As manufacturers need more out of their CPQ systems some may be finding limitations with their on-premise configurator. Let's take a look at three signs it may be time to upgrade to cloud!
1. You Need More Modern Visualization Options
If you or your customers need visual engagement and images in the quoting process on on any device, users will experience a consistent, responsive experience whether on a laptop, tablet or mobile device. Visualization options such as 3D visual configuration and Augmented Reality are how many customers are now setting themselves apart from the competition with cloud CPQ.
2. Needed Assistance with Security
With an Infor CPQ on-premise solution security is solely up to you. Hosting environments in-house does not mean you’re safer from attacks. Attempted targeted ransomware attacks still happen often, making it crucial that you always have security measures in place and preform regular backups. If you don’t have the resources to do this, cloud may be a better option for you.
Cloud: With an Infor CloudSuite Configure Price Quote Solution, Amazon and Infor will be responsible for security on the AWS server. It’s important to note that Amazon’s severs are focused on the security of user’s information.
3. Lack of Integration Among Systems
As more and more software solutions are going exclusively cloud, it can be difficult to connect these more modern solutions to an on premise solution. If you are struggling with not being able to get the software tools you want and need due to complex or inferior integrations, it will be difficult to continue scaling and growing your business. Because constant research and funding are being put into Cloud CPQ, you know you will have the best and brightest of solutions to easily integrate with your necessary systems.
If any of these three indicators speak to your current challenges and concerns, you may be at the crossroads to begin looking at Cloud. We've established tools and best practices to make upgrading to cloud a breeze. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to have a conversation about your cloud configurator upgrade. Let's talk today!
Selecting a new Configure Price Quote (CPQ) system is a big decision. This decision requires forethought for how you do business today and what your company wants for its future. Using a few key CPQ software selection criteria for configuration tools, you can find the right solution to grow your business.
There is a wide range of cloud configurators available to many different types of businesses. By defining clear selection criteria for CPQ solutions, you can easily narrow down a list of candidates that will fit your business best.
Portrait of a worker at large metal industry workshop.
Important Criteria for CPQ Software Selection
You’ll first want to think about where your business is and its future growth trajectory. Your CPQ system can be as light or robust as the products and businesses you support. It’s best to take into consideration a CPQ tool that includes a future-oriented perspective.
Company resources - It's important to note your company’s current operations, people, and processes. Also, consider the impact of a new system on company resources. What tasks can you automate with CPQ implementation or a new system? Putting new systems in place will require implementation time that should provide a future payout for your company resource goals.
Cost - The cost of a new ERP system is certainly a factor in your decision. As you compare the costs of CPQ systems, be sure to look at the ROI (return on investment) and proven automation capabilities of each cloud configurator.
Cloud vs. on-premise - Many companies are turning to Cloud CPQ because of its updated infrastructure, security advantages, and flexibility. CloudSuite CPQ solutions eliminate the need for ongoing investment in in-house servers. For more information on cloud vs. on-premise CPQ solutions, check out: Cloud vs. On-Premise CPQ: Key Differences, Risks, and Benefits
Implementation support - As stated above, your CPQ implementation effort is a major factor when selecting a CPQ system and can dictate how fast your software returns investment. That’s why choosing a reliable CPQ partner with industry experience, technical knowledge, and project management skills is critical. The greatest CPQ implementation partners have a deep understanding of companies similar to your own and have current customers providing excellent results and references. Above all, think of this as a critical decision for a working relationship in your CPQ software selection process.
Schedule a Meeting with Our Cloud Configurator Experts
As you dig into your CPQ selection process, we would like to offer our support in discussing your business’s goals and objectives for CPQ. Please feel free to schedule a meeting with one of our CPQ experts today.
