If 2016 proved anything, it’s that the marketplace demands more value faster and companies are going to increasingly depend on Configure-Price-Quote solutions to help provide it. According to Forrester’s report, 2017 Predictions: Dynamics That Will Shape The Future In The Age Of The Customer, technology will lead the way in successfully addressing higher customer expectations.
Here are 9 of this year’s key articles relating to this.
Gartner publishes first CPQ research in years
Forbes highlighted the top takeaways of Gartner’s 2016 Marketing Guide for Configure Price Quote Application Suites. The report is important because it’s been several years since there’s been any kind of research on CPQ software published by a major analyst firm.
They note that the CPQ marketplace is growing rapidly, predicting 20% growth year over year through 2020.
CPQ Apps are used by 83% of companies surveyed
Accenture surveyed more than 800 sales professionals to better understand sales tool usage and perceptions. They discovered 83% of the companies surveyed use CPQ apps and 80% of companies have adopted a CRM system.
Buyers want better value, not a better price
The days of the procurement professional who battles for the lowest price possible are over, according to this PYMNTS article. Today, buyers want sellers to work in partnership with them and want to be provided clear value from the very first meeting.
Business leaders to develop highly customized CPQ and CRM solution
Axonom was selected to join forces with Neudesic, a business-innovation technology company, on a project requiring expertise in customized Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution design and integrated price management.
Meeting healthcare design needs depends on data technology
This Healthcare Design Magazine article points out that hospitals must prove the value of everything they do, including architectural design. It advises designers to understand what their goals are for the project and then uses computer 3D modeling and virtual reality to help achieve them.
Virtual reality to transform car sales
Dealer Marketing Magazine reports that while car manufacturers like Ford have used virtual reality as part of its engineering process, the technology is trickling down to the showroom. Audi, for instance, is using it to help customers customize their vehicles. This and more is making virtual reality a game-changer in the automotive marketplace.
Gartner highlights Axonom’s leadership
Axonom was cited in Gartner’s report for its ability to handle complex technical problems such as racking and cabling “two functions which are notoriously difficult to do with most other configurators.”
Axonom presents 3D CPQ solution at the inaugural Microsoft Envision conference
Axonom showcased how Powertrak CPQ solutions can drive sales for apparel, vehicle, medical, dental, outdoor kitchen, racks and enclosures, recreation equipment, and fitness and strength equipment. With this powerful 3D solution, channel partners and customers can visually build, design, quote, and order products with an all-in-one ordering experience.
Virtual reality to transform the B2B marketplace
Many buyers in the B2B marketplace want to try before they buy, but that can be too expensive. This article from The Drum explains that virtual reality is now enabling them to do so cost-effectively and experts say this will change B2B business by driving efficiencies and better collaboration.
We look forward to 2017 as we continue to provide solutions that make it easier than ever for you to demonstrate value to your customers. If you want to stay up to date on what’s happening in the marketplace, be sure to bookmark this blog.