Abstract: The present invention provides an automated configuration system and method for electronics enclosures. The system receives user requirements generates a configuration including placement schedule, power usage schedules and heat flow schedules. Included as output of the system is a bill of materials, an equipment layout drawing and pricing based on predetermined material and labor pricing. Methods for generating a configuration are described that include iteratively repeating combinations of the steps of generating design rules, deriving a placement schedule, mapping the distribution of power usage within the enclosure and producing a heat flow analysis. Processes used to generate the configuration can be controlled by design rules derived from user requirements.