KBMax Visual CPQ is redefining e-commerce for highly configurable products. The platform can easily handle complex business rules with a no-code engine called Snap that’s easy to learn and maintain. It also offers visualization, real-time pricing, CAD automation, and website embedding. This end-to-end solution can result in an awesome buying experience, a faster sales cycle, and a more efficient manufacturing process.

KBMax Visual CPQ Benefits for Manufacturers

Providing customers and prospects with a real-time product configuration tool improves the buyer experience and drives business performance in several ways, including:

  • 105% Increase in deal size
  • 40% Increase in conversion rate
  • 38% Faster sales cycle
  • 168% Increase in annual sales
  • 35% Increase in production

KBMax Visual CPQ Efficiency

KBMax helps you shorten the sales cycle and eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks and errors by:

  • Making it easy to visually and digitally sell configurable products with an intuitive configurator
  • Handling the most complex business rules with a no-code engine
  • Accuracy and efficiency during the sales and manufacturing process through workflows, CAD, and document automation
  • Enabling new sales channels: Sales reps, distributors, partners, and direct customers digitally

KBMax Visual CPQ Functionality

The Epicor + KBMax End-to-End Solution:

  • Digital Selling: KBMax enables companies to create an information-rich and immersive buying experience for highly configurable products. The more complex, the better
  • Advanced CPQ: KBMax takes it another step with visualization, complex configuration, dynamic pricing, manufacturing automation, and omnichannel selling
  • eCommerce: Epicor’s eCommerce solution enables the customer to complete the purchase
  • Connectivity: Epicor ERP enables vital connectivity points across inventory, costs, pricing, and customer data

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


In an industry like manufacturing that’s remained the backbone of economies all over the world for centuries, change has always been a constant. After all, transformation is at the heart of manufacturing, utilizing the resources and raw materials of the world to create objects that are more valuable than the sum of their parts. But in 2021, the world’s most valuable resource isn’t something that can be formed into a shape. Well, not exactly.

Here’s how Data and Analytics are destined to be one of the most valuable resources for manufacturers moving forward.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Centralized collaboration technology in cloud ERP solutions can help you manage operations more efficiently. It brings employees together from locations around the world by hosting data and information that serves as a single source of truth. Your organization can share information that offers these surprising benefits along the entire supply chain.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Keeping your customers at the center of your business means responding to their requests in a fast and efficient way. Your customers are used to getting what they want when they want it, so you need to leverage the latest technology to meet their increasing demands.

Epicor Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a modern platform that provides a 360-degree view of the entire customer, supplier, or partner relationship. Control every aspect of your company’s interaction with customers and prospects—from generating the lead, to developing the opportunity, taking the order, producing and shipping or supplying the goods or services, receiving the payment, and supporting the customer.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Not all eCommerce platforms are created equal. Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC) features are tightly integrated with ERP features, taking advantage of our customer’s investment in their ERP platform from Epicor. Look under the hood to see the many touchpoints between ECC and Epicor ERP platforms. ECC assures reliable and instantaneous bi-directional data integration between your eCommerce and ERP platforms.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


The subject of the future of the supply chain has come back into focus. What does the future supply chain look like, and what do we expect some of the essential characteristics to be? Although this requires a degree of speculation, there are also some trends and technologies that are having and will continue to have, an enormous impact on the supply chain.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Manufacturing is an old industry that is changing so fast you may not recognize it in 15 years. Just as retail, communication, and entertainment industries have changed radically, technology is fueling new business models for manufacturing all manner of products. Industry 4.0 is a common name for the strategy that allows manufacturing companies to keep pace with the expectations customers have today.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Many businesses sell products that can be customized—for example by color, size, material, and much more. With products such as these, the number of possible combinations the customer could choose can rapidly rise to thousands or more. To help manage this complexity, Epicor now offers a native web configuration tool—the Epicor Web Configurator (EWC)—that utilizes the Kinetic design and framework. Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC) includes this configuration tool and configurator module that provides a fast and efficient mechanism to display all product options on a page. This allows your customer to easily choose their product specifications without the stress of having to navigate through multiple pages to find the combination that best meets their needs.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


With the technology landscape changing swiftly and environmental factors demanding digital transformation more quickly than ever, now is the time to get on board with eCommerce for manufacturers.

What is eCommerce?

eCommerce or electronic commerce refers to any business conducted by two parties in an online setting. eCommerce generally occurs through an online sales portal.

Some of the most well-known examples of online marketplaces are Amazon and Alibaba. However, more and more businesses are creating eCommerce portals within their websites.

There are two main types of eCommerce: Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B).

The Difference Between B2B and B2C eCommerce

The first example, B2C, can be seen in online marketplaces like Alibaba and Amazon. Even a small manufacturer can create their eCommerce framework to sell directly to consumers, thus avoiding a marketplace middleman, like Amazon.

The second example, B2B, is a bit more complex. The relationships shared between manufacturers, partners, and suppliers involve more moving parts. We are talking about systems comprised of complicated workflows, customer-specific pricing structures, multiple buyer personas, and multi-site instances.

B2B eCommerce goes beyond a website of products and a customer’s shopping cart.

B2B eCommerce has the power to digitally transform a traditional manufacturing business into a modern enterprise.

Why Should Manufacturers Invest in eCommerce?

2020 saw perhaps the most dramatic increase in eCommerce activity ever. This was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses had to find a way to conduct sales and deliver their products to customers safely and conveniently. The adoption of eCommerce was a clear choice for many. However, according to eCommerce thought leaders at Digital Commerce 360, “80% of companies still depend primarily on their internal sales force to drive revenue, and that nearly three-fourths of manufacturers—70%—don’t have a comprehensive digital commerce strategy in place.”

For some manufacturers, digital transformation may be met with resistance for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common excuses include:

  • We do not need more software/technology.
  • We do not sell direct to consumers, so what is the point?
  • The business is not prepared for that level of change.
  • We are doing fine without it.
  • We already tried that and were unsuccessful.
  • The price is a barrier to entry.
  • We have salespeople for that.
  • We are unique, it will not work for us.
  • We’re a people company and eCommerce is too impersonal.

These reasons and many more are provided by executives and managers who do not acknowledge that the writing is on the wall. Unfortunately for them, businesses that fail to adopt new technology tend to fall out of favor with customers.

As more young talent joins the workforce, the need to incorporate modern technology and tools increases, too. Companies that are open to adopting technology to increase business performance are innovators and employees respond to tech-literate companies.

Businesses that are slow to adopt or flat-out reject digital transformation fail to remain competitive in terms of performance and in attracting new talent.

If not for convenience, new revenue streams, or attracting young talent to an organization, manufacturers should consider eCommerce for the insight it provides.

As customers make those online purchases, data is recorded. Companies can then use this data to understand their customer habits in more detail. Knowing who buys what at what time and in what quantity can enable more efficient sales practices and better customer satisfaction.

eCommerce Growth

According to Digital Commerce 360, “eCommerce sales will reach $839.02 billion by the end of 2020 with an incredible 40.3% growth from 2019, Digital Commerce 360 estimates. That’s the highest annual U.S. eCommerce growth in at least two decades.” By Q3 alone, US eCommerce sales rose nearly 40%.

This amount of growth is simply too big to ignore. The rise in eCommerce adoption is only increasing as manufacturers acknowledge customers’ need to access products and services on their terms.

The Benefits of eCommerce for Manufacturers

Beyond making the buyer’s journey more convenient, eCommerce adoption offers three key benefits:

  • Efficiency
  • Engagement
  • Revenue

We will break these key benefits down to show you how eCommerce solutions can enable your manufacturing business with a whole new dimension.

Efficiency Through eCommerce

Efficiency through eCommerce adoption can be achieved in several ways.

First, your sales staff can be freed to pursue higher-value sales and relationship-building. With expansive tools and capabilities at their disposal, your team is more effective in the sales cycle and the company’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is reduced.

Cost savings also come in the form of the cost of acquisition. That is, bringing in new customers costs you less. By leveraging digital marketing advancements, your business can identify, attract, and convert new customers far more easily when the gateway to their next purchase is accessed by a few clicks or taps on their digital device.

Sometimes, you just don’t want to talk to a rep to place a PO. By giving customers the ability to serve themselves through an eCommerce portal, they are empowered to control their buying journey. Access to relevant data like buying history, order status, quoting, and point of sale (POS), ensures your customers can make that next purchase regardless of your sales reps’ availability.

Finally, eCommerce ensures your customers are introduced to your latest offerings. This can be an improved product, promoted item, or components on which you make the greatest margin. eCommerce gives you the ability to put your targeted products front and center to an audience looking to buy here and now.

Engaging Customers Through eCommerce

Above, we touched on delivering the right product at the right time to your customers. eCommerce makes that process easier and more organic. By delivering an intuitive and familiar online experience, your customers will return, rather than see what your competitors are offering.

More customers are researching and buying online than ever. To ignore this trend is negligent at best and self-destructive at worst. Being where your customers are and giving them the means to direct their buying journey ensures they remain engaged with your company and inform your services alongside their needs.

More data may seem like a headache for the traditionally aligned manufacturer. However, with more data, you are better equipped to make informed decisions that benefit your business.

eCommerce sales data can be an invaluable resource in directing your efforts. Product configurations that do not sell can be scrapped, reworked, or remarketed to satisfy the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) you are looking at when making business decisions. That’s visibility for you and your business. What about the customer?

eCommerce solutions allow customers to configure products online, view and access your entire catalog of products, and match part availability based on specific needs.

How Manufacturers Increase Revenue With eCommerce

When it comes to manufacturers’ c-suite, sometimes all that matters is the bottom line. If revenue is the only means of steering your company one way or the other, eCommerce makes a compelling case.

The fact of the matter is that customers, whether individuals or businesses are online. According to one eCommerce software provider, as many as 75% of all B2B product purchases are now made online. Not only that but surveys revealed that “1 in 3 buyers confess that they would choose a vendor, solely based on the ability to place, pay for, track and return orders online.”

Acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing customer.

You read that right. Manufacturers need to be looking at an eCommerce arm for their marketing and sales activities. In doing so, manufacturers will not only be able to serve existing customers but also retain them at higher rates.

As new customer introduction and acquisition increases alongside eCommerce, manufacturers can increase their market share. The result is a more consistent recurring revenue stream.

By making purchasing easier and improving the overall customer experience, manufacturers can increase revenue per customer by intelligently marketing to them based on eCommerce activity. These personalized buying experiences offer ample opportunities for reorders, cross-selling, and upselling with ease.

Getting started with eCommerce

There are many options available for manufacturers interested in integrating eCommerce tools into their tech stack. Unfortunately, it can be as much of a burden as it is a blessing to be so spoiled for choice.

On the other hand, evaluating eCommerce solutions based on the larger needs of your company can be a sound business decision.

That is why manufacturers should consider Epicor ERP and its available eCommerce functionality. This simple addition can make the process of entering the realm of eCommerce quick and painless. Not only this, but Epicor ERP serves to support your business with a single source of truth that serves as the foundation for all your business operations and decision-making.

Epicor ERP has designed its eCommerce solution, Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC), to be live on your website in as few as 5 days.

Epicor Commerce Connect

Epicor Commerce Connect is a comprehensive eCommerce solution that works with Magento and is tightly integrated with Epicor ERP.

A key capability for manufacturers to modernize their business, Epicor Commerce Connect offers the productivity of a cloud-based, fully-integrated digital commerce system. With ECC, manufacturers can communicate their brand value, make available unique product offerings, and compete in today’s online digital marketplace.

Fully integrated with Epicor ERP, ECC avoids multiple databases while delivering streamlined ordering, marketing, SEO, visibility, rich information, and customer service – all in real-time, for a highly competitive price. ECC also provides added operational savings with a one-stop-shop ECC solution with flexible Cloud-based deployment, rapid implementation, and high scalability for rapid ROI.

ECC provides responsive mobile eCommerce adapting to different screen sizes on smart devices at a time and place of the buyer’s choosing. ECC can be your basis for continued business growth and a compelling, productive future.

Your customers will experience a modern eCommerce website with convenience, ease of use, and easy repeat purchasing.

Want to know more? Download this ECC Fact Sheet, Rainier Industries Success Story, or contact the experts at Encompass today.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Traeger Grills specializes in the design and manufacture of wood pellet grilling systems that bypass conventional propane and charcoal burner capabilities—creating healthy foods with a flavorful, smoky taste.

Offering a complete line of grills, hardwood pellets, sauces, and accessories, Traeger surpassed its expectations by increasing year-to-year sales by nearly 40 percent over the last three years. Among the driving forces behind this sales boost was an expanded retail channel consisting of big box and specialty dealers, online venues, and specialty events that dramatically generated greater awareness among key audiences—ranging from barbecue enthusiasts to world-renowned chefs.

Success Highlights

Challenges

  • Easily fulfill a dramatic increase in orders generated from new markets and expanded sales channels

Solution

  • Epicor® ERP Cloud

Benefits

  • Reduce delivery times and costs
  • Identify stock availability and location in real-time
  • Quickly secure additional IT resources during peak times with minimal expense
  • Shifted IT from a capital expenditure to an operational expenditure

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.