Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton

Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevo Tech, a company offering ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions, and then transitions to discussing Tacton, a Swedish company specializing in advanced manufacturing configuration. Tacton's CPQ solutions help customers configure complex equipment, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel interactions. The platform integrates with existing systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP, aiming to increase win rates, efficiency, and reduce errors. Tacton's AI capabilities can cut configuration time by up to 80% by structuring unstructured product data. Implementation times vary, typically between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope.

Outline

Introduction to Elevotec and Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevotec, highlighting their ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions.
• Scott Mackenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
• Scott Mackenzie introduces Klaus and Nils from Tacton, discussing their platform and its solutions for today's challenges.
• Scott Mackenzie expresses excitement about the renaissance in industrial solutions and the importance of human-to-human connection in marketing.

Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Manufacturing

• Nils explains Tacton's specialization in configuring complex equipment, comparing it to configuring consumer products like computers or cars.
• Klaus describes Tacton's CPQ solutions for advanced manufacturing, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel support.
• Scott Mackenzie and Klaus discuss the importance of making the configuration process easy for customers while ensuring technical accuracy.
• Nils emphasizes the need for a buyer-centric smart factory, making it easy for customers to navigate the solution space without technical expertise.

Integration and Flexibility of Tacton's Solutions

• Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's integration with existing IT systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP.
• Nils explains that Tacton is an agnostic player, able to augment existing systems without complete reconfiguration.
• Scott Mackenzie and Nils discuss the financial benefits of Tacton's solutions, including increased win rates, efficiency, and reduced errors.
• Klaus highlights the importance of accurate quotes and the impact of errors on warranty costs and rework.

Customer-Centric Pricing and Data Management

• Scott Mackenzie asks about the flexibility of Tacton's pricing methods, including value-based pricing and detailed bill of materials.
• Nils explains that Tacton supports various pricing methods, depending on the business needs.
• Scott Mackenzie inquires about how Tacton ensures the system stays updated with the latest product changes and data.
• Nils describes the typical setup of connecting PLM and CPQ systems to ensure data accuracy and timeliness.

Implementation Time and AI Integration

• Scott Mackenzie asks about the implementation time for Tacton's solutions.
• Klaus estimates the implementation time to be between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope.
• Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's use of AI in their solutions.
• Nils explains that AI is used to structure unstructured product data, significantly reducing the time required for configuration.

Future Challenges and Market Reception

• Scott Mackenzie asks about the future challenges and opportunities for Tacton.
• Klaus and Nils discuss the increasing use of AI in their solutions and the expansion into configuration lifecycle management and production configuration.
• Scott Mackenzie inquires about the market reception and any roadblocks to adoption.
• Nils mentions that companies are eager to adopt Tacton's solutions, and the main challenge is ensuring widespread awareness.

Contact Information and Final Thoughts

• Scott Mackenzie asks about the best way to contact Klaus and Nils.
• Klaus and Nils provide their contact information, emphasizing their visibility on various platforms and their willingness to engage with potential clients.
• Scott Mackenzie wraps up the conversation, highlighting the importance of Tacton's solutions and encouraging listeners to connect with them.
• Scott Mackenzie emphasizes the need for industry professionals to tell their stories and use platforms like Industrial Talk to share their experiences.