CPQ implementation indispensable best-practices

CPQ implementation indispensable best-practices

CPQ best practices

Budgets overrun, deadlines missed: things can go wrong in a CPQ implementation. What best practices exist for a successful CPQ implementation? We made a selection and list the indispensable CPQ best practices for you. Read on and save!

#1 Determine the business objectives before starting the implementation.

Before embarking on an implementation project, you make sure that the objectives are fully mapped out and precisely defined. At the same time, you determine how to measure the ultimate success and when the project has succeeded. During this phase you may conclude that some processes need to be changed or optimized before you can start the actual implementation.

#2 Simplify existing processes before you automate them.

Thinking about automating certain processes? A wise choice. However, before you start doing so, it is important to make the existing processes as simple as possible. This way, you avoid incurring unnecessary costs to automate complex projects. Moreover, by doing so, you increase the chances that the process automation will actually contribute to your goals. Also not unimportant: implementing changes once a complex process is automated is also more complicated. So plenty of reason to simplify processes.

#3 Develop for your end user.

Always keep the end user in mind when developing processes and models. That way you make sure the models are as simple as possible and fit the needs and language of the end user.

#4 Measuring is knowing.

Not only when selecting an implementation party, but also during the development itself: keep measuring the performance of the solution. Avoid the situation where you don't measure performance until delivery. Poor-performing solutions do not invite use.

#5 Make fans of your end users.

Be sure to involve colleagues in the process at all stages of your selection and implementation process. This will give them a sense of contributing to the solution and influencing the implementation.

#6 Get the right team.

Pay due attention when assembling the right implementation team. That means making sure you have team members who have the right skills and experience. In addition, make sure the team is balanced. This includes involving consultants who have experience with the solution, supplementing the team with one or more software architects (from the implementation partner) and involving ambassadors within the organization. Of course, you also make sure there is an internal team that deals with the solution after implementation.

#7 Work in an agile manner.

Try to conduct the implementation in an agile manner. Provide regular reviews of the project and do not be reluctant to change the direction or adjust the approach when the situation calls for it.

#8 Map tasks.

Both implementation and daily use require various maintenance tasks. It is wise to have an overview of these in advance and to know with what frequency the tasks must be performed. This overview depends on the chosen solution. Make sure you have this insight before choosing the solution and the implementation partner.

Want to learn more about the real-world benefits of a CPQ solution? Read more background information here .

Colin Hammer

Colin Hamer is a Software Engineer at CaseNine. He is responsible for various Salesforce projects at clients.