Introduction 

StrataVAR PqW provides native integration with Cisco Commerce Workspace (CCW) to allow users to import Cisco Bills of Materials (BoMs) directly into the quoting workspace.

This article explains how Cisco BoMs are imported into PqW using Cisco API integrations and where this step fits in the overall quoting workflow.

Why This Is Needed & Where It Fits in the User Journey

BoM import via API is typically the first operational step in the PqW quoting workflow.

This step occurs before quote assembly, pricing adjustments, or export.

For Cisco-based deals, importing BoMs directly from CCW ensures:

• Accurate product structure
• Up-to-date pricing and discounts
• Alignment with Cisco quoting and renewal data
• Avoid manual uploads

This step occurs before quote assembly and provides the source data that will later be added to a Container Quote.

When to Use Cisco API BoM Import

Use this method when:

• The deal involves Cisco hardware, software, or services
• The BoM exists in Cisco Commerce Workspace
• You want to avoid manual file uploads or data re-entry

High-Level Import Flow (Cisco API)

At a high level, the Cisco API import flow includes:

• Authenticating with Cisco Commerce Workspace
• Selecting a Cisco Estimate, Quote, or Renewal
• Pulling the BoM data into PqW
• Making the imported BoM available for quote assembly

Once imported, the BoM appears in the BoM Selection Interface and can be reviewed before being added to a quote.

Relationship to CCW-R and Cisco MFA

Cisco API imports may include:

• Standard CCW quotes or estimates
• Deal Registration
• Renewal quotes (CCW-R)
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)–enabled flows

These scenarios are covered in a separate, dedicated article:
How to Import BoM via CCW-R Quotes

How to Work with MSDR Quotes (Import and Editing)

Prerequisites

Before importing a Cisco BoM, ensure that:

• You have access to Salesforce and PqW
• Cisco integration is enabled for your org
• You have permission to access Cisco estimates or quotes

Step-by-Step: Importing a Cisco BoM via API

Step 1: Open Opportunity/ Project Detail Page

• Log in to Salesforce org for your organization.
• Navigate to the relevant Account and Opportunity for Salesforce
• Click on Import BoM Button.
• This opens Import BoM Dialog box.

For non-Salesforce user

• After login to org, go to Project, select relevant project. 
• Project detail page opens. Here, you again click on Import BoM button.

Step 2: Select Cisco as the BoM Source

Once Import BoM dialog box appears, you can see options to select the mode of import, source of import, profile, BoM type etc.

• Select API as the mode of import and Select Cisco as BoM source in the Source dropdown.

Step 3: Select the Profile Type

After selecting Cisco as the BoM source, you must choose the appropriate Cisco API Profile Type from the dropdown. The profile type determines which Cisco data source PqW will use to retrieve BoMs. PqW supports two categories of Cisco API profiles: Estimate / Deal Registration / MSDR API Profile or CCW-R. 

In this article, we proceed with Estimate / Deal Registration / MSDR API Profile type.

Profile Type 1: Estimate / Deal Registration / MSDR API Profile

Select this profile type for standard quoting projects that involve:

• New customer purchases
• Hardware or software sales
• Non-renewal deals
• Opportunities that do not involve existing contracts or subscriptions

This profile type is commonly used for general sales projects where:

• You are building a quote from Cisco estimates or deal registrations
• The quote is not tied to an existing maintenance or renewal contract
• For most new deals and one-time purchases, this is the recommended profile.

Step 4: Select the BoM Type 

• When profile 1- Estimate / Deal Registration / MSDR API is selected, the BoM type dropdown shows three options as shown below. Depending upon the BoM type you are importing select the correct option from the dropdown and proceed by clicking on Authenticate button.

Step 5: Proceed with Authentication and Import

• Clicking on authenticate opens a new tab for cisco login as shown below.
• When you login using the credentials, authentication is done once you share the estimate id as shown.
  import is done and PqW retrieves the BoM data from Cisco and creates a BoM record in PqW.

Step 6: Verify Successful Import

After import:

• The BoM appears in the BoM list within PqW
• The BoM is now available for:
  • Full BoM addition to the quote, or
  • Item-level selection before adding to the quote

Important to note that at this stage, the BoM is imported but not yet added to the quote.

What Happens After Import

Once the Cisco BoM is imported:

• You can review BoM details and structure
• You can add the full BoM or selected items to the Container Quote
• Pricing and grouping actions become available after items are added to the quote

Common Checks After Import

It is recommended to:

• Confirm the BoM appears with a valid status
• Review item quantities and descriptions
• Ensure the correct Cisco source was selected

Any issues identified here should be resolved before adding items to the quote.

What’s Next?

After importing a Cisco BoM, the next step is to create a container quote for customer quote creation and edit the quote as needed. We will cover these in upcoming articles.

Conclusion

Importing Cisco BoMs via API allows users to quickly and accurately bring Cisco deal data into PqW, forming the foundation for quote assembly and pricing.

Once imported, BoMs can be reviewed and added to a Container Quote for further processing.

Related Articles

• Glossary and Key Terms – Understand commonly used PqW terminology
• Overview of BoM Imports- Different Modes of BoM import in PqW
• Understanding the PqW Console – Get familiar with the main views and navigation