So, you know you're in need of a configure-price-quote (CPQ) solution, but where do you start? When considering vendors, make sure they can meet each of these key requirements.

1. Choosing your CPQ
software vendor
8 key questions to include in your RFI
So you know you have a problem in your CPQ process, and
it’s time to seek out the right solution to overcome your
challenges. As you begin constructing your RFI, make sure
the vendors you’re considering can meet each of these key
requirements.

2. Business moves faster with mobile,
and especially when it comes to
quote turnarounds, product and
sales configuration on-the-fly, and
the ability to execute a contract.
It’s critical that your location does
not hinder your ability to push a
deal over the finish line.
Is your CPQ
solution available
on a variety of
mobile devices?
1

3. Does your CPQ
solution manage
sales with
constraints or
rules?
2
Administering a CPQ solution with a
complicated rule-modeling interface
permits neither low total cost of
ownership, nor user-friendly
maintainability, but a constraints-
based system does. You can say in a
handful of constraints what it
would take potentially hundreds of
rules to say.

4. When it comes to deploying
software that streamlines
processes and encourages user
adoption, integration concerns are
key. Be up front about the systems
you have running and that must
easily integrate with CPQ.
Can it integrate
seamlessly with
line-of-business
systems such as
CRM, ERP, & CLM?
3

5. Does it include a
modeling
interface?
4
An ideal CPQ solution will include
an interface for rule or constraint
modeling at no additional cost, and
well-architected solutions will have
a clean separation between data,
rules, engine, and UI, allowing all
modeling to be done in one place. If
your system isn’t designed this way,
then you’re in for a maintenance
nightmare, straining your IT
department and slowing engine
response time.

6. If the name of the game is keeping
business on a fast-track, cloud
solutions are your Lamborghini.
CPQ vendors should show a
dedication to maintaining a high
level of security within their
application, and should be happy
to provide documentation that
shows how they keep your data
safe.
Can your solution
be deployed in
the cloud?
5

7. Is it able to scale
as your company
grows and needs
change?
6
As business grows, so does the
snowball of complexity. Think about
your company scaling and ask key
questions, such as how
performance and user experience
are impacted by growing complexity,
or how much it costs to scale the
interface.

8. The more complexity there is in
your sales processes, the more
likely you are to miss critical
moments or issues in configuration,
pricing, quoting, and contract
activities. Vendors should offer
customizable alerts to ensure
clear, correct messages are
presented at the right time,
enabling teams to take action when
needed.
Can it send
customized alerts
to sales, finance,
legal, and other
personnel?
7

9. What type of
support is
offered?
8
Business users today need quick
answers to questions, and want to
feel like they’re receiving
personalized service. CPQ vendors
should offer comprehensive,
around-the-clock service, and
proper system training up-front.

10. Learn about Selectica CPQ software
at selectica.com today and check
out this resource in full here!
Thank you