Do you want to create error-free and appealing quote documents or other documents on your variant-rich products and solutions? Our Merlin CPQ solution offers various features to create high-quality documents and print them at the end of the configuration process.
In our FAQs, we explain how to use the features of M.Doc and win your customers with appealing documents.
What is M.Doc?
M.Doc is a function of our Merlin CPQ solution that includes the configuration and printing of documents. This function enables you to create different document types in the M.Model module, for example, quote files or product descriptions. Here, you define the files that make up the documents and which contents are displayed. M.Doc is used to manage and link your text modules. You can then generate or print your documents in any language and format in the respective modules after you have finished the product configuration process in M.Sales or M.Customer. The document templates are created using Microsoft Word or MS Excel which means you can use all design features and options of both programs.
Create documents in your custom design and with your company-specific visuals. Text modules can be assigned to documents in different languages. Thus, you can generate documents in different languages without any additional effort.
How do I create my documents?
For a better understanding of the process: imagine structuring your documents flexibly, for example, just like a scientific study. It consists of an introduction, multiple content parts, and an end. These various document files are called text modules in M.Doc. A text module is a Word or Excel document that you can design using the functions and features of MS Word or MS Excel. There are general text modules that can be used for any product and product-specific text modules.
Let's assume you want to generate a quote for a conveyor belt. First, you define the text modules with which the quote is supposed to be generated. You decide on using a general introduction at the beginning and the general terms and conditions at the end of the quote. The main part is supposed to include all text modules that concern the conveyor belt. If you now print the document after you have configured the conveyor belt, all relevant text modules are assembled into a quote. As soon as the rule applies, the corresponding text module is adopted in the document. Our infographic illustrates the example visually.
Which document types can be printed with Merlin?
Here, our slogan applies once again: "One configurator - endless possibilities". As limitless as the modeling possibilities, as various are the number of use cases for possible documents. You can model any document type using Merlin CPQ. The document you receive is the document you require as you create and assemble the text modules. You can print documents in PDF, Word, or Excel format. Using our permission administration, you can grant rights to different document types, for example, quote or price previews and the document format to your users. If you want, you can assign fewer document printing rights to specific users, for example, a select distributor group. Those users can only download documents in PDF format and need to coordinate changes or request special quotes. Thereby, you can ensure that all quotes are checked for technical feasibility, and special agreements are documented on the configuration form and, thus, in the system.
All conceivable use cases, from technical quotes to complex legal contracts to 1000-page specification sheets, are possible.
The benefits of M.Doc at a glance
Diverse functions and features
From short and technical quotes to complex contractsDocuments in line with your CI
Using the design options of MS Word and MS ExcelError-free documents
By utilizing predefined document files and the set of rulesHow do I adopt the configuration contents in the documents?
To define which configuration contents are adopted in the document, you can utilize the placeholders in documents. Placeholders are structured in tables for transparency. The placeholders can be divided into two different categories:
- Static placeholders reference a specific file in your configuration and display precisely this file in the later generated document. Examples include date variables, quote parameters, or feature selection (e. g. standard and premium features in cars).
- Dynamic placeholders are used to fill in the tables independent of the configuration. If you, for example, select the feature placeholder, the features of all configured products are displayed in the table.
Which table types are available?
When inserting placeholders into tables, you can choose between different table types. Usually, you create tables once and then reuse them for all products. Thereby, you can avoid duplicate maintenance work. To be able to use the tables for any product, you can filter the tables and sort them by different criteria. For example, you can define that product features which do not result in extra costs if they are included in the product are not displayed in the table. You can individually define the structure of a table.
There are three different table types you can use:
- Quotation table: This table provides an overview of the products in the cart. It displays a clear and structured list containing all configured products, including, for example, their prices and the selected discount level. Product details are not displayed in this table.
- Detail table: Here, you can display details on the configured products. For example, each configured product is displayed in its own table.
- Combined table: This table can be considered a detail table across multiple products. The properties and details of multiple products from your cart are displayed in a table.
Would you like to know more about M.Doc? Contact your CAS Merlin project manager directly or click the button at the bottom of the page to contact our sales team. We wish you every success with your document creation. Win your customers with great quotes!
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