If you’re still using spreadsheets, basic database systems, or in-house
configurators to manage quotes, it could seem like more trouble than it’s worth to change a system that’s working. After all, your processes have been like this for years — and if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Over time, you’ve probably invested a lot of energy into tinkering with formulas and formatting to create a homegrown solution that you’re proud of (even if it breaks down every few weeks).
If you’re still relying on a homegrown solution, it’s time for an upgrade. Here’s what you have to lose from sticking with the status quo, and what you have to gain by partnering with a third-party solution:
Have you ever limited your product options because of how complicated they would be to configure? You shouldn’t have to worry about anything other than customer service, but homegrown solutions don’t provide the support you need.
With your homegrown solutions, most of the data you manage just lives on individual machines. This creates bottlenecks when employees need info and have to wait for a coworker to forward an email or look back at their notes. If employees can’t access information on a colleague’s computer, data could be lost forever.
Users can program third-party SCPQs to handle any number and combination of configurability options, allowing you to offer more customizable products without any extra hassle.
SCPQ by third-party vendors are cloud-based and accessible anywhere. As a centralized database, they create a single source of truth for every sale, eliminating data silos. The best platforms can even integrate with back-end, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for more integrated workflows beyond sales.
Homegrown solutions split your company resources in two. Any time and energy spent maintaining your Frankenstein system detracts from time you could spend on sales. Third-party SCPQ solutions are created and maintained by vendors who care about only one thing: maintaining and upgrading SCPQ software. This comes with customer support that simply doesn’t exist when you build a solution in-house.
A third-party solution is key to upgrading your sales process, but not all platforms are created
equal. Intelliquip by Revalize eliminates all of the inefficiencies involved in homegrown solutions
and manual processes. And as the first-ever SCPQ, which integrates product selectors and
CPQ technology in one platform, it enables a fast, satisfying, and accurate sales cycle — and
the chance to generate more revenue than ever.
