CPQ Tool for Packaging Industry

Objective

Starline Packers needed an internal tool to help their sales team quickly and accurately generate quotations for packaging equipment. The goal was to build a CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) application that would:

• Enable salespeople to configure machines based on customer needs

• Auto-generate accurate quotes linked to Starline's internal product database

• Maintain a centralized repository of all past quotes

• Provide separate access levels for sales users and admins

The Challenge

The manual quotation process involved multiple steps — selecting the right machine specs, calculating pricing, referencing previous quotes, and formatting documents — all of which were handled separately by individuals in the sales team.

This led to delays, inconsistencies, and difficulty in tracking quote history, especially when handling bulk estimates or frequent customizations. Starline Packers needed a way to make quoting faster, more standardized, and less dependent on manual work.

The Solution

We developed a custom CPQ application tailored for internal sales use at Starline Packers. The application helps salespeople:

• Configure product specifications through a structured interface

• Automatically generate quotations based on selected features and cost rules

• Track all quote history in one centralized system

• Consolidate multiple quotes for bulk estimates or grouped deals

The tool includes separate access for admins and sales users, ensuring data control while maintaining ease of use.

Key Features

Customer Database

The application includes a built-in customer management module where salespeople can search, add, and update customer records. Each quotation is automatically linked to a specific customer, making it easy to retrieve historical quotes, track client-specific pricing, and reduce duplicate data entry.

Product & Parameter Customization

Sales teams can configure packaging equipment by selecting from a range of predefined product options. The interface allows for adjustments to core parameters such as machine size, speed, and custom features. These configurations are validated against internal logic to ensure feasibility, eliminating the need for back-and-forth with engineering.

Built-in Quote Editor

Before finalizing a quote, sales users can review and edit all pricing, notes, and line items directly within the application. The editor uses a standard company template, ensuring every document is consistent in format, language, and structure — no external formatting tools required.

Expense Calculator

An integrated calculator processes real-time inputs to generate internal cost estimates. It factors in raw materials, labor, and overhead to provide a clear margin view, helping salespeople quote accurately while maintaining profitability.

Quotation Output and Consolidation

The system generates professional PDF quotations ready to be shared with clients. For cases involving multiple configurations or volume-based pricing, users can consolidate several quotes into a single output document, simplifying presentation and approval.

Impact

• Faster quote turnaround times for the sales team

• Improved consistency and accuracy across all generated quotes

• Streamlined internal process with less back-and-forth between departments

• Centralized quoting history to support analysis and reporting

With this internal CPQ system, Starline Packers has significantly improved its ability to respond to customer inquiries quickly and with precision — without adding complexity to the sales workflow.