Buyside user interface
The configurator buyside user interface is a modern, intuitive platform designed to simplify the configuration of complex products and services. Integrated with Salesforce CPQ and other enterprise systems, it enables users to create, manage, and visualize detailed product configurations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the sales and fulfillment process.
- The buyside user interface (UI) in CPQ is where sales reps or customers configure products in Salesforce CPQ.
- Provides guided, attribute-based product configuration with rules, enrichments, and integrations.
- Ensures accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) are generated for quoting, manufacturing, or service operations.
Key capabilities
- Multi-BOM displays: Organize and visualize different types of line items (sales, installation, service, support) in separate, easily navigable sections.
- Dynamic field grids: Collect and manage structured data (like sales figures or configuration attributes) in intuitive, tabular formats.
- Guided configuration: Use sections, subsections, and nested tiers to break down complex product lists, making selection and customization effortless.
- Rule-based automation: Automate calculations, field updates, and validation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with business logic.
- Enrichment scripts: Apply advanced logic—such as surcharges or custom fields—at the end of the configuration process, before passing data to downstream systems.
- No-code/low-code administration: Empower business admins to manage and update configurations without deep technical skills, using point-and-click tools
Key personas
- Sales Representative: Configure and quote tailored solutions for customers, using guided workflows and automated rules to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- System Administrator: Manages platform setup, integrations, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring the configurator aligns with enterprise needs. Maintain and update configuration logic, manage integrations, and ensure the platform aligns with evolving business needs.
- Solution Architect: Design scalable configuration models and validate technical feasibility for complex deals.
- Business Process Owner: Oversee adoption, gather feedback, and drive continuous improvement.
- End User (Customer or Partner): Interact with the configurator via self-service portals, customizing products and services to their requirements.
Key benefits
- Accelerated sales cycles: Guided, rule-based configuration reduces errors and rework, speeding up time-to-quote.
- Enhanced user experience: Intuitive UI, dynamic filtering, and real-time feedback make even complex configurations simple.
- Operational efficiency: No-code administration empowers business users, reducing IT dependency and admin costs.
- Scalability and flexibility: Adapts to any industry, product complexity, or channel—supporting sales teams, partners, and self-service customers.
- Governance and compliance: Automated rules and AI-driven governance ensure configurations meet business and regulatory requirements.
Workflow
- Access the CPQ configurator: Users launch the configurator from Salesforce CPQ or a ServiceNow portal.
- Configure products and services:
- Use multi-BOM displays to separate sales, installation, and support items.
- Filter and select products using sections, subsections, and nested tiers.
- Enter and organize data in field grids for structured input.
- Apply rules and automation:
- Automated rules calculate prices, apply surcharges, and validate configurations.
- Enrichment scripts add advanced logic, such as tax exemptions or shipping fees.
- Collaborate and finalize:
- Stakeholders review and approve configurations as needed.
- Generate and share quotes, ensuring all business and compliance requirements are met.
Example
Jack, a sales representative, receives a request from a SaaS customer for a tailored network solution.
- Jack opens the opportunity in Salesforce CPQ and launches the configurator buyside user interface.
- He uses multi-BOM displays to separate hardware, installation, and support items.
- Jack filters router models by business size using nested tiers, ensuring the customer only sees relevant options.
- The system automatically calculates surcharges and applies tax exemptions, thanks to built-in enrichment scripts as Jack adds installation services.
- The solution architect reviews and approves the configuration.
- Jack generates a quote, confident that all business rules, pricing, and compliance requirements have been met.
- The customer receives a clear, tailored proposal, ready for approval.