CPQ software

Oct 28, 2024

Maximizing CPQ ROI: Key Factors for Achieving a Strong Return on Investment

Discover how to maximize CPQ ROI, with a strategic focus on management, resources, and product readiness, to drive better returns from CPQ software.

cpq roi example

Implementing Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software can transform sales efficiency and increase revenue. But achieving a strong ROI requires careful planning, strategic alignment, and ongoing evaluation. Businesses seeking a measurable return on investment from quoting must emphasize key readiness areas that directly impact financial returns and long-term success.

In today’s competitive landscape, ROI has become a priority for companies investing in this game-changing software. From faster quoting times to enhanced accuracy, CPQ systems help sales teams deliver quick, accurate proposals that improve customer satisfaction and shorten sales cycles. But to see real ROI, organizations need to address critical factors that maximize CPQ’s investment value.

Management Readiness: Building Leadership Commitment

For successful implementation, management readiness is essential. Leadership support ensures smooth decision-making across departments, which is vital for CPQ to integrate effectively. When executives champion quoting systems, they drive faster adoption and streamlined collaboration across functions, resulting in stronger ROI and improved project outcomes.

Organizational Readiness: Preparing Teams for Transformation

Organizational readiness extends beyond management and focuses on the broader company culture. Teams across the business should recognize the benefits automated quoting provides, such as reduced manual processes and more efficient sales operations. Engaging team members in the CPQ implementation process minimizes friction and builds ownership, leading to higher ROI as these efforts translate to shorter learning curves and fewer adoption issues.

Product and Service Readiness: Ensuring Easy Configuration for Maximum Value

Effective implementation depends on the organization’s product and service readiness. Products should be structured hierarchically with clear attributes and rules to facilitate easy configuration, pricing, and quoting. Poorly defined products complicate automation, slowing down CPQ adoption and impacting ROI. Well-prepared product catalogs reduce confusion, creating a smoother experience for both sales reps and customers. Clear product rules improve quoting accuracy and help sales teams upsell and cross-sell effectively, driving revenue growth.

Suggested content

Penlon
XaitCPQ

Penlon

April 21, 2023

Fabtek
XaitCPQ

Fabtek

April 13, 2023

Sectra
XaitCPQ

Sectra

April 12, 2023

Market Readiness: Extending Benefits Across Sales Channels

Market readiness involves understanding how CPQ will be used beyond internal teams. Many companies integrate  with distributors, partners, and resellers to maintain consistency across sales channels. When quoting tools are extended to external sales channels, businesses often experience a significant boost in revenue and cost savings. Providing access to accurate pricing and product configurations empowers channel partners, reducing costly errors and enhancing customer relationships, which further increases ROI.

Resource Readiness: Allocating Time and Skills 

CPQ implementation demands technical expertise, especially when integrating with CRM, ERP, or eCommerce systems. Companies often underestimate the resource allocation needed, slowing their ability to achieve a full return on investment. Dedicated resources—both people and budget—lead to a smoother CPQ integration, minimizing costly delays. With the right project team, businesses can realize returns faster, as efficient integration accelerates time-to-quote and overall productivity.

Process Readiness: Structuring for Incremental Success and Fast Returns

Rather than a complete overhaul, introducing CPQ incrementally allows businesses to address immediate pain points and build momentum. Incremental implementation strategies produce faster results, securing initial ROI by addressing low-hanging fruit like repetitive, error-prone tasks. Early successes help secure user buy-in, encouraging wider adoption and increasing the likelihood of achieving projected ROI. Continuous oversight of quoting processes ensures long-term system efficacy and return.

 

Achieving ROI: Ensuring Continued Success Post-Implementation

Maximizing the ROI of CPQ software doesn’t end with deployment. Regularly reviewing quote-to-contract processes ensures that the quoting tools remains aligned with evolving business needs and market demands. Companies with dedicated teams monitoring performance, report ongoing financial returns and consistently high user satisfaction.

In Summary: A Holistic Approach

Achieving a strong ROI with quoting software is possible when businesses approach implementation strategically, addressing each readiness area to support financial gains. By emphasizing leadership buy-in, structured product catalogs, and careful resource allocation, companies can streamline quoting, boost accuracy, and drive revenue.

Why and How Xait Can Help

For organizations ready to realize CPQ’s full ROI potential, XaitCPQ offers a comprehensive solution designed to maximize efficiencies, enhance user experience, and deliver measurable results. By integrating seamlessly with existing systems and focusing on user-friendly design, XaitCPQ empowers businesses to navigate complex pricing and quoting processes effectively, ensuring that investments yield significant returns.

Kevin Geraghty is a Configure Price Quote pioneer and co-founder of XaitCPQ, with over 30 years of experience in streamlining sales cycles and enhancing sales processes.

More on Quoting:

CPQ High-Tech Manufacturing: Transforming Sales Processes for Success
Manufacturing

CPQ High-Tech Manufacturing: Transforming Sales Processes for Success

October 14, 2024

Product Servitization in Manufacturing: Achieving Sustainable Growth
Manufacturing

Product Servitization in Manufacturing: Achieving Sustainable Growth

September 06, 2024

Quoting Process in Manufacturing: How to Tackle Complexity
Manufacturing

Quoting Process in Manufacturing: How to Tackle Complexity

September 06, 2024