Epicor CPQ

Avantages

The KBMax configurator has been great, thus far. We are not only using it to provide configuration experiences within Salesforce but also to provide stand-alone configurators outside of Salesforce. This ability to re-use the configurator for different channels is key to keep our costs low as well as to provide a consistent experience across channels. The ability to generate output documents from KBMax (like BOMs) has proven to be a valuable asset as well.

Our company has some pretty complicated product set, which requires complex rules and experiences to be built. So far, we have not run into a problem that we couldn't solve with the KBMax configurator.
As a product owner, one of the most critical differentiators of KBMax (versus competitors) is the ability for us to prototype potential configuration experiences quickly. Anyone that works with configurators knows that there are many variables to consider and having the ability to try them and test them users quickly is invaluable.

Just as important as the product, is the KBMax company itself. Everyone I've ever interacted with at KBMax has been great. Part of our company's choice to go with KBMax as a vendor partner was that they seemed to "get it". They picked up on our business needs quickly and understood our complicated configuration asks. Not only did they understand, they asked forward looking questions and have been pushing best practices upon us continuously as well.

Inconvénients

We've noticed some deficiencies with multi-user authoring. For example, if you have multiple admins that are authoring or editing the same part of your configuration data model, you can potentially run into issues overwriting eachother's work. I'm not sure that any CPQ configurator solution does this well, though.

However, we have provided this feedback to KBMax already to consider enhancing in future product releases.

Alternatives envisagées 

Avantages

Easy to use and implement. It interfaces well into Epicor Kinetics.

Inconvénients

It would be nice if the product was included with Epicor Kinetics.

Avantages

Just getting used to the ideas incorporated.

Inconvénients

Not sure about how much IT knowledge will be required.

Avantages

The platform is easily accessible and once familiar with Snap Code it is each to make modifications.

Inconvénients

I would like a clearer understanding of fees in using platform.

Avantages

Because the snap code is so simple to use, anyone can pick it up and contribute. Instead of needing a programmer to build the entire system and feed them information, you can have people of the right disciplines create their own configurators. There's no concern about syntax errors, etc.

The flexibility of the code allows you to adapt to any of your business practices and get as granular as you'd like with things. You never really run into something that the software isn't capable of.

The SolidWorks automation is very strong and can help produce a complicated product and bill of material. Many competitors can not handle the CAD and BOM creation that KBMax is capable of.

Inconvénients

Although the Salesforce integration that we use is robust, it's not as fast as we'd like it to be when making revisions to orders.

Because everyone uses the software in a different way, it can sometimes be difficult to get changes implemented by the KBMax team. Although it could be something critical to your specific business, KBMax may not deem it critical based on other customer needs.

Avantages

In the end, the ability for customers to visually configure all compatible options and attachments on the machine, see the retail pricing, explore options, request a quote.

Inconvénients

Preparing the 3D model to be web ready and customer facing. Duplicating the configuration and compatibility rules.

Avantages

user friendly. Easily adaptability. Familiar format and screens that are common amongst modern software packages. it feels very up-to-date and modern.

Inconvénients

there is a lot to learn and things are tied together. it works great if you have everything linked correctly, but it requires institutional discipline.

Avantages

Snap code makes the software easy to use and pick up with little previous programming experience.

The flexibility of the software allows you to utilize it for many different scenarios. There's a lot of room for customization depending on the needs of your company and the other software you may be working with. If KBMax doesn't directly integrate with another software there is often some way you can make them work together.

Inconvénients

Response to some bugs can be slow. If you have a bigger issue it will typically be resolved quicker, but some of the small to medium issues can take months to get fixed or have progress on them. I would like to see a little bit more responsiveness from the devs in this area.

Avantages

Easy to implement
Multichannel solution
Multi Device solution (Mobile, tablet, desktop)
Generation of documents for non IT teams
Capability to extend Salesforce
3D & CAD generation for manufacturing
Can be used to configure, price and quote insurance, telco, energy offers

Inconvénients

Take in account subscription and renewal processes

Avantages

Flexibility to customize as needed. Easy interface.

Inconvénients

Need to be a very technical programmer to configure the rules and workflow. Analytics is difficult (e.g. exporting quotes data, need APIs, etc..). Would like to see more native BI possibilities or at minimum export to Excel functions.

Avantages

The 3D capability of KBMax is visually appealing. Our Sales Reps and Customers have commented on how life like products look while using the 3D tool. The snap code is also easy and intuitive to use.

Inconvénients

I have found one of the most complicated pieces of the software is creating a scene. Most users will need a certain amount of computer knowledge to use this feature. Also, it seemed time consuming to create 3D models. I don't believe this would be the case if wearable fabric/material wasn't being used.

Avantages

The simplest development platform for 3D I've ever used.
I'm not a developper, and after a single training I'm able to manage many functionalities on our platform, add new products.

Inconvénients

From my personal point of view, support could be the weak point (but my company i probably art of the issue)

Avantages

This is an excxellent tool for use in configuring different products for our company and for our customers. We have demonstrated it's effectiveness to many customers of ours and found it to be extremely helpful in designing both new products and updating older models. It is a geniune help to produce a complete package for our customers and we have seen an ROI several times over.

Inconvénients

It was originally difficult to install as we had Microsoft "VISTA" on our computers. Through perserverance, KB Max was able to overcome the obstacles and get us a clean install.

Avantages

Can increase your production 1000%. If you have part families you want to model and document, KBMAX is a must do.
We have seen a dramatic increase in the output of 2D drawings and 3D models.
The software can also be adapted to many other areas besides engineering. We have only scratched the surface of what KBMAX can do.
Customer support is very good.

Inconvénients

Learning curve is a bit steep.
No documented software or training manuals.

Avantages

KB Max is a great piece of software. It has allowed Everbrite to leverage vast gains in the reduction of Engineering times within the product categories that have been implemented.

Kevin Bennett of Citius offers exceptional customer/consulting service and has a vast amount of knowledge to offer any implementation.

Inconvénients

There are no drawbacks from what I've experienced thus far.

Avantages

Overall the product is very customizable. And the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Being that KBMax Live is a cloud based web site makes it very convenient and the hands on design really lets you tailor to your needs.

Inconvénients

Depending on your needs editing an assembly built with KBMax can be more challenging.

Avantages

Expert Software development skills.
Expert Solidworks and PDM knowledge.
Excellent understanding of design engineering and related concepts.
We are able to speak directly to folks who can solve our problems.
Excellent support.

Inconvénients

I can't think of any.