Continuing our conversation on Sales Reps’ Challenges with complex product configurations, here’s another must-read.
Sales reps are having a hard time, as manufacturing is becoming more sophisticated, buyers are increasingly demanding custom options, and reps need help to keep up.
Sales reps also deal with huge time constraints. They are overwhelmed with extensive product lists, intricate pricing, and mundane, repetitive sales tasks. This distracts them from what they should focus on selling.
While these are a few of the many struggles sales reps face, this blog aims to discuss a bigger challenge.
Fulfilling customers’ personalization requests is like juggling too many balls at a time.
Sales reps can’t remember every detail, like product variants, component compatibility, assembly rules, etc.
So, they often recommend a limited selection of products (bundle products) they know well. But this strategy might not be the most favored when it’s about customers’ unique needs.
CPQ Software transforms a sales rep’s way of interacting with customers when it comes to:
- Configuring complex products
- Fetching accurate Prices for custom product configurations
- Sending instant Quote to the customer with appropriate product customization details
But, did you know, that CPQ Software takes your sales reps beyond the quoting process?
CPQ Benefits Beyond Quoting
A customer reaches out to a sales rep, eager to place an order for a custom standing desk. They’ve got a laundry list of personalization requests- a specific wood finish, adjustable frame height, a built-in cable management.
The sales rep, trying to keep up, jots everything down on spreadsheets and manages personalization in notes.
Fast-forward to the handoff to the manufacturing team: the details are vague, with missing personalized size measurements.
Besides, the sales team isn’t aware of the fact that the personalized size they requested isn’t available for the wood finish they need for the desk.
The result? Miscommunication. ⚠
The manufacturing team ends up producing a product that’s nowhere near what the customer wanted. The rep has to go back and forth, frustrating everyone involved, delaying the order, and losing the customer’s trust.
Without an accurate way to convey complex product customization, the sales process grinds to a halt, and personalization turns into a nightmare.
Leverage CPQ for Manufacturing
You’ve made it this far, through the sales pitch, and configuring the product, now it needs to come off the production line.
This is where your ERP system is fed critical information from CPQ Software.
The Manufacturing module within the ERP system will then plan production, ensure delivery and send an invoice to the customer. This is a critical final step to finish a smooth and accurate process internally, for a better customer experience externally.
Benefits of CPQ Software for Manufacturing
Seamless Integration Across Teams:
CPQ connects customers, sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams, ensuring smooth collaboration and communication throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Reduced Engineering Workload:
Engineers no longer need to handle repetitive customization requests, freeing them to focus on innovation and complex designs rather than routine modifications.
Accurate Production:
With the CPQ automatically validating configurations, manufacturing teams receive precise instructions, eliminating errors and ensuring products are built exactly to customer specifications.
Minimized Miscommunication:
By eliminating the need for back-and-forth communication, the CPQ ensures that every department is aligned with the customer’s specifications, preventing costly delays or misunderstandings.
On-Time Deliveries:
With an automated and streamlined process from configuration to production, products are manufactured and delivered on schedule, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Witness a 35% jump in production efficiency and a dramatic 82% decrease in errors. (src)
Want to streamline sales and manufacturing with CPQ? Schedule a personalized demo today!
