Knowledge base
Here we explain, in everyday words, what we've learned over the years. It covers configuring (putting a product together), working out prices and making quotes. Start with whatever question you have.
Basics
What CPQ is, how it fits the way you make things, and why a quote takes so much time.
- What is CPQ?CPQ stands for configure, price, quote: putting a product together, giving it a price and turning it into a quote. A short explanation of CPQ software.
- CPQ vs spreadsheets: when your Excel quoting tool runs outQuoting in Excel works for years in many factories. The signs it has hit its limit, the rules only one person knows, and the step between Excel and CPQ.
- Faster quoting in manufacturing: where quote turnaround time goesQuotes in manufacturing often sit and wait: for engineering, drawings, costing and approval. What research shows, and what you can turn into rules.
- ETO, CTO, MTO, ATO and MTS explained: what they mean for quotingEngineer to order vs configure to order, make to order, assemble to order and make to stock: the differences in plain English, and what each means for a quote.
- Variant management and modular design for a growing product rangeWhy variants multiply, what mass customization and modular product design mean in manufacturing, and how a BOM, rules and a configurator keep your range under control.
Configurators and 3D
When a configurator helps, with or without 3D, and what to sort out first.
Choosing and cost
Choosing a system that fits your product, and what it really costs over a few years.
Implementation and integration
Product data, rules and connections to your other systems: what a configurator needs to work.
Technology
3D models that change with your sizes, your CAD model in the browser, and 3D that loads fast.
- Parametric 3D configurators: one model, not a thousand variantsWhat parametric means for a 3D product configurator: rules instead of separate models, one set of rules for price and visuals, and what it asks of your CAD data.
- Will a 3D configurator work on my device? Test it hereCheck in a few seconds whether your phone, tablet or computer can show a 3D product configurator, what each result means and what to do when something fails.
Can't find your question here?
Ask us and we'll explain it in plain words, without jargon. If you want to check it yourself, we'll give you the sources too.
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