Manual data entry and maintenance are too cumbersome and error-prone to be practical for modern B2B companies. This is especially true when providing sales quotes to potential clients. Deals will ultimately be won by those competitors that can generate accurate and compelling quoting documents in the least amount of time. This is made possible with the implementation of CPQ software platforms that eliminate the typical bottlenecks and errors inherent in manual quoting. “Being able to deliver the first quote will give you huge leverage in negotiations.” – Plexus
This blog outlines some key CPQ tool advantages that can lead to greater process efficiency and ultimately a better revenue stream.
Industry-Focused Features and Fields
Industry-specific software has the advantage of directed functionality without the added costs of a custom-built platform. It fits the sales niche of the business better than an out-of-the-box product. It may even include features that the business was unaware of that could optimize operations. You can mold the software to fit your business, rather than the other way around.
When it comes to implementing an industry-focused CPQ tool, attention should be paid to advanced features which streamline the quoting process. SalesChain’s specific industry-focused features include a comprehensive, built-in product catalog, a customizable proposal wizard, fully integrated e-signature functionality, integrated service pricing and IT service pricing tools, and a document management and scanning utility.
Shorter Learning Curve
“Humans are creatures of habit, and most employees grumble at the thought of having to learn something new.” – Visco CPQ systems are built with rules that guide and automate proposal generation. Your sales team can utilize them to become adept at designing and building even the most complex solutions. This shortens the learning curve for users, enhancing confidence in the use of the software. It is learned quickly and becomes an intuitive part of the sales representatives’ job. This is particularly helpful if you want to encourage cross-selling and up-selling of items that your sales team may not be familiar with.
One System for Dealers in Imaging and IT.
Watch this brief video to learn a bit about where our offering is headed in 2022!
Consistency of Approach Across Different Offerings
With an integrated CPQ workflow that connects the steps in the proposal generation process, all users are prompted by the same system and are using the same corporate document templates and brand logos. Managers can program their unique best business practices, to ensure consistency. New employees with less technical competence will be prompted by the system to produce the same high-quality and timely proposals as everyone else, with the greatest likelihood of closing the deal. Even if your organization has particularly complex configurations and unique solutions, CPQ tools can streamline the generation of accurate prices and quotes for everyone.
Enhanced Brand Image
It is a proven fact that recognizable brand imaging leads to greater revenue. Potential clients will gravitate toward products they recognize and have heard positive things about. The more consistently a business can brand every step of a sale, the more well know their market image will become. CPQ platforms automate presentation consistency in the quoting process, allowing all team members to generate compelling, easily understood documents in a timely manner. An enhanced perception of brand image can even lead to a justification of higher prices with buyers. – Xait
Work With a Vendor That Understands Your Business
Ideally, you should work with a software provider that has an intuitive understanding of your employees’ needs and can communicate in a way they are comfortable with. SalesChain is proud to offer a comprehensive software platform that is custom-built for the needs of the office technology industry. We understand the unique needs and challenges of the industry, so our industry-specific tools provide maximum functionality without the need for expensive customization. Intentional workflows that anticipate next steps and generate reminders for the whole team increase efficiency over the entire life cycle of a sale. There is no need to buy additional tools, as SalesChain includes relevant integrations and industry specific modules. Our manned support desk personnel are experts in the industry as well as our software.