Experlogix CPQ (Preview)

The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector is designed to streamline the integration of Smart Flows projects with Cloud Connect, enhancing the configuration and execution of CPQ-based workflows. By leveraging this connector, users can establish seamless connections between CPQ's Web Configurator and Flow Execution Panel, enabling data exchange and automation. This document provides an overview of the Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector's key features, including flow initiation, dependency management, and data set optimization. Additionally, it outlines the components of the connector, details the configuration process, and explains its role in CPQ automation. Whether you are implementing Experlogix CPQ (Preview) for the first time or optimizing an existing setup, this guide will help you configure and utilize the connector effectively.

This documentation focuses exclusively on linking CPQ to Smart Flows to create your Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector and does not cover creating CPQ configurations from scratch. For detailed guidance on creating CPQ configurations, please refer to the dedicated CPQ Configuration documentation, see Experlogix CPQ Data Set Configuration.

Key Components

  • Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector: The connector allows clients to create a link from the Smart Flows project to a CPQ Configuration XML linked via Cloud Connect.

  • Cloud Connect Instance: The linked instance that provides the connection options for CPQ connectors.

  • CPQ Design Center: The CPQ modeling environment that created the Web Configurator and defines your Migrations URL for Cloud Connect. The base URL from Design Center serves as the token for the connection to Cloud Connect.

  • CPQ Web Configurator: The published site that allows CPQ users to create configurations based on the data in their host system.

Use Cases for Experlogix CPQ (Preview) Connector

The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector enables users to use their Configurator CPQ configuration data in their flow executions and document generation workflows. While the system handles background operations, the end user interacts only with the Configurator and Flow Execution Panel. Below are some common scenarios for usage.

Experlogix CPQ (Preview) Connector Prerequisites

Before running flows within the Configurator and Flow Execution Panel, ensure that:

  • Admin Center Setup: You must have created the following in Admin Center. These serve as the minimum requirements; most use cases will already have users in Admin Center.

    • A project in Admin Center, see Projects.

    • A team with the name exp-features-default-site. See Teams.

    • An integration for your CPQ connector data source(e.g Microsoft Dynamics 365 CE, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, or Salesforce. Your integration is a conduit for passing data between your Configurator and Smart Flows environment. See Integrations and Add a Connection.

    • A CPQ type integration in Admin Center to connect to your CPQ instance to in Smart Flows. See Integrations

    • A Client ID and client for your smart-flows-document-automation. See Manage Client Id.

    • The Migration URL from your CPQ Configurator site, see Cloud Connect Migration.

  • For Salesforce environments only:

    • You must have your Salesforce connector created in Smart Flows before attempting to create an Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector. See Salesforce for details on creating and configuring a Salesforce connector in Smart Flows.

    • You must enable Individual User Authentication in your Salesforce connector, and you must enable the "Manage the synchronization of users when they log in" in SettingsProject Console.

  • User Authentication: The user must have previously logged into Flow Execution Panel to establish a valid session. This guarantees that all flows run under a recognized user identity. You can always validate your expected users via the User List view in Project Console. See Users and Managing Users. Without user authentication, flow executions will fail due to an inability to validate the user.

  • Proper Configuration Settings: Your Configuration must already be setup with the correct primary entity (e.g., Quote, Configuration, or specific CPQ configuration type) defined, along with accurate values for record IDs and indices. You must already have one more Configurations in your modeling environment/ Web Configurator.

  • Flow Availability: Relevant flows for document generation must already be created.

To create a new Experlogix CPQ (Preview) Connector, you must have

  • A user that has access to at least one organization in a Cloud Connect environment.

  • In the organization in Admin Center, you need to have a configured CPQ connection.

Start a Flow With Selection

  • Scenario: After saving a configuration , users can open Flow Execution Panel within the Web Configurator to choose and execute an appropriate flow based on the configuration XML data.

  • Example: Upon finalizing a product configuration, users access Flow Execution Panel to select between flows, such as a quick quote or a detailed proposal, guided by the details in the configuration XML.

    • Aquarium Example: After configuring an aquarium, the user uses Flow Execution Panel to choose either a Standard Quote flow for pricing or a Comprehensive Proposal flow for detailed proposals, depending on the configuration XML data.

  • Result: The selected flow is initiated via Flow Execution Panel, which guides the user through the necessary steps, ensuring compliance with security roles required for Smart Flows, and delivers the final output tailored to the configuration.

The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector offers a range of capabilities that streamline the configuration and flow execution process. Key functions include:

  • Flow Initiation:

    • Support user-selected flow initiation.

    • Support for opening flows from the Web Configurator.

  • Sample Creation and Preview:

    • Create samples from Experlogix CPQ data sets to preview how output configuration data will appear.

  • Data Set Optimization:

    • Analyze dependencies within Experlogix CPQ data sets to identify and remove unused fields.

    • Simplify data management and enhance performance by retaining only essential configuration data.

  • Dependency Management:

    • Monitor inbound and outbound dependencies among Experlogix CPQ data sets, templates, and flows.

    • Transfer user dependencies to maintain continuity when users change roles or leave the organization.

  • Tag Management:

    • Apply, manage, and filter tags and tag groups to organize CPQ configurations, templates, and flows.

    • Improve data accessibility and streamline workflow selection with logical tagging.

  • User Authentication and Access Control:

    • Ensure that only authenticated users can execute CPQ flows, with seamless integration into Flow Execution Panel.

    • Maintain secure access and data integrity throughout the CPQ process.

The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector receives user credentials from the connector which serves as your primary data source. The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) does not currently natively authenticate users.

  • Connector Integration and Configuration:

    • Configure key parameters such as primary entity, record ID, index, and host connection to connect CPQ data accurately.

    • Support integration with various host systems, ensuring flexibility and accurate data mapping.

  • Flow Execution Management:

    • Monitor flow progress with a user-friendly progress bar.

    • Refresh flows in progress to capture real-time updates (e.g., when waiting on external events).

    • Save flows as drafts to allow users to resume incomplete processes.

There is no limit to the number of Experlogix CPQ (Preview)connectors that can be included in a Smart Flows project. If multiple Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connectors exist, the correct one will be selected based on the host connection stored in the CPQ connection, that is linked to the host environment that integrates the Experlogix CPQ Configurator

General Information

The Experlogix CPQ (Preview) connector seamlessly integrates CPQ configurations with your Smart Flows project, enabling users to execute Smart Flows flows, based on their configuration data. This connector simplifies data integration across systems. This section outlines the functionality and key roles of the connector within the document automation ecosystem.

Procedures

This section outlines the steps for implementing and configuring your connector, including creating data sets, linking templates, and setting up workflow steps.

Other Activities

Here you'll find additional guidance on advanced configurations, covering topics like field definitions, error handling, and storage setup.