Introduction 

StrataVAR PqW allows users to import item lists from multiple external supplier sources and normalize them into Bills of Materials (BoMs). These BoMs form the foundation for building accurate, scalable quotes in PqW.

Supplier item lists—commonly referred to as supplier quotes—can originate from Cisco systems, distributors, or internally maintained files. Regardless of the source, PqW converts all incoming data into a standard BoM format, enabling consistent downstream processing such as pricing, grouping, and quote creation.

This article is an overview of the available import paths — what they are and when to use each. For step-by-step instructions on a specific source, follow the links under Related Articles.

Why & Where It Fits in the User Journey

Importing supplier quotes into BoMs is the first functional step in the Quote-to-Customer workflow.

Typical user journey:

1. Import supplier quote(s) → BoM
2. Review and validate BoM items
3. Add BoM items to a PqW Quote
4. Apply pricing, margins, and discounts
5. Export the final quote

Without a BoM, PqW cannot assemble or price a quote.

What a BoM is
Before importing, it helps to know what you're creating:

• Each imported supplier quote becomes one BoM.
• A BoM belongs to one Opportunity or Project, but an Opportunity or Project can hold multiple BoMs. However, a BoM can also be marked as Global Reusable, making it available for use across any Opportunity or Project when assembling Quotes.
• Each BoM contains BoM items, which carry the item type, quantity, cost, and any additional supplier-provided data.

All sources — Cisco, distributors, or files — are normalized to the same BoM structure, so the rest of the workflow doesn't change based on the source.

Supported Supplier Sources

StrataVAR PqW supports importing supplier quotes from the following sources:

• Cisco -CCW Estimates, Deal Registration Quotes, CCW-R Maintenance Quotes, CCW-R Maintenance Invoices
• Distributors (Disti) -Ingram Micro, TD SYNNEX, Westcon Comstor 
• Other Sources-  File distributor quotes (supported formats), Generic Excel format

High-level BoM Import Flow

Where you start depends on which version of PqW you use. From either starting point, the steps after the dialog opens are the same.

Accessing the Import BoM Tab

For Salesforce-integrated users

1. Go to the Opportunities list view.
2. Open a specific Opportunity hyperlinked in the list (This opportunity is mapped to a specific customer account)
3. Click on the Import BoM Button from Action menu on right.

This results in opening of Import BoM window where you fill in required details to continue with BoM import process.

For Embedded Salesforce (non-Salesforce users)

1. Go to the Projects tab and look for the required project.

   

2. Open a specific Project from the list such as below.

   

3. Click on the Import BoM button in Project detail page as shown.
   

Understanding the Import BoM Dialog and Inputs for Importing

After clicking Import BoM, the Import BoMs tab opens. This dialog guides you through importing supplier data into StrataVAR PqW. At a high level, the dialog lets you select the supplier source, define the BoM type, and choose how supplier data is imported.

Import Mode Options

The Import Mode determines whether PqW pulls data directly from a supplier system or ingests it from an external file.

StrataVAR PQW supports two import modes:

• \API Import
• File Import

Each mode supports different suppliers and BoM types.

API Import

API Import is used when the supplier is directly integrated with StrataVAR PqW. Supported API Sources include Cisco, Ingram, TD SYNNEX, and Westcon Comstor

Once API Import is selected, you must choose the Supplier Source.

API Import – Cisco

When Cisco is selected as the source, the BoM can be further classified into the following BoM Types:

• Cisco Estimate
• Deal Registration
• Deal registration MSDR 
• CCW-R API (Renewals of Services and subscriptions)

Maintenance (CCW-R) includes: CCW-R Quote BoM, CCW-R Quote with Invoice BoM, and CCW-R Invoice

The type you choose determines which CCW data is pulled, how scale and pricing are processed, and how many BoMs and quotes are generated. 

API Import – Non-Cisco Suppliers

For suppliers such as Ingram, TD SYNNEX, Westcon, the BoM Type is Distributor API BoM. PqW retrieves item data directly from the distributor system and normalizes it into a standard BoM, with no file upload required

File Import (External Supplier Quotes)

Use File Import when the supplier or vendor isn't API-integrated. This mode imports quotes from external files such as Excel, PDF, or CSV. Typical cases include distributors not supported via API, vendor-provided quotes, and VAR-owned professional services data.
During File Import, you select Distributor BoM as the BoM type, upload the file, and (if applicable) indicate whether the quote is for a renewal project. 

Completing the Import Process

Once all required fields are filled:

1. Click the Import BoM button. 
2. PqW processes the import in the background, and an email notification is sent after completion

The email contains links to the imported BoM (or BoMs) and the generated Quote (or Quotes)

Viewing BoM Status

After import, the BoM status is shown at the top of the page:

•  Green checkmark → BoM is valid
•  Red indicator → BoM is invalid

Editing a BoM

PqW doesn't modify BoMs automatically after import — any missing data appears blank and can be entered manually. To edit a BoM:

1. Go to the BoMs tab, or open an Opportunity/Project and select a BoM from its related lists.
2. Click Edit.
3. Update the fields and click Save.

Conclusion

Importing supplier quotes into StrataVAR PqW is a foundational step in the Quote-to-Customer workflow. By supporting both API-based and file-based imports, PqW enables users to bring in data from a wide range of suppliers—whether directly from integrated systems like Cisco and distributors, or from external vendor files.

Regardless of the source or format, all imported data is normalized into a consistent Bill of Materials (BoM) structure. This standardization ensures that BoMs can be reliably reviewed, assembled into quotes, priced, and exported, even for large-scale or maintenance-heavy scenarios such as CCW-R.

Understanding the available import modes, supported sources, and special handling requirements helps users choose the correct import path and avoid downstream issues during quote creation.

What’s Next

Once BoMs are imported, you can perform following actions for Quote creation process.

1. Review BoM items
2. Select BoMs or BoM items to add to a PqW Quote
3. Continue with quote assembly and pricing