One of the most critical aspects of any software product implementation is the launch. If the
rollout goes smoothly, your company will avoid many potential problems in the weeks and
months that follow. If it goes poorly, this could hinder your organizations’ digital transformation.
This is especially true for Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software.
A successful rollout can completely transform how you quote orders, setting your company up for massive savings. The smoother it’s implemented, the faster you can start reaping the benefits. But how do you set your team up for success?
A successful rollout can completely transform how you quote orders, setting your company up for massive savings. The smoother it’s implemented, the faster you can start reaping the benefits. But how do you set your team up for success?
8 Tips For An Effective CPQ Launch
1. Understand Your Needs
Establish what your company needs from this software. The right CPQ software can aid everything from engineering calculations, to live visualization, and beyond. Have a meeting with the software provider, list exactly what your business does and how you’re currently generating quotes for your customers, then have them walk you through what the software can do for your
company. You need to know:
- Your current process for creating quotes on custom products
- The types of customization options your customers are looking for
- Customization options you are looking to add in the future
2. Create Buy-In
Once you make the decision to go with a CPQ software platform, you need to get your employees on board. Show staff how this new system will streamline the existing process, helping them and the company. Emphasize the benefits for them so they can see how it will improve their day-to-day work lives and how they can become active participants in the rollout.
3. Craft Your Plan
Next, craft an implementation plan for your business. This needs to be a joint operation between you and the software provider. You’re the expert when it comes to your business, but the software company is the expert when it comes to CPQ. Create a transition team made up of your employees and theirs.
4. Anticipate Problems
The best way to solve problems is to prevent them from happening. Brainstorm issues that can
occur during implementation. Solicit insight from different departments and levels of authority to create an all-encompassing list of potential challenges. The software development team knows the technical challenges they may run into, but not the issues affecting your organization.
5. Train Your Staff
It’s not enough for just the sales staff to understand how this software will work. Train all engineers and the production staff on the floor so everyone knows how this new program will
impact the work they do. You want everybody ready to go for the launch of the program so the
entire company works together to ensure its success. This will improve buy-in from customers
as well.
6. Lean on The Software Company
If we haven’t said this enough already, it bears repeating: you should rely on your software
company and their support team at all stages of implementation. These are experts who have
already implemented this application with other companies. They will be well-prepared to handle any problems that occur in the implementation process.
7. Reassess
After you’ve finished the roll-out, take some time to reassess what happened. What went well?
What could have gone better? The implementation team should meet again to address any concerns that were documented during the launch. In order to move forward, you need to assess where you are for later growth.
8. Celebrate Your Success
Finally, reward everyone who has been a part of this launch. A new software application is a major undertaking for a company. Take time to celebrate with all of your staff so they know their
hard work is appreciated.
Successfully launching a CPQ program really takes a village — or in this case, an entire
company. If you can attain this sense of unity in your staff, you’re well on your way to a smooth launch. Want to see what Revalize CPQ can do for your company? Get in touch to schedule a demo.
