PCT Configure Overview
NetSuite’s base functionality alone is a powerful framework to run one’s core business processes. However, what makes it stand out from the rest is that NetSuite is a platform and not a product. The consequence of this is that with the right expertise, NetSuite can be scaled and customized for each organization. While NetSuite may appear as a product straight out-of-the-box, it is Paapri’s mission to build it exactly to your business needs. As we pride ourselves on solving our customers’ unique problems with unique solutions fitted to their budget, our experts developed a NetSuite extension that tackles a common pain point for manufacturers.
The quoting process can get complicated quickly, especially for companies that use Engineer to Order (ETO) or Engineer to Quote processes. To address this challenge, we developed PCT Configure, an extension built on the NetSuite platform. PCT Configure, working in tandem with the NetSuite system, streamlines the quoting process by helping manufacturers configure the product, price the configuration, and submit a quote to their prospect.
More of a visual learner? Here are the main takeaways:
A Common Pain Point for Manufacturers
In our experience working with manufacturers, it is typical for companies to receive an “Engineering Drawing” or a Print from a prospect. Then, the prospect will ask for a price for a certain quantity.
When companies log onto NetSuite to generate a quote, they may run into some inefficiencies. This is because NetSuite is an “Item-Based” system. This means that, if a prospect requests a quote, then, that item must be in the system. A manufactured item is almost always an “assembly item,” which has a Bill of Materials (BOM) and a Routing (steps to manufacture the item). To complicate matters further, to create a BOM, all component items must be created first. Once that is completed, the component items are added to the BOM, routings are added in, and then and only then, is an assembly made. Finally, the assembly can be priced, added to a quote, and quoted to a prospect.
This process of creating component items, combining the BOM and routings to make an assembly, performing calculations, and generating quotes in NetSuite can be time-consuming. This is especially true for ETO companies handling a significant number of quotes on a monthly basis.
How PCT Configure Solves this Challenge
PCT Configure eliminates all the time and hassle associated with the quoting process. This NetSuite extension automatically creates the component items in a BOM, generates the assembly, drops it on a quote, and sends the quote to the prospect. By cutting out all the intermediate steps, PCT Configure streamlines the whole process, leading to time and cost savings.
Additionally, the configuration is saved and carried to the sales order and the work order. This enables the company to compare how an item was quoted to the resources it actually took to manufacture the assembly. This can identify any discrepancies between the sales and production processes. It also offers key data—for example, if items are over- or undersold or if any resources are being wasted—in order to make better decisions.
Who can Benefit from PCT Configure?
As mentioned above, PCT Configure is designed with manufacturers in mind. Specifically, it is geared to ETO companies in a variety of industries such as electronics, metal fabrication, industrial manufacturing, job shops, and much more.
If it is time for your business to upgrade from several, disconnected systems to an all-encompassing software that manages your end-to-end operations, NetSuite is a great option. For those who are on the fence about NetSuite or narrowing down their ERP vendors, the main concern may be whether NetSuite will fit your business needs. With an implementation partner experienced in the manufacturing industry, Paapri will work with you to offer solutions that are framed for your business. Through extensions like PCT Manufacturing Console (PMC), PMC Lite, and PCT Configure as well as a whole host of other solutions, we will use our knowledge and our IP developed through the years to customize your ERP for your business. With Paapri by your side, that leap from your aging software system(s) to an ERP can be more manageable.
If your organization is already utilizing NetSuite but is running into inefficiencies—for instance, with the quoting process as explained above—Paapri can help as well. While NetSuite’s “Item-Based” system is what makes it a more standardized approach to running a business, this can often pose problems. With PCT Configure and other solutioning, we can help mitigate those problems.
PCT Configure in Action—Case Study:
Unlike SuiteApps that are rigid products tacked onto a system, Paapri’s NetSuite extensions such as PCT Configure are unique solutions adapted for each unique use case. Therefore, while the main purpose of PCT Configure stays the same, how it is used in practice varies business to business.
For example, one of Paapri’s partners in the Retail Motor Vehicle industry wanted to remove the headache of manually creating component items, BOMs, assemblies, and quotes in their NetSuite system. With PCT Configure automating the entire process and offering unparalleled visibility, they now experience more efficiency and time savings by being able to generate everything on the fly.
Want to learn more about Paapri’s NetSuite Extensions? Check out PCT Manufacturing Console (PMC) and PMC Lite.
Streamline your quoting process with PCT Configure. Schedule a demo today and discover how PCT Configure can work for your business, save you time, and improve efficiency!