Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: The important questions VARs of ICT should consider when shopping around for a quoting solution.

A quote automation solution helps VARs and their sales teams produce accurate and professional quotes that are designed to quickly get approved.

We’ve gathered the most crucial questions about creating a quote as a VAR;

Bill of Material (BoM) to Quote Management

Is it possible to import BoMs from different sources (Vendors and Distis), without having to manually copy & paste?

StrataVAR can import externally configured BoMs, with 1 click. StrataVAR imports through API and utilizes intelligent parsing of Excel/XML/JSON, eliminating the need for any manual, error-prone copy & paste.

How can I ensure that my BoM (vendor or Disti) maintains it's structure when I import it into my CPQ?

With StrataVAR’s platform, you can import BoMs and maintain the original structure of the vendor/Disiti quotes, preserving the full hierarchical support, up to 5 levels.

Is it possible to maintain control over the integrity and validity of my vendors' configuration when I'm importing my BoMs into the CPQ?

No worries. StrataVAR enables you to control your vendors configurations. With PqW, StrataVAR’s quoting platform. you can prevent your users from mistakenly change any configurations that have been validated by the vendor’s complex rules.

What is the best way to manage and produce complex subscription quotes?

Complex subscription quotes are difficult to manage. Especially without an automated tool. StrataVAR was developed with the uniques challenges in mind. Today, the platform provides a quick solution for importing and complex subscription quotes, including any subscription model, billing periods, overages in any combination.

What is the best way to modify an existing subscription quote?

StrataVAR’s platform helps manage the modification of subscription quotes. The platform enables actions such as mid-term additions, deletions, quantity changes, rebates, prorating and co-termination of complex subscriptions by integration with the Vendor/Dsiti platform.

My customer's ICT maintenance contracts are coming up for renewals. How can I manage the maintenance renewals quotes, easily?

StrataVAR’s platform supports the maintenance of contract renewals of Cisco, vendors and Disti renewal quotes, including co-termination, take-over, service level, changes to start to end dates and adding/removing items that no longer require support.

What is the best way to create renewal quotes from ICT maintenance contracts?

By using StrataVAR’s platform, you can easily import and manage your renewals. Our platform supports Cisco, Disti & other vendor subscription renewals processes.

What's the best way to figure out what my Cisco VIP rebate will be?

Since StrataVAR is fully integrated with Cisco, our platform automatically calculates Cisco VIP and other rebates, based on VAR’s eligibility, Part Number and purchase order dates.

What is the this best way to manage ICT vendor programs in one integrated system?

Easily! StrataVAR’s platform enables VARs the ability to either manualy or automatically handle the entry of rebates and refunds.

What is the easiest way to apply special discounts modes while I'm creating a quote as a VAR of ICT?

With StrataVAR you can apply flexible discounting modes based on: Discount off List Price, Markup, Margin, target Customer Price, Target Cost.

What is the best way to solve the problem of limitations on the size of the quote I'm creating?

With StrataVAR’s platform, there’s practically no limitation on the size or item lines you can add. You can create complex quotes and / or renewal quotes for enterprise solutions with 30,000 items.

What is the best way to import a BoM into my CPQ?

StrataVAR automates all data transfers with API or automatic parsing. This completely eliminates the need for any manual Excel copy/paste processes for both the ingest and the export of quotes.

Is it possible to automatically create one unified, formatted quote from BoMs of multiple vendors and sources?

Yes, StrataVAR enables you to easily create one quote composed of multiple BoM sources. You can create one, single customer-facing quote by combining Cisco CCW Deal Regs, Subscription, Disti and other Vendors BoMs, simply – with a couple of clicks.

Is it possible to get quick access to SKU's, items or services, previously quoted? How can I save time and quickly add them to the quote I'm currently working on?

Easily. Once you’ve imported items into our platform’s workspace, you have automatically created your own “organizational” catalogue. Each and every SKU that you import, any BoM of items or services that you’ve quoted, are all stored for future quick access.

In quoting for ICT VARs, what is the best way to define the pricing rules, by item type?

StrataVAR’s quoting platform enables the person creating the quote, to define pricing rules and customer-quote exports, based on the item type of each quote line. The purpose is to automate and speed up the quoting process.

How can the items I'm quoting, be associated to the right supplier and/or Manufacturer (Vendor)?

Easily. In StrataVAR’s quoting platform, automatically assign Manufacturer and Supplier based on fuzzy logic of imported data. This is also possible with manual override, using the intenla catalogue.

Integration, API and intelligent parsing in ICT quotes

Is it possible to import Cisco Estimates / Deal Registrations into one quoting platform?

StrataVAR has full integration with Cisco. This enables partners to quickly import complete Cisco CCW Estimates or Deal Registrations (DealReg), with 1 click. It’s super-simple.

Is it possible to import Cisco Renewal quotes into one manageable platform?

Sure! StrataVAR is fully integrated with Cisco, which enables you to import Cisco Maintenance Renewal Quotes (CCWR) with no limitations on length.

How can I easily import different types of Disti file formats into one quote?

StrataVAR has the ability to import quote files from any Dsiti in Excel, CSV, XML or JSON formats, completely eliminating the need for you to manually copy & paste.

Is there a limitation on the number of lines a quote can incorporate?

StrataVAR has no practical limitation on number of lines. You can import as many items as you want into your quote that will incorporate as many lines as you’d like.

I want to avoid messy copy & paste where my data gets messed up. How can I preserve the format of the original BoMs?

No worries! When you import BoMs into StrataVAR’s platform, it preserves the architecture, integrity and data of the original BoMs. You got a new quote, aligned and organized.

Is there a way to import multiple vendor Boms in multiple formats, into one quote?

Yes, there is a way. Within Stratavar’s platform, you can import any distributor’s or vendor’s BoM, in any of these formats; Excel, XML, JSON, CSV, into one quote.

Is it possible to import multi-vendor quotes into one quote?

Yes, it’s possible. With StrataVAR, you can import your files from any distributor or vendor. And – the import preserves the integrity and alignment of the data from the original files, even if you want to merge a number of BoMs from multiple sources. The process is simple, and within a few clicks you’ll have a single customer-facing quote.

How can I utilize my Disti's API to import a BoM?

Very simple! You can utilize your Disti’s API, with one click. You can import quotes from supported distributors (examples: TechData, Ingram, Cisco, Synnex, Weston Comstor). This completely eliminates any need for copy & paste.

What BoM formats can I import into a quoting tool?

StrataVAR supports a generic import template for other non-supported sources. So no need to copy & paste any BoMs!

Is is possible to integrate quoting applications with leading ERP solutions?

Yes, StrataVAR supports a two way integration with leading enterprise systems of these major entities: Catalogues, Accounts, Sales Orders, Purchase Orders Good Receipt Notification and others.

Can StrataVAR integrate with my ERP system?

Yes, we have API based integration with leading ERP systems: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce CRM, FinancialForce and Legacy QuickBooks.

Can Stratavar's platform integrate with my sales tax calculation tool, Avalara?

Yes, absolutely. StrataVAR integrates with Avalara for accurate Sales Tax calculations in the US based on shipping from/to information.

Can StrataVAR's quoting application integrate with all eSignature systems?

Yes, StrataVAR can integrate with leading e eSignature systems.

Can StrataVAR's platform help me manage my subscriptions renewals quotes?

Yes, PsW is a platform that is designed just for that. PsW helps by significantly simplifying the management of your subscription renewals.

How can I define the rules of pricing, by item type?

StrataVAR’s quoting platform enables you to define pricing rules and customer-quote exports, based on the item type of each quote line, all with the pupose of automating and speeding up the process.

How can the items be associated to the right Supplier and/or Manufacturer?

Automatically assign Manufacturer and Supplier based on fuzzy logic of imported data, that also support manual ovveride using the intenla catalogue.

Recalculating Prices and Applying Discounts for ICT Quotes

How can I apply complex discounting in my pricing, while working on my quote?

Easily! StrataVAR’s platform enables you to apply flexible pricing models, based on: discount off list, increase or decrease, markup or margin, with real time rollup calculations of profitability, using percentages or absolute values.

While creating my quote, can I perform bulk actions on selected items while maintaining the integrity of other items?

Sure, StrataVAR’s platform enables you to set pricing and other actions for a subset of items, based on flexible filtering of just about any criteria of your choice.

Can I set discounts by percentage or by value?

Within StrataVAR, with a few clicks you can set any pricing parameter can be set to a certain value, or changed by a specific factor of your choice.

Can discounting be set, based on end-customer pricing?

StrataVAR allows you to set a targeted customer price, for competitive situations. You can also set the required cost or according to the desired margins.

What profit analysis capabilities does StrataVAR support?

StrataVAR calculates rollup deal parameters such as profitability (total and %) for the whole or subset of the quote, categorized by Item Type. You also have the option to include or not include – rebates that impact the profitability.

Is it possible to make changes to pricing and profitability, showing aggregated values in real-time?

With StrataVAR’s quoting platform, you can make real-time changes to any of your quotes, including long quotes, showing subset pricing in real time based on files and user’s selections.

Can I generate multiple versions of what-if scenarios of a quote for the same customer?

Yes! You can create unlimited versions of any quote and tag their status (active etc.), you can also restore older quotes, apply different rules to different items or categories.

Can I generate a quote that shows only specific aggregations, without exposing all the line items?

Yes, you have the ability to create multiple active quotes under a given opportunity, with opportunity rollup of active quotes only. Any quote can be set to active/inactive.

What grouping capabilites can I apply in the quote?

With StrataVAR’s platform, you can apply grouping, called “Group Quote Items” in several levels for representation purposes, such as location, technology , project phase, etc.

What level of control can I have on the qoute line items?

You have full control of the line items, within StrataVAR’s platform. You can indicate quote items as either optional (items that are not added to the total price) or hide items on the customer quote.

Is it possible to add shipping costs to the quote?

Yes, StrataVAR has the option for customizable logic to auto-calculate and add shipping costs based on various parameters, such as: box sizes, weight, total hardware cost, and more.

Can I know what me potential VIP rebate will be?

Yes! StrataVAR’s platform automatically calculates Cisco VIP rebates based on VAR’s eligibility, date, relevant VIP calculations rules. You can also search what the VIP % rebate is of a specific product.

Is it possible to create a catalogue of IT items?

Yes, StrataVAR’s platform automatically creates a catalog of items you’ve already imported. All items are saved in the “local master item” in the quoting workspace. The catalog also allows the user to further enrich the catalog by using various parameters.

When I import my BoM, are the items automatically categorized by item type in the quote?

Yes, StrataVAR’s PqW automatically categorizes the Item Type (Hardware, SaaS, Maintenance, etc.)

Adding Line Items to an ICT Quote

Is there a limit to the BoM sizes that are imported into each quote?

No! There is no practical limit. You can import long Cisco CCWR and Disti quotes covering maintenance renewals of 30,000’s of items.

Is it possible to apply discounting and pricing rules to very long ICT quotes?

Yes, within StrataVAR, you can apply various pricing and discounting for long quotes with thousands of items.

When generating a quote in Excel, CSV or PDF format, is there a limitation on the size of the quote?

No there is not. You can export customer facing quotes containing tens of thousands of items in PDF, Excel or CSV formats.

In which formats can StrataVAR's platform generate an unlimited number of maintenance item records?

PsW, StrataVAR’s Service Workspace provides an internal scalability database and processes for supporting millions of records for maintenance contracts.

Flexibility & Format of ICT Quotes

What level of control can I have on the Quote format?

StrataVAR offers custom formats for your quotes, that can include any field from the system, structured and designed as you like, all under the VAR branding guidelines.

What customer facing quote formats does StrataVAR support?

The formats for exporting quotes can be PDF, CSV or Excel. Custom export in JSON or XML is optional.

Is it possible to output an ICT quote, into numerous Excel sheets?

Yes, In StrataVAR’s platform, you can export categorized data into different Excel tabs, categorized and in different formats of your choice.

Which branding options does StrataVAR support?

VAR’s branding can include logos, colors, fonts, addresses and any dynamic or static information.

What level of flexibility and logic does "StrataVAR export quotes" support?

WIth StrataVAR, you can enjoy flexible and powerful logic to embed any related field in the exported quote, embedding data from almost any entity in the system.

What options are available for customizing the quote export?

Each template we offer can support dynamic visibility of columns, sections and other dynamic features.

What calculations or logic settings can I define for "export quotes"?

In the “export quotes” section, you can add calculations and complex logic to support complex structures. You can also define the visibility of fields, and define any formatted calculations based on any values in the quote.

Can the quote be exported using hierarchies and alignments?

Yes. You can structure your quote by various levels and hierarchical information, grouping or other categorization of your choice.

Can subtotals be calculated on any field at any level?

Yes. You have the flexibility to calculate the subtotal at any level based on various parameters.

How many types of quote templates can I have?

StrataVAR supports unlimited templates for various requirements.

Is it possible to modify the quote template to address the special requests by my customers?

Yes, StrataVAR can apply special end-customer requirements for any purpose, such as special formatting or separation of sections.

Is it possible to control what will be shown in the quote?

Yes. StrataVAR’s platform provides you with the ability to manipulate the output and by hiding certain quote lines and create roll-up summaries, hiding certain details based on user dynamic selection.

Can I generate a quote in a currency that is different than the Bill of material (BoM) currency?

Yes, StrataVAR enables you to export quotes in any selected currency, using dated exchange rates.

ICT Quote Customization ; UI, back-end schema and business logic, globally or personalized

How can I customize fields in my ICT quote, specifically to what I need?

Existing screens can be customized based on type of information and user profile, fields can be added, hidden or rearranged on any and all StrataVAR application screens.

What kind of reports, analytics and dashboards of the quoting process can help me gain deeper insight into my business?

With Stratavar, you can run ad-hoc or periodic reports and export data. Users can get transaction insights on the status of quotes. You can also have access to BI information such as profit margin trends, recurring vs. one-time revenue, Sales Order Status and more.

Can unique business processes be supported with entities that are not part of StrataVAR?

Yes, Custom objects can support additional data and processes that enhance the capabilities and functionality of the standard solution.

Can unique data fields be supported in addition to StrataVAR fields?

Yes, you can add custom fields to support additional data and processes on standard objects.

Is it possible to define special workflows for approvals, or other processes?

Create custom workflows with custom UI and business logic to modify , add or delete records, and utilize special “approval processes” such as low margin approvals by VP Sales.

Is checking user input an automated capability?

Yes, StrataVAR checks user input against complex validation rules to avoid saving invalid data.

Is it possible to connect other systems to StrataVAR's PqW?

Yes, StrataVAR has an Open API that enables external systems to retrieve, add or manipulate data. StrataVAR supports standard web services to enable complex business processes.

Is it possible to add complex business logic to define new behavior to existing StrataVAR standard workflow and calculations?

Yes, with StrtaVAR you can add custom business logic using customization wizards (Flow) and arbitrary code.

Can I apply specific custom logic to my quote if I'd like to automate specific activities?

Special flows can be defined to automatically handle events in the database, to check validity and manipulate related data.

Is it possible to define complex business situations that will invoke notifications to a specific user or to specific user groups?

Yes, StrataVAR enables you to set notifications to users by email, tasks or other messaging systems based on complex business events.

Can the existing API be extended?

Custom web services that can be consumed by external services

Is new code required to define the various workflows and data?

StrataVAR can quickly add or modify business logic with declarative tools, or use programmatic tools for most complex scenarios.

Multi-Currency quoting for ICT

Can each imported BoM item and Quote Item store a price in multiple currencies?

Yes, each record on any SKU can store and display multiple currencies simultaneously.

Where do I pull the correct exchange rate from, in a multi- currency quote situation?

StrataVAR’s API is connected to various free or paid Exchange Rate update services to automatically add daily rates.

How does StrataVAR support dated exchnage rates?

Each rate has a date time stamp and can be reused on any record. All objects in StrataVAR support multiple currencies.

Can I import a BoM in one currency and come out with a quote in a different currency?

Yes, you can. StrataVAR offers real-time conversion from the source currency in imported data into a single quote currency.

Are all users forced to use the same currency?

Define org-level and user-level default currency, while supporting each record on any object with its own currency.

How can I create a quote in one currency, made up of BoMs from multiple sources in multiple currencies, while maintaining accurate exchange rates?

With StrataVAR, you can create a quote of any selected currency from different BoM currencies or sources, using specific dated conversion rates.

Can I export in any currency or even multiple currencies within the same customer's quote?

Create customer-facing quotes in one currency / other currencies, using specific exchange date rates, or incorporate multiple currencies within the same quote.

Can I change the quote currency during quote editing for what-if analysis?

Yes. You can dynamically change the currency of a quote while editing, or save the currency and store new values within the Quote.

If I change the qoute currency does it impact the cost prices?

No, StrataVAR maintains the original currency value and the converted value on the same record to allow ordering using the original values.

Customizable fields - how does this come into play with multi currency?

Custom fields support all the same multi-currency capabilities as standard StrataVAR fields.

Tracking Your Sales Order Status

As a Cisco reseller, how can I track my Cisco Sales Order status?

StrataVAR automatically integrates with Cisco Sales Order API for daily updates on Sales Order shipments.

How can I track my Sales Order satus information in real time?

Periodically (daily – need to define GMT time)) refresh the Sales Order data in PqW by pulling information from CCW.

How can I track my shipping information fron Cisco at the item level?

Display shipping information at the box level, with expected data, air bill number, destination address and retrieve the Serial Number of the shipped equipment.

Can I track my items that are being shipped, by serial number?

Yes, you can retrieve the information with the Serial Number of the shipped equipment.

How can I track shipping information updates?

Identify changes to Shipping date or statsby periodically update the StrataVAR Sales Order data.

Can users be be notified about business events, such as actual shipping or shipping delays?

Alert StrataVAR users based on any updates for the Sales Order information when updated from CCW.

End-customer Portals

Is it possible to collaborate with my customers and share information about quotes, sales orders, maintenance contracts of their account?

With StrataVAR, it’s possible to have an end-customer portal and share a subset of fields of any object, such as Sales Order, Maintenance Contracts or Quote with end-users.

What controls can I have for the end-user portal?

StrataVAR provides strong security verification steps, defining which external users can login and what information is exposed to specific users.

What data can be shared via the End-Customer portal?

You can share PqW objects, such as Quotes and Sales Orders (or PsW Maintenance & subscription contracts).

What type of actions can I allow the user perform in the portal?

You can allow users to search data using global search on almost any field.

And you can allow certain end-users (based on profile) to create custom reports.

Is it possible to notify portal users about business events?

Yes, of course. Your end-users can get updates by email regarding specific business events.

Is it possible to brand the portal, with my labeling?

Yes, you can brand the Portal with VARs logo, colors, header, footer, menus and more.

What options of customization can I have, on the appearance of the portal ?

In your portal, each VARs can customize any aspect of the Portal, starting with branding, formatting, look & feel, screen design, page layouts, report layouts and more.