A look back at the strategic project to integrate the PROS solution to standardize the Group’s pricing process.

Centralizing and standardizing pricing tools and quotation processes were necessary to support the Group’s growth. Against this backdrop, Autajon entrusted ITCelerator with the strategic project of integrating the PROS CPQ.

After consulting several software publishers, the choice fell on the integration of the PROS solution by the ITCelerator teams, recognized for both their technical expertise and their knowledge of the industry.

Objective: standardize and centralize the pricing and quotation process

Project background

The project was launched for the Group’s main division, Packaging (which accounts for over 60% of the Group’s total sales).

• Heterogeneous data and costing processes: each subsidiary used its own pricing tool.
  
• Use of several ERP tools (such as Cameleon and Epicor) and Excel spreadsheets.

• Long lead times

• Lack of visibility on local prices

• A lack of steering tools due to a lack of centralized data

The ITCelerator response: Implementation of the PROS configuration and pricing solution

Implementation ofa common price base for all Packaging Division subsidiaries. This is a “quotation price”, i.e. a price on which sales staff base their customer quotations. This gives sales staff autonomy to apply margins and prices according to their customers/markets, but according to a basic pricing system dictated by the Group.

Time to market

• Implementation in 2 pilot subsidiaries: duration 12 months
• Deployment in all subsidiaries: total duration 2 years

Solution benefits

• Harmonization and control of pricing policy
  
• Centralized, standardized data quality
  
• Reduced time-to-quote: bids submitted in 2-3 hours, compared with several days previously.
  
• Easier, faster offer configuration thanks to questionnaire/choice guide
  
• For users: a fast, ergonomic tool that’s easy and pleasant to use
  
• Time-savings for currency traders and sales staff, who can devote themselves to more complex tasks, particularly on the technical side.
  
• Reduce costing errors
  
• An AI-enhanced tool that saves time and increases efficiency
  
• Easier price updating, carried out autonomously by the in-house team, especially with the increases in raw material costs over the past 2 years.
  
• A steering and decision-making tool: the solution provides a comparison of sales prices charged by different subsidiaries (which was previously impossible).
  The data was also used to set up profitability scenarios and guide sales decisions.

” Currency traders were afraid that their function would disappear with the automation of costing. On the contrary, the tool saves them time, enabling them to concentrate on more complex projects where their added value is greater. “.

Julien Vocanson, head of controlling, Groupe Autajon

ITCelerator, technical mastery and business expertise

“We found in ITCelerator the right partner for such a project. This partnership has enabled us to effectively implement a price management tool that we didn’t have before, and which supports our growth, both internal and external.

With this CPQ, we have equipped our currency traders with a tool that is pleasant to use, an important aspect in the consideration of our employees. “says Julien Vocanson.

ITCelerator’s key factors in the project’s success:
– Immediate understanding of needs and expectations
– Proven technical expertise in PROS software and understanding of the packaging business
– Proactivity and responsiveness: the teams are good listeners, able to effectively translate functional and technical requirements.