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 Intent, and Camos.

We also discuss the most requested CPQ capabilities in the past year: 🤖 AI tools to sell faster and smarter 🧩 Modern architectures (headless, API-first, composable) 🌐 Omni-channel support for sales, partners, and e-commerce

Plus, we touch on trends like analytics, subscriptions, and 3D/AR visualization.

👉 Tune in for expert tips to streamline your CPQ selection project and make better decisions faster.

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 customers," and how his firm helps businesses evaluate their best path forward.

Beyond consulting, we explore AI’s growing role in CPQ, from automating provisioning and billing to enhancing sales and customer success. Tom also highlights the future of AI monetization, the shift toward usage-based pricing models, and what businesses must consider to stay competitive.

Plus, we get a glimpse into Tom’s personal journey, his deep ties to Montana, and his passion for creating opportunities through consulting and talent development.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of CPQ, AI, and business transformation!

Craton Consulting contact information:

• Website: https://cratonconsulting.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-stergios/ 

Learn from the Craton Advisor Network https://cratonconsulting.com/craton-advisor-network/ , a collective of seasoned quote-to-cash operators boasting over 200 years of combined experience across CRO, CFO, CIO roles, and more. Get practical, 'been there done that' insights alongside Craton Consulting's expertise.

Craton Affiliated Entity contact information: 

• https://thewholegroup.com
• https://www.ravusinc.com
• https://www.theinsightstudio.com 

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 [email protected].

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 adjustments, reducing the reliance on static images and improving the quoting process.

Additionally, the conversation touches on DynaMaker’s focus on the European market, its potential for U.S. expansion, and its partnerships with CPQ vendors like Tacton, Elfsquad, and Experlogix. 

Whether you're an engineer, a CPQ professional, or just interested in the intersection of visualization and automation, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of CPQ-driven visual configuration.

DynaMaker contact information:

• Website: https://dynamaker.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristofer-skyttner/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dynamaker 

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 into the platform’s architecture, with a focus on capabilities for dealer networks, API integrations with Microsoft Dynamics and SAP, and upcoming AI-powered automation for sales and order processing.

Join us as we unpack the post-Covid shift in manufacturing, the role of 3D configurators and CAD integrations, and why mid-market manufacturers are prioritizing efficiency and automation. Plus, get a glimpse into Leon’s personal life—from his passion for travel to coaching a successful handball team.

🚀 Tune in now to hear Leon’s take on the future of CPQ and manufacturing automation!

SaleSqueze contact information:

• Website: https://salesqueze.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonpanjtar/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaleSquezeCPQ
• Fit Show Birmingham https://www.fitshow.co.uk/

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 configurator creation is the next big thing. Connect with Matthew and his team at salsita.ai.

Salsita Software contact information:

• Website: https://salsita.ai/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgertner/ 

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.

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.

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 Partnership Example

If you're exploring partnership opportunities with Configit in North America or Europe, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

🔗 Listen now: https://configit.com 🔗 Connect with Max: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirbaz/ 🔗 Connect with Enrico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enricomagnone/

#CPQ #Configit #PartnerEcosystem #B2BTech #SalesTransformation

Daniel shares his unique career path and how his background informs his approach to business. He discusses how servicePath helps businesses manage complex product configurations, pricing, and deployments. In the interview, you'll learn about:

• How servicePath evolved from addressing the challenges of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to a broader solution for various industries.
• The platform's unique features, including detailed financial analysis tools and the ability to handle complex pricing scenarios.
• How servicePath integrates with other systems and their commitment to continuous innovation.
• The potential and challenges of integrating AI into CPQ systems, including ensuring accuracy and a user-friendly experience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in CPQ solutions, the future of AI in sales, and insights from a successful CEO.

servicePath contact information:

• Email: [email protected] 
• Website: https://servicepath.co/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkube/