Maximize Sales with Inforest Enterprise Quoting Platform
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- User Home Page
- Creating a Quote
- Configuring Items
- Product Catalog
- Selecting a Configurable Item
- Configurator Screen
- Adding Non-Configurable Items
- Updating Quote Quantities
- Finalizing the Quote
- Converting a Quote to an Order
- Reviewing and Submitting the Order
- Integration with ERP System
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will take a detailed tour of the Inforest Enterprise quoting platform, which is a multi-channel clothing tool at the core of the Inforce Cloud CPQ bundle. We will explore various aspects of the platform, including the configurator, creating quotes with configurable and non-configurable items, converting quotes to orders, and the integration of orders with ERP systems. So, let's dive right in and explore the features and functionalities offered by Inforest Enterprise quoting platform.
User Home Page
The user home page in Inforest Enterprise quoting platform is completely customizable to cater to the specific needs of each user. Whether it's an inside sales representative or an external customer, the user can personalize their home page with a catalog of relevant widgets. Some of the commonly selected widgets include bookmarks, organization social feed for collaboration, and a task list that includes workflow tasks related to quote approvals.
Creating a Quote
To initiate the quote creation process, the user can add a new quote for an established customer. The customers can be pulled from the ERP system through integration or manually entered into Enterprise quoting. This provides flexibility in managing and tracking customer quotes within the platform.
Configuring Items
Inforest Enterprise quoting platform offers the capability to configure both configurable and non-configurable items. The user can either add a known item directly to the quote or browse the product catalog to select the desired items. The product catalog provides a wide range of options to choose from, including 3D visual configurators, static imagery, 3D CAD, and 2D drawings.
Product Catalog
The product catalog within the Inforest Enterprise quoting platform is a comprehensive repository of configurable and non-configurable items. Users can browse through the catalog to find the desired products and add them to the quote. The catalog is structured in a user-friendly manner, making it easy to navigate and locate specific items.
Selecting a Configurable Item
Once inside the product catalog, users can choose a configurable item to start the configuration process. For example, selecting a 3D forklift triggers the configurator screen where users can input their selections and preferences. The configurator screen provides an interactive interface, allowing users to visualize the changes they make through static imagery, 3D visual configuration, 3D CAD, or 2D drawings.
Configurator Screen
The configurator screen in Inforest Enterprise quoting platform is divided into two sections. On the left-hand side, users can input their selections and preferences, while the right-hand side reflects the changes visually. This ensures a seamless and interactive configuration experience, enabling users to make informed decisions about their product selections.
Adding Non-Configurable Items
In addition to configurable items, users can also add non-configurable items to their quote. This can be done using the "add item" feature, where users can simply type in the name or description of the item they want to add. For example, adding a forklift safety sign to the quote alongside the configurable items.
Updating Quote Quantities
To accommodate specific requirements, users can easily update the quantities of items in their quote. For example, if additional signs are needed for a facility, users can update the quantity accordingly. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor their quotes to meet their exact needs.
Finalizing the Quote
Once the configuration and item selection process is complete, users can navigate to the detail panel to review pricing information and see a summary of all selections. The Inforest Enterprise quoting platform also offers the option to display pricing information to end-users, providing transparency and clarity. Upon finishing the configuration, users are taken back to the quote summary page, where they can review the items and make any final adjustments before proceeding.
Converting a Quote to an Order
When the customer is ready to place an order based on the quoted items, users can easily convert the quote to an order. With a simple click of a button, the quote is converted, and the user is directed to the order summary page. Here, users have a final opportunity to review the order for accuracy before submitting it. This step ensures that all details are correct and helps in avoiding any potential errors in the order.
Reviewing and Submitting the Order
After reviewing the order for accuracy, users can submit it with confidence. Upon submission, the Inforest Enterprise quoting platform generates an order confirmation, indicating that the order has been successfully submitted. Users can access this information on both the quote page and the order page, enabling them to track and manage the entire process efficiently.
Integration with ERP System
One of the key strengths of the Inforest Enterprise quoting platform is its seamless integration with ERP systems. Once an order is submitted, it is automatically pushed into the ERP system, along with all the necessary details such as the work order and bill of materials. This integration streamlines the entire workflow and ensures that all relevant information is shared between various systems, enabling a smooth and efficient order fulfillment process.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the various features and functionalities offered by the Inforest Enterprise quoting platform. From the user home page to creating quotes, configuring items, and converting quotes to orders, each step of the process was discussed in detail. We also highlighted the integration capabilities of the platform with ERP systems, which further enhances the efficiency of the entire quoting and order fulfillment process. Whether you're already using the Inforest CPQ platform or considering implementing a similar solution, this article provides valuable insights and a comprehensive understanding of the platform's capabilities.
