From 40 Minutes to 4: How AI Cuts Sales Quote Time
Agentic AI is changing how sales teams work. Tasks that once took 30 to 40 minutes, like generating client quotes, can now be completed in just three to four minutes. Workato’s Chief of AI Products & Solutions, Bhaskar Roy, explains how AI is speeding up and improving the quoting process for sales reps.
Faster Quote Generation with Workato
Workato’s AI connects with CPQ (configure, price, quote), CRM, and finance systems to access all necessary data and approvals. It trains on existing quotes and company knowledge bases, enabling the AI to guide sales reps conversationally through quote creation.
For example, a sales rep can start the quote process directly in Microsoft Teams. The AI agent pulls customer info and past opportunities from the CRM, verifies the quote’s intent, checks similar quotes, and suggests relevant add-ons like implementation services. This step-by-step guidance reduces errors early and speeds up approvals.
This approach benefits both sales reps and deal desks. Reps spend less time creating accurate quotes, and deal desks receive higher-quality submissions without needing back-and-forth revisions.
Secure Access to Team Knowledge
Workato ensures AI respects data access controls. When the AI pulls knowledge bases, it includes metadata that defines user permissions. This means the AI agent only accesses and acts on information a sales rep is authorized to see or change.
The system separates generic information from sensitive, access-controlled data. This separation happens during data processing, so the AI agent knows exactly where to search and what it can share or modify for each user.
Going Beyond Surface-Level AI in Enterprises
Many AI tools focus on simple tasks like content generation. Workato’s AI goes deeper, integrating with core business systems such as ERP platforms. This lets AI handle complex, multi-step processes rather than just answering questions.
Workato customers typically adopt agentic AI in four key areas:
- IT: Automating help desk requests and software access.
- HR: Streamlining HR workflows.
- Sales: Managing leads and speeding up deal closures.
- Customer Support: Automating routine support tasks.
Automation is the main driver behind these AI applications.
Driving Automation with AI Agents
Different industries have unique processes. For instance, a construction company uses AI to analyze design changes, assess their impact, and manage the project lifecycle until completion. The AI explains why certain changes should or shouldn’t be made, helping teams move faster with confidence.
Workato’s AI agents are built to execute actions directly across systems like SAP and Oracle. This orchestration capability goes beyond chatbots, enabling multi-step workflows that actually get things done.
Balancing AI Flexibility with Reliable Execution
Unlike rigid rules-based systems, AI can make mistakes. Workato handles this by combining AI’s decision-making with deterministic execution steps called “skills.” While AI decides the workflow, the actual system actions are controlled and predictable.
Permissions add another layer of security. For example, a sales rep can only update Salesforce records they have access to. Workato’s patented agent authentication verifies user identity and permissions before any action is taken. This prevents unauthorized changes and adds a governance layer.
On top of that, AI agents operate within predefined skills and guardrails. If an agent tries to perform an action it’s not allowed to, it will notify the user rather than proceeding. This setup reduces errors and keeps AI behavior aligned with company policies.
What This Means for Sales Teams
Sales reps get faster, more accurate quotes with AI guidance, freeing up time to focus on selling. Deal desks handle fewer corrections and speed up approvals. AI agents integrate with existing workflows, respecting permissions and ensuring safe execution.
If you want to learn more about how AI can boost sales efficiency and automation, explore some practical AI courses here.
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