Accelerate growth: Quote configuration for more efficiency
Create more efficiency through optimized offer configuration. Learn why quote configuration is an important factor for increasing efficiency and why complex products and services in particular benefit from it.
The classic quotation process: high effort, poor customer loyalty
In many companies, the traditional quotation process is characterized by high effort and low efficiency. Especially in the case of individually configurable products with many variants, sales faces major challenges. A standardized approach is often taken, in which quotations are created manually and customer needs are only superficially taken into account. This not only leads to low customer satisfaction, but also to a lengthy and cost-intensive process.
Quotations are often compiled in loose Excel lists and then have to be transferred into a Word document so that the document can be sent to the customer. Prices and availabilities have to be manually reconciled with the merchandise management system. Automation definitely looks different. In addition, storing data in Excel lists is not secure and carries a high error rate.
Another problem of the classic quotation process is the lack of individualization of the quotations. Nowadays, customers expect customized solutions that meet their specific requirements. Companies that cannot meet this need run the risk of losing potential customers to the competition. Software solutions for offer configuration provide a remedy.
Creating customized quote
To counteract the challenges of the classic quotation process and convince customers with customized service, companies are turning to quotation configuration. Quote configuration is a method in which customers can create their own individual quotes. In doing so, they can adjust various parameters, such as product features, options, prices and discounts, according to their needs. Appropriate CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) (Link zu Zeile 17) software can be used to fully automate the quote configuration process.
Especially for products and services with many variants, quote configuration is an indispensable tool to speed up the sales process. Sectors such as manufacturing and industry often have to consider an extremely large number of parameters for customer orders, as they manage a particularly diverse range of products. The benefits of quotation configuration are particularly apparent in this regard.
The ability to create customized quotes significantly increases customer satisfaction. Customers feel heard and valued because their individual needs are taken into account. This leads to improved customer loyalty and increases the likelihood that customers will do business with you again.
In addition, quote configuration enables a significant increase in efficiency in the quoting process. Instead of creating each quote manually, companies can rely on a configuration platform that automatically converts the selected parameters into a customized quote. This saves time and resources and allows employees to focus on value-adding activities instead of administrative tasks.
Shorten the quotation process and save time on customer inquiries
Using CPQ software for quotation configuration allows companies to significantly shorten the quotation process and save time on customer inquiries. Configuration parameters are automatically taken into account, which makes it immensely easier to create a customized quote.
Instead of time-consuming manual processes of gathering information from various sources and transferring it into a quote, CPQ software automates this process. The software automatically generates the quote based on individual customer requirements and predefined business rules. This drastically reduces the error rate and increases efficiency in the sales process.
The quicker processing of customer requests is also aided by the fact that the CPQ software can access data and information in real time. As a result, customers receive faster feedback and more accurate quotes than if a single sales representative had to reconcile every piece of information and component with the inventory control system. The shortened quoting process means you can handle more customer inquiries, but in no way do you have to sacrifice quality or customer satisfaction.
Efficient sales thanks to automation
By using CPQ software, sales teams can completely automate tedious routine tasks and time-consuming tasks. Imagine you are a bolt manufacturer managing an assortment of more than a million products that can additionally be purchased in different variants.
By implementing CPQ software, customers can specify their individual requirements such as bolt type, material, size and quantity via a user-friendly online platform. The CPQ software then automatically generates a customized quotation that takes into account all the selected parameters. Through the connection to the ERP system, current prices and availability are also taken into account. The quotation is sent to the customer immediately. This automated quotation configuration enables you as a screw manufacturer to meet individual customer requirements quickly and precisely.
Optimising the quote configuration for maximum flexibility
To further maximize flexibility in quote configuration, companies can pursue various optimization approaches. These include, for example, integrating CPQ software with other enterprise systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP). Seamless integration allows data and information from different systems to be used efficiently to create offers that are even better tailored to the customer.
You can go one step further toward efficiency by relying on a flexible, low-code platform that combines all three components. This means you never have to switch back and forth between isolated solutions again, but can manage all your business processes on a single, central platform
