Our client's business outcomes

Improved price accuracy through product classification aligned with customer value and needs​
Stronger price discipline with increased sales confidence​
Profitability uplift driven by a pricing policy better reflecting product complexity and value​
How did BearingPoint help a leading manufacturer of MTO products improve its pricing strategy thanks to a detailed product classification? ​
The challenge

How did BearingPoint help a leading manufacturer of MTO products improve its pricing strategy thanks to a detailed product classification? ​

Our client, an industrial company selling complex configured products in the construction market, was experiencing a deterioration in profitability. To address this, they launched a global transformation program focusing on various levers to improve profitability while maintaining their leadership position. After a rapid 360° review of the business, we identified, amongst the key levers identified for growth, the overhaul of the pricing policy and the associated product nomenclature as one of the priority levers for improving profitability and increasing volumes. The company then commissioned us to work on this challenge (as well as on some others).​

How we helped

How we helped

#1 – Diagnostic to identify the core issues: In the initial phase of our engagement, we conducted a quick diagnostic to highlight the primary pain points in the client's existing product classification system: ​

  • Technical and Customer Unfriendly Classification: The existing classification was highly technical and not customer-friendly. This lack of clarity made it difficult for customers to understand the product offerings, and it was also challenging for sales staff to use it effectively.​
  • Oversimplified Pricing Strategy: The nomenclature led to an overly simplified pricing strategy, leaving sales reps without a clear reference for selling or negotiating. This led to "averaged" pricing, where very different products were sold at the same price by sales reps.​

Both issues were directly contributing to the client's diminishing profitability. ​

#2 – Alignment on priority levers to address: Based on the diagnosis results, we helped the client define the following goals:​

  • Rebuild Product Classification: Develop a clear and customer-centric product classification that highlights the varying levels of product complexity and their respective market destinations.​
  • Implement a New Pricing Policy: Introduce a new pricing policy based on the revised product segmentation, including detailed price recommendations for different sales contexts.​
  • Lead Change Management Efforts: Develop internal training regarding the new product segmentation, redesign sales processes, and anticipate IT impacts.​

#3 – Design of the new product segmentation: To design the target product segmentation, our approach leveraged both quantitative and qualitative analyses. First, we built the product classification through quantitative analysis, performing cluster analysis using statistical data to identify criteria impacting price and margin levels. Simultaneously, we conducted qualitative workshops with the client to identify customer use cases and determine which criteria most significantly influenced customer decisions and therefore needed to be highlighted within the product classification. We also benchmarked against industry best practices to ensure competitiveness. The new product classification effectively captured the varying complexities of the products, allowing us to better differentiate their value propositions. Previously focused on technical differences, the updated classification now emphasized market destination and product usage, making it easier to address specific client needs. This shift expanded the product range from 20 to over 100 distinct groups, resulting in a clearer, more customer-centric offering.​

#4 – Impact on pricing methodology: Next, we designed a new pricing strategy tailored to the newly defined product classification.  We determined the optimal price point for each product level and sales situation by conducting quantitative analyses of historical sales data, coupled with the creation of scenarios that explored varying levels of pricing aggressiveness across key market segments. These multiple evolution scenarios enabled the client to select the most suitable price points, aligned with their strategic goals and risk tolerance.​

#5 – Roll-out & change management: The key to success: We then prepared for the roll-out by assessing IT impacts, defining the implementation timeline, and establishing new processes to ensure the product classification and pricing strategy remained relevant. In addition, we led change management efforts by designing and delivering team training to ensure the successful adoption of the new classification and the corresponding pricing recommendations.​

A more precise product classification that accurately reflects product value for customers, enabling improved pricing​
The results​

A more precise product classification that accurately reflects product value for customers, enabling improved pricing​

The new product classification better reflected product value and customer use cases, restoring clarity and consistency in pricing decisions. Sales teams regained confidence in pricing recommendations, leading to more defendable pricing practices, improved profitability, and a strengthened competitive position for the client.​

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