Interview with Heather Hershey, Digital Commerce Research Director
Release Date: 10/06/2024
Is AI in CPQ All Hype – or Just Getting Started?
CPQ Podcast
In this must-listen episode of the CPQ Podcast, we dive into one of the most talked-about trends in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) space: Artificial Intelligence. Is AI in CPQ a game-changer today—or a promise for tomorrow? Join us as we explore the real-world state of AI in CPQ from the perspective of a seasoned CPQ expert (not an AI evangelist!). We cut through the hype and take a practical look at how AI is being used—right now—to improve quoting processes, enhance guided selling, personalize upsell strategies, and even write quote letters and automate testing. You'll learn: 🧠...
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How to Select the Right CPQ Solution — Key Tips and Trends
CPQ Podcast
In this episode, we explore a key question: How do you choose the right CPQ solution? Many customers come to Novus CPQ with a long list of vendors—often 6 to 20. Using our proven process, including targeted questionnaires, we help reduce that to a focused shortlist of 6–8 top candidates. We explain how these lists are typically formed—from consulting partners, direct vendor outreach, internet research, personal contacts, and analyst reports. Once you're down to 3 vendors, our CPQ Sales Reports offer deep insights into leading solutions like SAP, Salesforce RCA, Bit2win, Xait, Engineering...
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Navigating Quote-to-Cash, AI, and Consulting with Tom Stergios from Craton Consulting
CPQ Podcast
In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Tom Stergios, co-founder of Craton Consulting, to explore his 35-year journey in the Quote-to-Cash space. Tom shares his experiences building high-impact consulting teams, including his leadership at ATG, where he scaled a 600-person Quote-to-Cash practice later acquired by Cognizant. We dive into Craton's role in the CPQ ecosystem, helping ISVs, system integrators, and investors navigate complex challenges. Tom discusses key trends in Salesforce CPQ and Billing, the challenges faced by what he calls "orphan revenue cloud...
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Unpacking the CPQ Sales Report: Now Including SAP CPQ!
CPQ Podcast
In this episode, we answer key questions about our own Industry Analyst Report, the "CPQ Sales Report." Exciting news—it’s now available for SAP CPQ! So far, we’ve released four reports covering Camos Software, Bit2Win, Xait, and Engineering Intent, with more coming soon, including Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA). We discuss why we created this report (because the world clearly doesn’t have enough industry analyst reports yet! 😄), what it includes, and how customers are using it. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at .
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Interview with Kristofer Skyttner Founder & CEO of SkyMaker
CPQ Podcast
In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank sits down with Kristofer to dive into the evolution of DynaMaker, a platform that seamlessly integrates CAD and visualization software with CPQ vendors. Kristofer shares insights on how DynaMaker enhances usability for engineers, fosters community engagement, and advances API integration. They also discuss the growing demand for visual configuration in CPQ, highlighting how customers expect dynamic, interactive previews of their configurable products. Kristofer explains the benefits of parametric visualization, which enables real-time 3D model...
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Interview with Leon Panjtar Co-Founder & CEO of SaleSqueze
CPQ Podcast
In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Leon Panjtar, Co-Founder & CEO of SaleSqueze, to explore his journey from industrial automation and robotics to transforming manufacturing sales. Leon shares insights on how his company is simplifying complex manufacturing processes through CPQ and digital transformation, making sales and product configuration more accessible to non-technical users. We discuss SaleSqueze's growth strategy, including its $1.5M seed funding, upcoming Series A round, and expansion into the US market. Leon also provides a deep dive...
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Interview with Matthew Gertner, Founder & CEO of Salsita Software
CPQ Podcast
From dot-com dreams in Prague to cutting-edge 3D CPQ with AI, dive into the journey of Matthew Gertner, CEO of Salsita Software. Discover how his unique background in linguistics and computer science fuels a company revolutionizing custom product sales. We explore the rise of web-based CPQ, the power of 3D configurators, and how AI is shaping the future of online sales. Learn how Salsita is helping businesses, especially those in custom manufacturing, simplify complex pricing and reach global audiences. Tune in to hear about their innovative tech stack and why they believe AI-assisted...
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Unlock the potential of your CPQ with AI and unified data.
CPQ Podcast
Unlock the potential of your CPQ with AI and unified data. We discuss how combining these technologies can drive smarter quoting, personalized recommendations, and improved sales efficiency. This episode provides a high-level overview of the concepts, benefits, and crucial risk considerations for businesses looking to leverage this powerful combination.
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A discussion about CPQ with chatgpt, gemini and deepseek
CPQ Podcast
Two years later, interest in CPQ and AI remains strong. While AI is now widely used daily for various tasks, CPQ adoption of AI is less clear. Although many vendors have announced AI capabilities (or rebranded existing machine learning as AI, which is technically accurate), it's still unclear what AI features customers truly need in CPQ solutions. Therefore, I explored what different language models suggest by asking them some basic questions. I encourage you to listen to their responses and use these tools for your own research, both before selecting a CPQ solution and after it's installed.
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Partner with Configit to Conquer the Mid-Market
CPQ Podcast
In this episode, we bring you key excerpts from a recent webinar featuring Configit and Coolshop. Configit, a leading CPQ vendor from Denmark, was represented by Max Mirbaz, VP of Global Partner Business. Coolshop, an IT & Service company that partners with Configit on solution implementations, was represented by Enrico Magnone, Chief Strategy Officer. The discussion is divided into three key segments: ✅ How to Differentiate CPQ Solutions in 2025 ✅ Configit’s Overview & New Go-to-Market Program ✅ Coolshop’s Approach & a Real-World...
info_outlineJoin us for an insightful conversation with Heather Hershey, the Digital Commerce Research Director at IDC. Heather, a self-made entrepreneur with a unique journey from adult learner to commerce expert, shares her personal experiences and industry insights.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of IDC Analyst Reports and explore the current state of CPQ. Heather discusses her early days in CPQ, the valuable lessons learned from recent ProductScape and MarketScape reports, and her surprising discoveries during CPQ solution reviews.
We also cover hot topics like digital quoting, subscriptions, and the "everything as a service" trend. Heather provides her expert perspective on these issues and shares her thoughts on the future of CPQ.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's leading analysts. Tune in to learn more about IDC's research and gain valuable insights into the world of CPQ.
Note: Want to meet Heather in person? She'll be attending Optimizly Opticon the week of November 18th.