KBMax - Detailed Review
Sales Tools
KBMax - Product Overview
KBMax Overview
KBMax is a prominent player in the Sales Tools AI-driven product category, particularly in the Configure Price Quote (CPQ) and product configuration space.
Primary Function
KBMax is a cloud-based Visual CPQ and Product Configurator software. Its primary function is to automate and streamline the sales process, especially for businesses that deal with complex product configurations. It enables users to configure products, generate quotes, and manage the entire sales workflow efficiently.
Target Audience
KBMax is primarily used by companies in various industries, including Information Technology and Services, Computer Software, Machinery, and Construction. The software is most often adopted by medium-sized companies with 200-500 employees and revenues between $10 million and $50 million, although it also serves larger and smaller organizations.
Key Features
3D Visualization
KBMax allows users to create 3D renderings and dimensioned drawings of configured products, enhancing the buying experience and reducing the time it takes to respond to requests for proposals (RFPs).
Rules Language and Workflow Engine
The software includes a full-featured rules language and a workflow engine, enabling the automation of sales workflows, approvals, and tracking of purchaser commitments.
CAD Automation
KBMax integrates with CAD systems, facilitating the automatic generation of engineering drawings and models based on product configurations.
Integration with CRM and ERP
The software seamlessly integrates with CRM, ERP, and CAD systems, ensuring real-time connectivity across inventory, costs, pricing, and customer data.
Smart Pricing
KBMax offers smart pricing features that help in managing discounts and pricing approvals within the sales workflow.
By integrating these features, KBMax helps businesses create an immersive online buying experience, increase sales productivity, and enhance overall customer engagement.
KBMax - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of KBMax
The user interface of KBMax, a cloud-based configure price quote (CPQ) software, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, particularly for those in the sales and manufacturing sectors.
Interactive Visualization
KBMax features interactive 3D and 2D visualization tools that allow users to configure products and see the changes in real-time. This visual configuration enables customers to view the finished product from various angles, such as opening a car door to look inside, providing a clear and confident purchasing experience.
Drag-and-Drop UI
The software boasts a drag-and-drop user interface that simplifies the product configuration process. This intuitive design makes it easy for users, regardless of their technical background, to configure products and generate quotes efficiently.
No-Code Rules Engine
KBMax includes a no-code rules engine called KBMax Snap, which is based on open-source technologies like MIT Scratch and Google Blockly. This visual system of logic blocks, functions, and queries allows users to build business rules without needing programming knowledge. This feature makes the platform accessible to non-programmers while still being powerful enough for users with strong development backgrounds.
CAD Automation
The CAD automation capabilities integrate seamlessly with the user interface, allowing users to import CAD models from various tools like 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Solidworks, and more. This integration enables automatic generation of CAD models and drawings, streamlining the manufacturing and quoting processes.
Real-Time Pricing and Feedback
The software provides real-time pricing updates and clear feedback to users as they configure products. This ensures that users are always aware of the pricing and any changes they make to the product configuration.
Omnichannel Experience
KBMax supports an omnichannel experience, allowing users to configure and sell products across different platforms, including eCommerce websites and direct sales channels. This ensures a consistent and seamless user experience across various sales channels.
Integration with Other Systems
The user interface is enhanced by its ability to integrate with CRM and ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, which helps in streamlining sales, finance, and operations processes. This integration ensures that data flows smoothly across different departments, improving overall efficiency.
Ease of Use
The overall design of KBMax is focused on ease of use. The drag-and-drop interface, no-code rules engine, and real-time feedback mechanisms make it accessible to a wide range of users. Even those without extensive technical knowledge can use the platform effectively to configure products, generate quotes, and automate CAD models.
Conclusion
In summary, KBMax offers a user-friendly interface that combines interactive visualization, a no-code rules engine, and seamless integration with other systems to provide an engaging and efficient user experience. This makes it an effective tool for sales teams, manufacturers, and customers alike.
KBMax - Key Features and Functionality
KBMax Overview
KBMax is a sophisticated Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software that integrates advanced features and AI technologies to streamline sales, manufacturing, and customer engagement processes. Here are the main features and how they work:
3D Visualization
KBMax offers interactive 3D and 2D visualization, allowing customers to see the exact configuration of the products they are purchasing. This feature dynamically updates the product visuals as customers select different options, enhancing the buying experience and reducing errors.
Real Time Pricing
The software provides real-time pricing updates, ensuring that customers and sales teams have the most current pricing information. This feature is integrated with the product configurator, so prices adjust automatically based on the selected configurations.
Guided Selling
Guided selling is enhanced by AI, which analyzes customer preferences and product requirements to suggest optimal configurations. This helps streamline the decision-making process and ensures that customers receive accurate and relevant product recommendations.
Rule-Based Configuration
KBMax features a revolutionary rules engine called KBMax Snap, which uses a visual system of logic blocks, functions, and queries. This engine is based on open-source technologies like MIT Scratch and Google Blockly, making it accessible to non-programmers while still handling complex product logic. It ensures a single source of truth for product data by running queries and safe functions from additional data sources.
Dynamic Bill Of Materials
The software generates dynamic bills of materials based on the configured products. This feature ensures that the materials list is always accurate and up-to-date, reducing errors in the manufacturing process.
Automated CAD Drawings
KBMax automates the generation of CAD models and drawings for configured products. This capability eliminates bottlenecks in the manufacturing and quoting processes by providing immediate engineering drawings, and it supports imports from tools like 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Solidworks, Inventor, Creo, or Sketchup.
ERP, CRM, and eCommerce Integration
The software integrates seamlessly with ERP, CRM, and eCommerce systems, ensuring unified data flow and enhancing process automation. This integration reduces manual errors and maintains consistency across various platforms.
AI-Driven Enhancements
AI integration in KBMax, now part of Epicor CPQ, introduces several advanced features:
- Intelligent Configuration: AI simplifies complex product configurations through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, eliminating the need for advanced coding skills.
- Augmented Reality: Integrates AR and VR to provide an immersive visualizing experience, allowing customers to place virtual models of configured products in real-life settings.
- Conversational Configuration: Future plans include using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to allow users to express configuration needs using everyday language.
Mobile Access and Multi-Language Support
KBMax offers mobile access, enabling users to configure and manage products on the go. It also supports multiple languages, making it a global solution for businesses operating in diverse markets.
Quote Generation and Order Management
The software automates the generation of quotes and manages orders efficiently. This includes integrating with other systems to streamline the sales cycle and improve customer experiences.
Sales Analytics and Workflow Automation
KBMax provides sales analytics to help businesses make informed decisions. It also automates workflows, reducing manual tasks and improving overall efficiency.
API Access and Cloud-Based Deployment
The software offers API access for custom integrations and is deployed on a cloud-based platform, ensuring scalability and accessibility.
Benefits of These Features
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Interactive 3D visualization and guided selling improve customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Increased Efficiency: Automated CAD drawings, dynamic bills of materials, and workflow automation reduce bottlenecks and manual errors.
- Improved Accuracy: Real-time pricing and rule-based configuration ensure that all data is accurate and up-to-date.
- Scalability: Cloud-based deployment and API access make the system scalable and flexible.
- Integration: Seamless integration with ERP, CRM, and eCommerce systems maintains data consistency and reduces errors.
These features and AI-driven enhancements make KBMax a powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their sales and manufacturing processes while enhancing customer satisfaction.
KBMax - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
KBMax demonstrates strong performance in several areas:Sales Cycle Efficiency
KBMax helps shorten the sales cycle by up to 38%, which is a significant improvement for businesses. This is achieved through its intuitive configurator, real-time pricing, and automation of CAD and document processes.Deal Size and Conversion Rate
The platform has been shown to increase deal sizes by 105% and conversion rates by 40%, indicating a substantial impact on sales effectiveness.Manufacturing Efficiency
By automating CAD models and drawings, KBMax reduces bottlenecks in the manufacturing process, leading to a 35% increase in production efficiency.Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical component of KBMax’s functionality:Error Reduction
The software minimizes errors associated with manual quoting processes through its automated workflows and rules engine. This ensures that quotes are accurate, consistent, and compliant with pricing guidelines and regulatory requirements.Real-Time Pricing and Configuration
KBMax’s real-time pricing and product configuration capabilities ensure that quotes reflect the most current product data and pricing rules, reducing discrepancies and enhancing customer trust.CAD Automation
The automation of CAD models and drawings eliminates the need for manual intervention, which can introduce errors. This feature ensures that engineering drawings are accurate and ready for manufacturing without delays.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While KBMax offers significant benefits, there are some areas to consider:User Feedback and Implementation
Some users have noted that implementing changes can be challenging due to the varied ways in which the software is used. This can sometimes lead to delays in getting changes implemented by the KBMax team.Initial Setup
There have been instances where the initial installation of the software was difficult, particularly with older operating systems. However, these issues were overcome with persistence and support from KBMax.Guided Selling
Compared to other CPQ solutions like Logik.io, KBMax’s guided selling tools are less sophisticated. This might be a limitation for businesses that prioritize personalized customer interactions over engineering precision.Integration and Ecosystem
KBMax’s performance is also influenced by its integration capabilities:Epicor ERP Integration
The deep integration with Epicor ERP systems is a significant advantage for companies within the Epicor ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining workflows. However, this integration may limit its flexibility for companies outside this ecosystem. In summary, KBMax performs well in terms of sales cycle efficiency, deal size, conversion rates, and manufacturing efficiency. Its accuracy is ensured through real-time pricing, automated workflows, and CAD automation. However, there are areas such as user feedback implementation, initial setup, and guided selling where improvements could be made. KBMax - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Plans
KBMax 3D CPQ (Basic Plan)
- Price: $100 per user per month, billed annually.
- Features: Includes 3D visualization, full admin interface, dynamic quoting, product catalog, and document generation for quotes.
KBMax 3D CPQ CRM/ERP Connectors
- Price: $125 per user per month, billed annually.
- Features: All features from the basic plan plus out-of-the-box CRM and ERP connectors for seamless integration with other business systems.
KBMax 3D CPQ CAD Automation
- Price: $125 per user per month, billed annually.
- Features: Includes all features from the basic plan plus CAD automation capabilities, enabling automatic generation of CAD models and drawings, and integration with CAD tools like Solidworks, Inventor, and Sketchup.
KBMax 3D CPQ CRM/ERP Connectors and CAD Automation
- Price: $125 per user per month, billed annually.
- Features: Combines all features from the previous plans, including 3D visualization, CRM/ERP connectors, and CAD automation. This plan is comprehensive and suitable for businesses needing full integration and automation.
Additional Details
- Minimum Users: There is a minimum requirement of 20 users for these plans.
- Free Trial: KBMax does not offer a free trial or a free version of their software.
- Setup Fee: There is no setup fee for any of the plans.
Key Features Across Plans
- Interactive 3D Visualization: Allows customers to see product configurations in real-time.
- Epicor CPQ Snap Rules and Workflow Engine: A visual rules engine based on open-source technology like MIT Scratch and Google Blockly, making it accessible to non-programmers and powerful enough for complex product logic.
- Document Generation: Automatic generation of quotes, cut sheets, and other documents.
- CAD Automation: Integration with CAD tools to automate the generation of engineering drawings and bills of materials.
KBMax - Integration and Compatibility
Introduction
KBMax, a leading Configure Price Quote (CPQ) solution, integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for businesses, particularly those in the manufacturing and sales sectors.
Integration with Microsoft Dynamics
KBMax CPQ software easily integrates with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales, Dynamics 365 for Finance & Operations, Dynamics AX, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics 365 Business Central. This integration enables businesses to connect their sales and operational data, improving demand planning, production, and sales quote accuracy.
ERP Integration
Following its acquisition by Epicor, KBMax’s CPQ software is now part of Epicor’s ERP solutions. This integration provides a seamless connection between sales and operational data, enhancing demand planning, reducing order mistakes, and improving sales rep productivity. It also offers a single source of truth for complex engineer-to-order projects and a centralized data hub for managing customer orders and fulfillment status.
CRM and eCommerce Integration
KBMax supports integration with CRM systems and eCommerce platforms. This allows for real-time pricing, guided selling, and the ability to generate quotes and manage orders directly within these systems. The software also enables product visualization and configuration directly on the company’s website, enhancing the customer buying experience.
Technical Compatibility
KBMax is compatible with various operating systems and software environments. It offers cloud-based deployment, ensuring scalability and flexibility. The software also supports multi-language and multi-currency features, making it suitable for global businesses. Additionally, KBMax provides API access, allowing for custom integrations with other tools and systems.
Embedding into Websites
KBMax can be embedded directly into a company’s website. This is achieved by using an embed code generated from the KBMax admin tool. This feature allows businesses to create a configurator that is fully integrated with their website, providing a seamless user experience for customers configuring products online.
Mobile Access
The software is also accessible on mobile devices, ensuring that sales teams and customers can configure products and access critical information on the go.
Conclusion
In summary, KBMax offers extensive integration capabilities with various ERP, CRM, and eCommerce systems, along with the flexibility to be embedded into websites and accessed on multiple devices. This makes it a versatile and powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their sales and manufacturing processes.
KBMax - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
KBMax, though not explicitly detailing their customer support options in the provided sources, likely offers support given their extensive client base and global presence. Here are some plausible support avenues:
- Contact Information: Customers can likely reach out to KBMax through various contact methods such as email, phone, or a contact form available on their website.
- Live Demo and Test-Drive: KBMax offers a live demo and test-drive option for their Visual Product Configurator, which suggests a level of support and engagement with potential and existing customers to help them get started with the product.
Additional Resources
- Documentation and Guides: It is common for software companies like KBMax to provide extensive documentation, user guides, and FAQs to help customers use their products effectively.
- Training and Onboarding: Given the complexity of their CPQ solutions, KBMax may offer training and onboarding programs to ensure customers can fully utilize their software.
- Integration Support: Since KBMax CPQ solutions integrate with various Microsoft Dynamics products, they may provide support for these integrations, ensuring smooth connectivity and functionality.
- Success Stories and Case Studies: KBMax shares success stories and case studies on their website, which can serve as valuable resources for customers looking to understand how the software can benefit their business.
If you need more specific information, it would be best to directly contact KBMax through their website or reach out to their customer support team.
KBMax - Pros and Cons
Advantages of KBMax
KBMax offers several significant advantages, particularly in the context of sales tools and product configuration:Advanced Visualization
KBMax is renowned for its advanced 3D visualization capabilities, allowing customers to interactively configure products directly on the website. This feature enhances the customer experience and boosts conversion rates by up to 40%.Real-Time Pricing and Quote Generation
The software provides real-time pricing and automated quote generation, streamlining the sales process and reducing errors. This ensures that customers receive accurate and timely quotes, which can lead to faster sales cycles and increased sales volume.Integration Capabilities
KBMax integrates seamlessly with various systems, including ERP, CRM, and eCommerce platforms. This integration, especially with Epicor ERP systems, enhances operational efficiency and supports accurate order processing.Automated CAD Drawings and Manufacturing
The software automates CAD drawings, bill of materials, assembly instructions, and other manufacturing-related documents without requiring input from engineering. This automation helps in eliminating manufacturing bottlenecks and mistakes.Guided Selling and Rule-Based Configuration
KBMax features guided selling and rule-based configuration tools, which help sales teams configure products according to predefined rules. While its guided selling tools may not be as sophisticated as some competitors, they are effective in ensuring that product configurations respect sales and manufacturing rules.Sales Automation and Workflow Management
The platform automates sales workflows, approvals, and tracks purchaser commitment. It also offers workflow automation, sales document management, and order management, making the sales process more efficient.Training and Support
KBMax provides comprehensive training and onboarding, along with 24/7 support, which is particularly beneficial for enterprises needing continuous assistance and a structured learning curve.Disadvantages of KBMax
While KBMax offers many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:Limited Flexibility in Integration
KBMax’s deep integration with Epicor ERP systems, while advantageous for companies within the Epicor ecosystem, can limit its flexibility for businesses using other systems. This might restrict its adaptability compared to more versatile solutions like Logik.io.Potential for Slower Quoting Process
The advanced 3D visualization tools, although beneficial for industries requiring visual accuracy, can introduce complexities that might slow down the quoting process for businesses that do not need such detailed product rendering.Less Sophisticated Guided Selling
Compared to some competitors, such as Logik.io, KBMax’s guided selling tools lack sophistication. This could be a disadvantage for businesses that prioritize personalized customer interactions over engineering precision.Dependence on Specific Infrastructure
KBMax is highly optimized for businesses already using the Epicor ecosystem. For companies outside this ecosystem, the integration and setup might be more challenging, which could be a barrier to adoption. By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, businesses can make an informed decision about whether KBMax aligns with their specific needs and operational goals. KBMax - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing KBMax (Epicor CPQ) with other products in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) category, several key aspects and alternatives come into focus.
Unique Features of KBMax (Epicor CPQ)
- Visual Product Configuration: KBMax is renowned for its advanced 3D visualization capabilities, making it particularly suitable for industries like manufacturing, where precision and visual accuracy are crucial. This feature allows for real-time product visualization, enhancing operational efficiency and accurate order processing.
- Integration with Epicor ERP: KBMax is tightly integrated with Epicor’s ERP systems, which is a significant advantage for companies already within the Epicor ecosystem. This integration streamlines workflows, supports accurate order processing, and bridges the gap between sales and operational data.
- Manufacturing Automation: KBMax automates various manufacturing processes, including the generation of CAD drawings, bills of materials, assembly instructions, and product renderings, all without requiring input from engineering. This automation helps in eliminating manufacturing bottlenecks and mistakes.
Potential Alternatives
Logik.io
- Broader Solution: Logik.io offers a more versatile solution that caters to both manufacturing and high-tech industries, including software and hardware subscriptions. It integrates with multiple systems such as Salesforce CPQ, ServiceNow, and various eCommerce platforms, making it highly flexible.
- Usability and Speed: Logik.io is known for its user-friendly interface and high-performing rule engine, which simplifies the creation and maintenance of complex product configurations. This results in faster quoting, reduced errors, and a significant increase in sales productivity.
- Guided Selling: Logik.io provides advanced guided selling tools, including dynamic product recommendations and tailored field options, which help sales teams navigate complex product offerings more efficiently and increase conversion rates.
Key Differences
- Integration: While KBMax is deeply integrated with Epicor ERP, Logik.io offers a headless-first architecture that allows it to integrate across multiple systems, providing greater flexibility and scalability.
- Industry Focus: KBMax is particularly strong in industries requiring intricate 3D visualization, such as manufacturing. Logik.io, however, caters to a broader range of industries, including high-tech and those involving software and hardware subscriptions.
Other Considerations
- Market Share: KBMax has a relatively small market share in the product configurator market, which might be a consideration for businesses looking for a more widely adopted solution.
- Business Needs: The choice between KBMax and alternatives like Logik.io should be based on the specific needs of your business. If visual accuracy and deep integration with Epicor ERP are paramount, KBMax might be the better choice. However, if you need a more flexible solution with advanced guided selling and broader system integration, Logik.io could be more suitable.
Conclusion
In summary, while KBMax offers unique strengths in visual product configuration and integration with Epicor ERP, alternatives like Logik.io provide broader flexibility, advanced guided selling, and faster, more user-friendly configuration processes. The decision should be guided by the specific operational needs and long-term goals of your business.
KBMax - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about KBMax
What is KBMax and what does it do?
KBMax is a cloud-based configure price quote (CPQ) software designed to improve the sales process for direct sales organizations, dealers, distributors, and eCommerce businesses. It helps in configuring and selling complex products by providing interactive 3D visualization, CAD automation, and real-time pricing. This software aims to enhance the customer experience, make the manufacturing process more efficient, and accelerate the sales cycle.What are the key features of KBMax?
KBMax offers several key features, including:- 3D Visualization: Allows customers to see exactly what the products they are buying look like, with dynamic changes as they select options.
- Real-Time Pricing: Provides accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
- Rule-Based Configuration: Uses a robust rules engine, KBMax Snap, to handle complex product logic.
- CAD Automation: Automates the creation of CAD drawings based on product configurations.
- ERP and CRM Integration: Integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
- Quote Generation and Order Management: Automates the generation of quotes and manages orders efficiently.
- Product Catalog Management: Helps in managing product catalogs and ensuring accurate product information.
- Sales Analytics: Provides insights into sales performance and customer behavior.
How does KBMax improve sales productivity?
KBMax improves sales productivity in several ways:- Accurate Sales Quotes: Reduces errors in sales quotes by providing real-time pricing and configuration data.
- Reduced Order Mistakes: Ensures that orders are accurate by automating the configuration and quoting process.
- Improved Sales Rep Productivity: Enhances the efficiency of sales reps by automating routine tasks and providing visualized sales information.
- Centralized Data Hub: Offers a 360-degree view of customer order and fulfillment status, streamlining the sales process.
What industries does KBMax serve?
KBMax serves a wide range of businesses, including but not limited to:- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- IT and Industrial Engineering
- eCommerce
- Retail and Automotive industries. It is particularly well-suited for large and small businesses aiming to leverage technological solutions.
What kind of support does KBMax offer?
KBMax provides comprehensive support, including:- 24/7 Support: Available through phone, live support, and tickets.
- Training and Onboarding: Structured training programs to help users get started and continue to use the software effectively.
- Documentation and Resources: Access to various resources and FAQs to help users troubleshoot and use the software efficiently.
How does KBMax integrate with other systems?
KBMax integrates seamlessly with various systems, including:- ERP Systems: Integrates with enterprise resource planning systems to ensure smooth data flow and accurate inventory management.
- CRM Systems: Connects with customer relationship management systems to enhance customer interactions and sales processes.
- eCommerce Platforms: Integrates with eCommerce websites to provide real-time product configuration and pricing information.
What is the pricing for KBMax?
KBMax offers several pricing plans based on the features and capabilities required:- KBMax 3D CPQ: Includes 3D visualization and full admin interface.
- KBMax 3D CPQ CRM/ERP Connectors: Adds integration with CRM and ERP systems.
- KBMax 3D CPQ CAD Automation: Includes CAD automation tools.
- KBMax 3D CPQ CRM/ERP Connectors and CAD Automation: Combines all the above features.
How does KBMax’s rules engine, KBMax Snap, work?
KBMax Snap is a visual rules engine based on open-source technology like MIT Scratch and Google Blockly. It allows users to build rules for their business processes and products using a system of logic blocks, functions, and queries. This engine is designed to be approachable for non-programmers while still being robust enough for complex product logic. It can also run queries and safe functions from additional data sources to ensure a single source of truth for product data.Is KBMax suitable for small businesses or startups?
Yes, KBMax is suitable for businesses of all sizes, including startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers scalable solutions that can be personalized for different types of employees, customers, and industries.How does KBMax enhance the customer experience?
KBMax enhances the customer experience by providing:- Interactive 3D Visualization: Customers can see exactly what the products they are buying look like, with dynamic changes as they select options.
- Real-Time Pricing and Configuration: Ensures that customers get accurate and up-to-date pricing and product information.
- Immersive Online Buying Experience: Integrates with eCommerce platforms to create an information-rich and immersive online buying experience.