Do you need a good sales solution to digitally map and automate your quotation creation? With the help of CPQ solutions, you can speed up processes and move your company forward.
We offer you an essential solution - KennerPIM with the product configuration module created in it, which implements the CPQ concept. It stores, processes and manages product information and is used to publish relevant data on various sales channels. In this way, the software plays a crucial role in sales, increasing productivity and conversion rates.
How CPQ solution and KennerPIM work
The CPQ and PIM systems work together. The PIM system provides the technical product data, the necessary texts and images, while the CPQ system automatically provides up-to-date product information.
CPQ means Configure, Price and Quote. This abbreviation covers sales processes (product configuration, price calculation, quotation generation). The CPQ software supports, digitizes and optimizes this process chain. It creates a central, future-proof platform for the configuration and pricing of multi-variant products and services.
Quotation preparation is an ongoing process. With the help of CPQ solutions, you can easily adapt quotations of varying scope to customer requirements. Automated processes contribute to the consistent creation of quotations. The phases of the sales process run through with the CPQ solution:
Configure
The services and products are configured according to customer requirements. The desired functions and components can be precisely recorded in the product. The available customization options, bundled components and combined functions are then specified. In this way, customers immediately receive the desired product without having to manually enter specifications and configuration details.
CPQ is integrated into existing ERP, CRM and accounting systems, as well as e-commerce platforms. This ensures accurate product data at the time of quote creation.
Price (Preis)
Thanks to CPQ solutions, prices can be calculated in real time based on the configured specifications of the product. Price components include base prices for certain features and components as well as discounts and surcharges for some product options or customer segments. If desired, discounts can be offered for bulk orders or surcharges can be added for certain functions.
There are other factors that influence the price. These include taxes, shipping costs, special promotions and offers, and discounts from suppliers. With the help of CPQ, price rules can be based on the company's business model.
Quote
The information about the included products, services and prices as well as special offers are linked until the product is put together and the price calculation is finalized. Terms of sale and accepted payment methods are also included.
Open source product information management system KennerPIM
KennerPIM has many ready-to-use functions. These include channels, catalogs, categories, product families and attributes. The software has a compatibility module that ensures backward compatibility with other systems. The workflow looks like this:
- Content transfer: The descriptions, images, prices and attributes are imported into KennerPIM. Thanks to the integrated DAM application, it is easier to find, manage and publish digital media (images, videos). This makes it possible to reduce the time to market, convert and use the information efficiently.
- Presentation in Shopware: The products and categories are transferred to Shopware via a connector. Here the buyer can see and order them.
It is important to emphasize that we have integration with Shopware and WooCommerce. Shopware also has an assembly configurator.
Difficulties that arise in the quotation process
Every software solution brings benefits and advantages to the company. But there are always unpleasant moments, which of course have to be overcome. The following problems often occur when preparing an offer:
- The product configuration is complex. Errors can occur with a high administration effort.
- Pricing is complicated by current and customized prices for sales and partners.
- It takes effort and cost to onboard new employees and partners.
- The strategy is inconsistent. There is a lack of approvals for discounts.
- The information for cross-selling and upselling is not automated.
- Incorrect offers can lead to a poor customer experience.
- As the preparation of the offer is delayed, the time to market is slower.
- The currencies and taxes are different.
KennerPIM Features
Guided Selling
Thanks to this option, you can produce the desired product yourself. A questionnaire is filled in to initiate the ordering process. Based on the answers received, the customer is shown the products that meet their requirements. The sales staff also receive these answers. This enables them to offer relevant goods, which leads to an increase in sales and turnover.
Sustainable ecological product configuration
The CPQ solution offers the option of selecting environmentally friendly components during configuration. Environmental sustainability is an important criterion when purchasing complex, multi-variant products. If they have a high level of sustainability throughout their entire life cycle, this is evidence of conscious production. This is an advantage for companies that want to increase productivity and efficiency.
Plausibility and completeness checks
The CPQ solutions with the implemented plausibility and completeness checks ensure accurate product configurations. Thanks to such tests, it is possible to create error-free quotations, as only technically possible product variants are configured. This is a decisive factor that increases sales efficiency. This reduces errors and saves resources, time and energy in the production process.
Explanations of rule violations
Various rule violations can occur during configuration. This happens when incompatible components are selected, the specified price range is exceeded or selected products are not available. An explanation then appears and indicates which improvements and corrections need to be made.
Cross- & Upselling
The use of CPQ software can contribute to additional sales opportunities. The customer is offered related products or goods of higher quality. This can generate more sales, increase the average order value and profitability. Customer loyalty is improved and the shopping experience is personalized.
Engineer-to-order calculation
This is an important feature that ensures smooth pricing for individualized products. This means that a product can be developed, designed and manufactured according to the customer's specifications. The costs for design and engineering, material, labor and suppliers are taken into account. The CPQ software also calculates unforeseen costs.
Any subtotals
Configure Price Quote solutions allow summation at any level. When a product is configured, certain components or options are selected. The subtotals are then displayed and the total price is understandable for the customer. If the customer changes anything in the configuration, the subtotals are quickly updated.
Pricing within the company
The feature enables the creation of cross-plant quotations. It is particularly important if the company consists of several business units and they work together. Intercompany pricing enables consistent pricing for all business units as well as tracking and analysis between them. This can improve sales processes and profitability of the company.
Freigabeworkflows
The CPQ software provides for an approval process. This means that all quotations and contracts are subject to approval by responsible persons in the company. This guarantees an efficient, transparent sales process. The approval workflows ensure structured and clear sales processing.
Customizable layout
After a product has been configured and the price has been finalized, all product descriptions, photos and prices are merged by the CPQ solution into a quotation document (uniform layout). It is perfectly coordinated with the company's corporate design.
Clear structure
This clearly structures system functions, making it easy to navigate between numerous offers. Customers see the current offers and have relevant information at their disposal. This makes working with KennerPIM efficient and easy to navigate. Do you need software like this for your Shopware store? Our Shopware 6 agency will be happy to help you.
Cost optimization
Thanks to the CPQ software, the information from engineering and product knowledge is used and is available to all those involved in the sales process. They are connected to the interfaces of the sales process. This means you can be sure that the configured products are technically feasible. The help of engineers is then not required, which saves costs.
Advantages of the CPQ solution
CPQ software offers a number of advantages. In areas such as sales, configuration, pricing and quotation preparation, you will notice further positive changes:
Process acceleration
You can speed up the entire sales process.
Error avoidance
Since the system knows the rules, errors can be avoided when configuring and creating the offer.
Simplified work
Product knowledge is anchored in the system. This makes it easier for new sales colleagues to get started.
Efficiency and cost reduction
As the software relieves employees of a lot of work, costs are reduced. Processes are accelerated and work becomes more efficient.
Reliable transfer of information
The CPQ software automatically informs you about cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
Customer analysis
You get to know the wishes and needs of the target group and evaluate the popular configurations.
Improved customer experience
With the help of the configurator, you can increase the time spent on the website and customer loyalty, because they engage with the products themselves.
Increase in sales
Effective work in the business and better customer loyalty increase sales.
Plus points of our e-commerce agency
The experienced specialists at our company will help you to develop and professionally design your webshop, paying attention to every detail. With us, you get a complete solution from A to Z and are always up to date. These are the most important points why you should Our full-service e-commerce agency should select:
Cool results
We move your company forward. You gain more attention from customers and increase your own sales.
Modern appearance
Because we take all the details into account, we offer the best solutions. They meet the latest technical requirements and create a great internet presence.
Simple operation
We adapt your store system to your requirements and add the desired functions.
Increasing efficiency
We enable uninterrupted data exchange with PIM, CRM and ERP systems. This boosts productivity within the company.
Continuous support
You can contact us at any time. We are also at your disposal after the project.
Several years of experience
As our experts have extensive specialist knowledge and the skills they have acquired, they successfully handle a large number of projects.