Manufacturing is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by AI, automation, and digital transformation. As production methods become more sophisticated and sales channels shift, the complexity of selling and configuring products increases. The right CPQ for manufacturing can have a critical impact on sales productivity, customer experience, helping companies navigate emerging trends by streamlining product configurations, pricing, and quoting. Let’s explore three major manufacturing trends that are making CPQ for manufacturing more crucial than ever.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping manufacturing, not only on the factory floor but also in sales operations. AI-powered robotics and machine learning are optimizing production lines, reducing waste, and improving efficiency. But AI's impact doesn’t stop there—it’s also revolutionizing sales and inventory management.
As manufacturers integrate AI into their operations, the need for seamless, automated sales processes grows. Manufacturing CPQ ensures that AI-driven forecasting translates directly into optimized, accurate quotes—without bottlenecks or manual errors.
Additive manufacturing is transitioning from prototyping to full-scale production. Industries like aerospace, healthcare, and automotive are leveraging high-performance 3D printing to create lightweight, durable, and highly customized parts. This shift is driving a surge in Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and mass customization. More manufacturers are offering personalized, highly configurable products—leading to an explosion in the number of potential configurations. However, without the right tools, managing these customizations can be a logistical nightmare. That’s where CPQ for manufacturing comes in:
As ETO and mass customization become the norm, manufacturers must ensure that their quoting and configuration processes keep up. Manufacturing CPQ provides the agility and precision needed to handle an increasing number of complex, custom orders.
The rise of B2B eCommerce and digital marketplaces is transforming how manufacturers sell. Platforms like Amazon Business, Alibaba, and ThomasNet are becoming essential for reaching new buyers. At the same time, many manufacturers are bypassing traditional distributors and selling directly to customers through their own e-commerce platforms.
With this shift, manufacturing CPQ becomes essential for ensuring a frictionless buying experience. Customers need instant, accurate pricing and configurations, especially in industries where products have multiple options and variations.
The manufacturing landscape is evolving, and investing in the right future-proof CPQ for manufacturing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. AI-driven automation, additive manufacturing, and digital sales transformation are increasing the complexity of manufacturing sales.
As the industry continues to shift, manufacturers who invest in CPQ will not only reduce sales friction but also gain a competitive edge by delivering the seamless, automated, and customer-friendly experiences that modern buyers expect.