Frank Dietsche: Hello Mr. Volk, you had already introduced me to the new IQuote tool configuration tool during the opening of the new ISCAR building in Ettlingen last spring, and I was able to try it out. By the next day, I was able to receive the configured milling cutter and a deep hole drilling tool.
Herbert Volk: In the meantime, we have further developed our iQuote. On the one hand, we conducted various trials with some customers and explained the whole topic in many discussions. This has led to optimization topics, especially regarding the selection and intuitive design of the individual menu items. Additionally, we were able to implement an important step regarding service. Our sales colleagues now have the opportunity to fully prepare the configuration for our customers. The customer can then directly confirm the execution and immediately receive their price and the drawing.
FD: This means that from the original pure online configuration, where the customer can log in, configure their tool, and order, there is now the additional possibility that if the customer is uncertain, they can receive advice or alternative solutions from ISCAR upon request before the final order?
Herbert Volk: Exactly. It was very important for us to enable this option relatively quickly. In the next step, we will expand iQuote with additional products and options. For example, deep hole drills or MultiMaster milling tools, as well as step tools. The complexity and variety will increase. From this background, it was important for us to enable customers to have additional service options relatively quickly. In the long term, we see iQuote as an important tool to consistently provide significantly faster and better service.
FD: And how are customers reacting to IQuote, which has been available for about three quarters of a year now?
Herbert Volk:The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, both from our customers and our sales colleagues. Of course, the user needs some security at first. But after one or two tools, it works without problems and acceptance increases. The feedback from our customers is extremely important to us. We have already been able to implement several improvements as a result. We are convinced that our customers must always have an influence on our software tools. In the meantime, we have already fully processed and delivered several orders. Thanks to the intensive preparation phase, we were able to handle the first orders without any issues, and ultimately the tools also convinced our customers in production.
FD: I personally had the opportunity to try this at ISCAR and configured a milling tool and a deep hole drill with a length of 1.5 m. I created the configuration in iQuote in the evening and actually had the tool in my hands the next day. Does this also work in practice or in daily business?
Herbert Volk:Of course, one day is already ambitious and not the norm, I must honestly admit. In practice, depending on what the customer requires, we are usually looking at a delivery time of three to five weeks. However, if the customer says, okay, I really need to produce an important series in a week or two, we do everything we can to make that happen, often successfully.
FD: If the customer has a priority and needs the tool very quickly, can ISCAR also respond and is flexible in production planning?
Herbert Volk:A clear yes. We have proven this many times; our clear goal is to continually optimize speed.
FD: Here at the booth, at EMO 2025, there is a screen set up among the many tools of the new ISCAR-LOGIQUICK campaign that illustrates the simplicity of using IQuote very well. Is IQuote a service implemented due to competitive demands, or a tool that brings advantages for your customers but also for ISCAR?
Herbert Volk:It clearly brings advantages for both sides. We at ISCAR Germany have always focused on special tools. I have been here for 20 years now, and much of our work started with special tools. Our service never bypasses special tools but always works with special tools or hand in hand with our standard solutions. It was clear to us that we want and need to respond quickly in the special area. Our customers often aim to deliver initial series faster and to plan them as quickly and effectively as possible, especially regarding 'cost per part'. Many users cannot avoid special tools in this regard. We see our iQuote configurator as absolutely contemporary and sensible.
FD: Topic of speed. ISCAR has built a great new factory with administration and new production in Ettlingen. Does this now play into your hands, allowing you to respond much faster to online orders from IQuote?
Herbert Volk:This topic goes hand in hand with new manufacturing. We have the option, depending on capacity, to check whether we manufacture the tool in Ettlingen or use another ISCAR manufacturing location. The advantage in this case is that the drawings are almost finished in the background, and only a few steps are necessary for completion. Thus, we can choose the appropriate manufacturing site immediately after receiving the order to achieve the fastest possible delivery.
FD: This means, a benefit for the customer, assuming that the person responsible in production goes into the IQuote portal, configures the tool, knows what he wants, then gets a price and can basically print out the data immediately and present it to his buyer or decision-maker. Regardless of the deadline that actually follows for production. But he has all the data he needs immediately within a short time.
Herbert Volk:Exactly. We want to optimally understand and map the entire process in advance. Often, the technical clarification of special tools takes a week or sometimes even two weeks. We want to shorten this technical clarification. This can now be done in one day or sometimes even in a few hours. This way, we can give the customer the opportunity to start processing their initial series with the special tool. The goal is to provide the user with as much cost and planning certainty as possible; in some cases, a special tool can be the decisive factor for our customers to receive an order.
FD: So I understand it this way: The customer benefits in that he can directly and very quickly configure, calculate, and request a tool. He receives the basic data and delivery time from IQuote very quickly, in real-time. Or he still has the option to change something.
Herbert Volk:The customer can actively discuss details with our sales team. Each of our sales representatives knows the situation of their customers on-site and can also offer additional options. Especially when the wishes are outside the range of iQuote. There will always be special tools in the future that cannot be completely represented. However, we have created capacities in our design department to respond quickly in such cases.
FD:Is this iQuote tool used by ISCAR worldwide, or is it primarily limited to Germany and Europe?
Herbert Volk:No, the kick-off is initially in Germany and Europe. In the second step, during the course of next year, iQuote will be introduced worldwide.
FD: Actually, after the introduction a few months ago, the EMO fair is the optimal time to present iQuote with these first major improvements to customers and potential customers?
Herbert Volk:Correct. The tool is continuously being developed and expanded. Here, too, we have the same motto as with our tools. As soon as a tool is on the market, it is immediately further developed. We do the same with iQuote to offer customers as many service options as possible and to quickly expand the product portfolio.
Herbert Volk:Finally, I also have a question for you. After looking at iQuote for the second time, what is your summary?
FD: As far as I can assess now, this tool offers added value for the user. It is very simple and clearly understandable. The menu navigation and the tool options stored in the system allow for a quick configuration with a visual representation even outside of daily business.
I am looking forward to the next stages of development and thank you for the detailed conversation.
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