When your company is looking to optimize its quotation processes and develop sales, choosing the right CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software becomes essential.
With the multitude of software solutions available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which CPQ best meets your specific needs.
To help you in this process, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
1. Assess your specific needs
Before starting your search, clearly identify your company’s configuration and pricing requirements, so that they match the features offered by the CPQ that’s right for you.
This includes the type of configurator you need:
- a configurator of single products or services or packs/combinations/assemblies of different interlocking products/services?
- a 3D configurator to view the product from every angle?
- an omnichannel sales configurator, to address sales managed by your sales force as well as your distributors/dealers and even e-Commerce?
- a commercial AND technical configurator, for costing and generating technical data (BOMs, CAD exports, etc.).
Think about the future and the evolution of your business.
Opening up to international markets or a new sales channel in the medium/long term shouldn’t call into question the choice you’ve made now.
Do you need support in this process?
See our “Requirements framing” page
Think about integration into your IS
Make sure the CPQ you choose can easily integrate with your existing systems, such as your CRM (Salesforce, Hubspot, Dynamics, SugarCRM…) and ERP (Business Central, SAP, Infor, Sylob, Divalto…).
Seamless integration ensures data consistency and enhanced operational efficiency.
These days, API systems are a dime a dozen, but some solutions go a step further, offering native connectors to facilitate integration.
Don't neglect the user experience
The CPQ is designed to be used daily by your sales force.
So opt for sales configuration software that offers a user-friendly, intuitive interface for both your sales teams and your customers. A seamless user experience will increase system adoption and boost productivity.
Look for flexibility and customization
As your business evolves, so may your business configuration needs. Choose a CPQ that offers sufficient flexibility to adapt to your ever-changing business processes, and that can be customized to your specific requirements.
Request demos and references
Before making a final decision, ask for in-depth CPQ software demonstrations and customer references. This will enable you to evaluate the system’s performance in concrete terms, and gather feedback from other companies using the solution.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose the business configuration software that best suits your company’s unique needs.
The right CPQ can truly transform your business performance, improve your operational efficiency and enhance your competitiveness in the marketplace.
