That is a headline I did not expect to use at any time but after reading this article I decided to do it anyway. Basically the article states that the Configure/Price/Quote (CPQ) area is not sexy but that it is an important space. I certainly agree with the notion that CPQ is an important space and after having spent almost 20 years in this space below are a few reasons why I think it is “sexy”.

Before we go there let’s go back to the headline and start with a short look at what the Oxford Dictionary defines as “sexy” (shortened version): attractive, exciting, appealing. And here some synonyms: stimulating, desirable, passionate. Based on this definition and these synonyms let’s look why I consider CPQ “sexy”.

1. Industry Opportunities

Here is a short listing of all the Industries that provide CPQ related solutions*

  • High Tech (Software, Hardware, Networking, Storage, Semiconductor),
  • Manufacturing (too many industries to name them)
  • Telecommunications,
  • Services (e.g. Financial, Consulting),
  • Healthcare & Medical Devices,
  • Life Sciences,
  • Media & Entertainment,
  • Pharmaceuticals,
  • Distributors,
  • Automotive,
  • Furniture,
  • Travel,
  • Insurance,
  • Retail

Conclusion: CPQ is used in a wide variety of industries (and it is still growing!) and hence there is an opportunity to work with CPQ related functionality in very different environments. If you decide at one point to switch industries you can take this knowledge with you to a different Industry. Isn’t that exciting? If it is then it is “sexy” according to the definition.

2. Job Opportunities

There are plenty of CPQ related Job Opportunities on the IT and the Business side. Which means you can leverage very different skill sets to work with CPQ. The following Job Opportunities represent just a small slice of all available job opportunities

Business: 

  • Business Analyst,
  • Sales Rep
  • Sales Ops Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Finance Manager
  • Legal positions
  • Project / Program / Portfolio Manager
  • Process Consultant
  • Research Analyst
  • various positions at CPQ vendors

IT

  • Solution Architect
  • Developer
  • Project / Program Manager
  • Technical Architect
  • Product Catalog / Product Configuration / Pricing / Quote Expert
  • User Interface Designer
  • Training Provider (e.g. certifications)
  • Test Team Manager
  • various Positions at CPQ vendors

Conclusion: CPQ offers a wide variety of job opportunities for many different people and skill sets. As more of us get used to personalize more of our day to day items, the job opportunities will increase even further. Isn’t that appealing and desirable? If it is then it’s “sexy” according to the definition.

3. Future Opportunities

There are many appealing and attractive future opportunities available in the CPQ are. For example

  • The CPQ market is still growing (Industry predictions from Gardner and others show annually ~20% growth) for the foreseeable future and provides critical functionality for everyone with a more complex product and/or service offering.
  • Many CPQ vendors work on specialized solutions (e.g. for certain industries, for certain complexities). To develop these solutions they need to fill roles with people who have these skills. Train users who want to use these functions etc.
  • CPQ tools get stuffed with more and more functionality (e.g. influence of Big Data, Data Analytics, predictive capabilities). Again, people with in-depth knowledge in these respective areas need to join the CPQ Vendors, Trainers need to train users, Users/Sales Reps/Partners will need support if they run into issues etc.
  • Many CPQ Vendors branch out beyond the traditional CPQ offering into adjacent areas like Order Management, Invoicing etc. . Again this requires support from people with skills in these areas.

While I could go on and on I think that is enough to get the point across that there are plenty of interesting and exciting opportunities in the CPQ space and hence

CPQ is NOT boring and 

  • As pointed out above there are many different opportunities in many different areas for many different skill sets. CPQ covers many business and technical areas and if you are interested in CPQ there is a very good chance that you find something that is exciting for you.

CPQ is sexy (see above)

  • The only restriction I make here is when you are not interested in business at all and/or you don’t look for opportunities to personalize the products and/or services you buy.

*Note: This list does does not claim to be complete but corresponds with the Industries that many CPQ Vendors mention on their websites

Definition of sexy http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/sexy