The benefits of a CPQ's own "3D Engine
In a commercial environment where customization and speed are essential, configuration, pricing and quotation (CPQ) tools are real assets for developing sales and improving margins.
When the business requires it, configurators with a 3D visualization function are a real winner, allowing the user to visualize the configured product in real time.
The addition of a 3D engine, interfaced or integrated into a CPQ, is therefore a major strategic asset for any company wishing to optimize its sales processes.
But how do you distinguish one solution from another?
What is a Configurator? Definition
A configurator is a software tool for customizing and configuring products or services according to a customer’s specific needs. It offers an interactive interface where the user can select different options and features, view modifications in real time, and obtain an instant quote based on the choices made.
Configurators are often used in industries where products are complex and can be highly customized, such as automotive, electronics, furniture and industrial equipment. They can integrate advanced features such as 3D visualizations, compatibility rules, and dynamic price calculations, helping to improve the customer experience and reduce ordering errors.
The advantages of a 3D configurator
A 3D configurator adds a visual dimension to product configuration. By enabling customers to visualize their choices in real time, it improves customer engagement and satisfaction.
3D configurators are particularly useful in sectors where aesthetics and design play a crucial role, such as furniture, home furnishings (joinery, sun protection), automobiles and electronic or household appliances in B2C, but are also relevant in B2B, when customers request CAD-type 3D visuals or technical drawings (very often from the design office, generating bottlenecks at the same time).
The limits of interfaced solutions
Some CPQ software does not offer 3D visualization.
Other CPQs do, but it’s important to distinguish between “integrated” 3D engines, i.e. created and maintained by the CPQ editor itself, and other 3D CPQs that rely on third-party solutions, such as Verge3D or Clara.io.
Third-party 3D solutions can have a number of disadvantages:
- Compatibility and integration: Using a third-party solution often requires considerable effort to ensure compatibility and seamless integration with the existing CPQ. Updates and synchronizations can become complex and time-consuming.
- Additional costs: Using external solutions involves additional costs not only in terms of licenses, but also in terms of maintenance and technical support.
- Risk of dependency: A company using a third-party solution becomes dependent on its supplier for updates, security and technological evolutions, which can pose problems in the event of failure or change of strategy on the part of the supplier.
On this last point, we can cite the example of a CPQ (without naming it) which used the “Clara.io” engine. All was well until the day when the technological orientations of one supplier were no longer compatible with those of the other.
The result: no more 3D for CPQ customers. Everything had to be redone in a new tool, or goodbye to 3D visualization.
Fortunately, there are alternatives…
The advantages of an integrated 3D engine maintained by the CPQ editor
To date, the only 3D CPQ solution on the market with its own 3D engine is “EPICOR CPQ”, with its integrated 3D studio “KB3D”.
The editor thus offers a complete, optimized solution whose main advantages are as follows:
- Harmony and consistency: KB3D’s native integration into EPICOR CPQ ensures perfect harmony between the various functionalities. This guarantees a smooth, consistent user experience, without the potential interruptions or incompatibilities that a third-party solution might introduce.
- Cost reduction: By eliminating the need for external software, companies can reduce the costs associated with licensing and maintenance. What’s more, in-house technical resources can focus on optimizing a single system rather than managing multiple platforms.
- Flexibility and customization: An in-house 3D engine offers greater flexibility to customize models and visualizations to specific business needs. This makes it possible to offer customers more precise, customized configurations.
- Security and control: By having total control over the 3D engine, companies can guarantee enhanced security and better management of sensitive data. Updates and enhancements can be deployed rapidly, without relying on an external schedule.
- Continuous innovation: With an integrated 3D engine like KB3D, EPICOR CPQ can innovate continuously, adding new features and enhancements directly into the main system. This enables companies to stay at the cutting edge of technology and respond rapidly to market developments.
The role of the CPQ consultant and 3D expert
To maximize the benefits of integrating a technical configurator with CPQ software, the expertise of a CPQ consultant is essential.
This professional helps set up and customize the system according to the company’s specific needs, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal use of the tools.
At ITCelerator, our experts have a combined experience of over 40 years! Some of our consultants have a “3D” background, while others come from industry (business/technical expertise), giving us a high level of service, whatever the world in which we operate.
Conclusion
The integration of an internal 3D engine into a CPQ, as shown by the example of KB3D in EPICOR CPQ, represents a significant step forward for companies seeking to optimize their sales processes.
By offering a consistent, cost-effective, flexible and secure solution, this integration not only meets current needs, but also enables rapid adaptation to future challenges.
For companies wishing to remain competitive and offer an exceptional customer experience, adopting a CPQ with an integrated 3D engine is a winning strategy.
At ITCelerator, we specialize in implementing CPQ solutions tailored to your specific needs.Contact us to find out more about our services and how we can help you transform your sales process.
