Efficiency Boost! How Manufacturing CPQ Software Can Help Your Business

Efficiency Boost! How Manufacturing CPQ Software Can Help
Your Business

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Are you tired of struggling with inefficient, manual manufacturing processes that are
holding your business back? It's time to consider the power of manufacturing CPQ
software. With this innovative technology, you can streamline and optimize your
manufacturing operations, helping you save time, reduce errors, and improve
profitability.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using manufacturing CPQ software and how
it can transform the way you do business. From improving quoting accuracy and
reducing lead times to simplifying complex configurations and boosting customer
satisfaction, the benefits of manufacturing CPQ are vast.

So, if you want to see real improvements in your manufacturing, read on.

What is Manufacturing CPQ Software?

Manufacturing configure price quote (CPQ) software is a powerful tool that helps
businesses streamline their sales and manufacturing processes. This software automates
the process of configuring, pricing, and quoting complex products, making it faster and
easier for sales teams to provide customers with accurate, customized manufacturing
quotes.

CPQ software makes configuring complex custom products quick and easy. Using visual
product configurators, sales teams and customers can craft the perfect product using 3D
models and a wide range of available options. This makes it easier for sales teams to
create accurate manufacturing quotes and helps customers better understand and
visualize the products they are considering purchasing, boosting win rates.

In addition to configuring products, manufacturing CPQ software calculates prices
in real-time as users make changes to their product configurations. This dynamic
pricing helps customers stay within their budget and make more informed purchasing
decisions. It also saves sales reps a tremendous amount of time and eliminates costly
errors.

Manufacturing CPQ software generates all necessary documents and files for the
engineering department, such as CAD files and other technical specifications. CAD
automation streamlines the engineer-to-order process and helps ensure that products

are produced to the customer's exact specifications without excessive back and forth
between the sales and engineering departments.

Why You Should Use CPQ in Manufacturing

CPQ software has the potential to revolutionize your entire manufacturing process,
from customer acquisition all the way through to production. From streamlining
complex configurations to improving pricing accuracy, the benefits of using CPQ in
manufacturing are numerous. Here are the main ones to consider:

Feature: Visual Configuration Creates a Fully Immersive Buying Experience.
Result: Higher win rate with a lower manual effort from sales.

An effective CPQ should include a built-in visual configurator, which generates a
real-time 3D image of the product configuration. This visual representation helps sales
reps "show, rather than tell" the end product to customers, conveying complex
information effortlessly and easing any initial hesitation buyers may have about
purchasing from your brand.

There are several ways in which visual product configuration can lead to
increased win rates.

1. It improves the customer experience by providing a clear visual representation of
the product being considered. This helps reduce confusion and uncertainty,
leading to more confident purchasing decisions.

2. It allows sales reps to quickly and easily configure products, which can help
accelerate the time it takes to close a deal.

3. It reduces errors in the configuration process, eliminating lengthy back and forth
and delays.

Feature: No-Code Rules Engine.
Result: Automation of Various Sales-to-Manufacturing Processes for Increased
Productivity and Lower Costs.

Do you find that you or your team are constantly performing the same tasks over and
over again? If so, why not automate them and save time each day? Modern CPQs
include a no-code rules engine, a built-in feature that allows you to set rules for business
processes without needing to know how to code.

For example, you can use the rules engine to disallow buyers from selecting a particular
configuration if the necessary spare parts are not available in inventory. You can also set

rules to adjust the discount rate based on external factors like raw material costs and
availability.

If your conversion rates are below average, using the no-code rules engine to implement
pricing tactics may help increase conversions. But the rules engine is not limited to just
pricing–it can be applied to various processes across your business, such as visual
configuration (which parts can be combined and which can’t), quote generation, and
production documentation generation.

Feature: Seamless Integrations
Result: Enhanced Collaboration and Smooth Data Exchange

Advanced CPQ solutions integrate with your other business-critical software systems to
automatically exchange critical data. These integrations increase efficiency by allowing a
frictionless flow of information between tools and departments.

For example, you can integrate your CPQ with your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
system. Integrating these systems ensures your CPQ always has access to inventory
levels and prices and can update the sales records in your ERP in real-time.

CPQ systems also integrate with other platforms like CRM (Customer Relationship
Management) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. CAD integration is a
game-changer. Once connected, CPQ can auto-generate CAD files whenever you receive
an order, saving the engineering department considerable time.

Feature: Website Embedding
Result: Increased Revenue with Reduced Sales Effort

A CPQ should allow you to embed your visual configurator into your eCommerce
website. The buyer lands on your website, selects a configuration based on a visual
inspection, and places an order immediately. The CPQ delivers a product rendering and
quote in real-time, which means the buyer has all the information they need to present
the product to the buying committee or place an order without help from a sales rep.

Embedding a visual configurator in your website differentiates you from competitors.
52% of B2B buyers report frustration with their online buying experience. You can ease
this frustration by facilitating self-serve while the competition relies on a slow,
fragmented salesperson-led buying journey.

Feature: Cloud-Based

Result: Always-on, Remote Access Flexibility

The best CPQ software for manufacturing is cloud-based, which means your
employees can access CPQ anywhere. They can work with maximum productivity and
efficiency, so long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility lets you tap into a
global talent pool when you hire, increasing the quality of your workforce without
increasing the cost of salaries.

Ready to Invest in CPQ Software for Manufacturing?
In conclusion, implementing CPQ software for manufacturing can significantly improve
efficiency and performance.

● The use of visual product configuration reduces the manual effort required from
sales teams and enhances the customer experience.

● Automation increases productivity and streamlines processes.
● Integrations with core systems improve communication and collaboration

between individuals and teams.
● B2B e-commerce gives buyers autonomy and speeds up the low-touch sales cycle.

Best of all, the cloud-based nature of the best CPQ software lets you and your team
experience these efficiency gains from anywhere in the world–wherever your customers
and employees are located.