CET, AutoCAD, and Workspace, and is downloadable through Notify.

Being in CIL means:

Your products are visible and searchable alongside 200+ other brands
Designers can place accurate 2D/3D symbols into drawings
Pricing, options, and configurations can be carried through to BOMs
You don't need your own CET Extension for users to specify your products

Why Customer Communication Is Critical

The most common confusion? Saying “We’re in CET” when you’re really in CIL for CET.

💡 That may sound like a small difference, but to the end user, it can mean a frustrating search on the Marketplace for an extension that doesn’t exist.

Team in Discussion

How to Talk About Your CIL Presence

Here are a few best practices to make your CIL presence more visible and useful to your customers:

1. Use Clear, Specific Language

Instead of:

“We’re now live in CET!”

Try:

“Our products are available in the Commercial Interiors Library for CET and Spec. If you have access to CIL, you can browse, place, and specify our full line of products.”

2. Update Your Website

Create a dedicated “CET & Spec Access” page with:

A link to Notify
Instructions on how to find your catalog in CIL
A quick explanation of what CIL is and why it matters

Bonus points if you include screenshots or a short video walkthrough.

3. Train your reps

Make sure your internal team and dealer reps know how to explain where your data lives, how to access it, and why it matters. A consistent message helps reduce confusion.

4. Use the right channels

Post updates on LinkedIn, send an email campaign, or mention CIL access in your line sheets and digital sell sheets. Some recent success stories saw a 200% increase in downloads just by being clear and intentional with their messaging.

CIL for CAD

Help Your Users Help You

Designers are busy. They need quick access to accurate data, clean 2D/3D symbols, and pricing that won’t break when exported. The more clearly you communicate where your data lives and how to use it, the more likely your products will be specified and sold.

Remember: if it’s hard to find or understand, users will move on to something else.

Quick Checklist

You’re in CIL — great! Now make sure people know how to find you.
Avoid vague phrasing like “we’re in CET” unless you have a dedicated extension.
Use consistent, clear messaging across your channels.
Equip your reps and dealers with the right language.
Keep your data updated so users can trust it.

If you’d like a deeper dive into how CIL works, why it matters across the full specification process, and what best practices other manufacturers are using, you can watch the full webinar replay.

Need help crafting your CIL messaging? Your Configura account executive can walk you through examples and best practices tailored to your brand.

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Founded in 1990, Configura Sverige AB creates software solutions that help businesses and people around the globe design spaces and sell configurable products in the commercial interiors, material handling and kitchen and bath industries. Configura’s software products include CET Commercial Interiors, CET Material Handling, CET Kitchen & Bath, Design Studio, Stage, Spec and more. Configura also has a growing user community of thousands of designers, salespeople, dealerships and manufacturers around the globe that use Configura’s products.

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