Running a business, whether it’s a large corporation or a small local shop, is not easy. You have to do many things to keep it running. You have to check the inventory, advertise your business, monitor your sales, and so on. However, you can’t do all of these things, which is why you have to hire personnel. With their help, everything will be done easier and faster.
Unfortunately, depending on laborers alone can put your company at risk. After all, they are humans too. They can make mistakes, get tired, etc. Furthermore, if you don’t give them a rest, it will hugely affect their productivity.
Fortunately, you can help them lighten their load. You just need to get a software application that does all these things. This program that this article is referring to is the sales force automation software.
When this tool arrived, many people were afraid of this program. Some were hesitant because they felt like this software would put their business at risk because of malware attacks. Others thought that the company didn’t need them anymore because it’s doing their responsibilities. The user would just need to type in the data, and it would do its part.
Let this article change your mind! This post will tell you what you need to know about sales force automation. Furthermore, it will give you a quick overview of this process and its features. Lastly, it will tell you why you should use this program in your business. Hence, we won’t put you on hold any longer. Let’s begin the discussion!
What is sales force automation?
Many people ask, “What is sales force automation software?” For those who don’t know what it is, it’s a program that handles all business tasks. These include inventory control, monitoring customer interactions and sales processing. Buyers can choose a custom-made design application or a ready-made tool such as ACT! and GoldMine. SFA software is otherwise known as sales automation software, but some people call it customer relationship management software.
Most sales force packages have a web-based database, an email feature, and ready-to-use templates. It also comes in two designs, and these are hierarchical and module-based architectures. The first type separates the application, server, and database to reduce stress on clients. The second design enables you to customize the tool to fit your needs.
Sixteen years ago, Oracle launched a free sales software application. This package uses the cloud service to make information available online. This tool is designed specifically for small to medium businesses with mobile workforces. All data stored in the software are in Oracle’s facilities. Meaning, anyone can access the information, as long as he has access to the Internet. Additionally, the user doesn’t need to download any program. He just needs to create an account to use the application.
Features of the Sales Force Automation Software
There are several features offered by the sales force software. These highlights will not only improve the entire sales procedure but the whole team too. Below are some of the innovations you need to look for when finding the best sales force automation software.
First is the lead management. As the name suggests, this feature helps you track leads to ensure it won’t get cold. This tool clearly describes opportunity tasks and automatically assigns leads to the right person. Hence, it reduces manual routing and mistakes such as duplication of lead responsibilities. Furthermore, it defeats stress to the entire team and promotes better relationships with your members.
For instance, your company has received leads. With this feature, you can assign them to correct individuals and give access to their designated tasks. Consequently, it increases lead conversions and reduces response time.
The second feature that you should look for is the opportunity management. It enables users to regulate methods and systems to make the team as one unit. It also tracks transaction disclosures and distinguishes the causes of slowing down. With this feature, employees will have a better relationship with each other. Hence, there will be no competition inside the team.
Apart from that, it allows users to designate tasks to its members. That way, they can concentrate on their assignments and not on anything else.
Third is the account management. This feature lets you get full knowledge of your client accounts. Attaining the right information means better collaboration among your team and customers. If your company gets the right details, there’s a little chance of making mistakes.
Furthermore, you can give access to those people who will work on the project. That way, you don’t need to remind them about the do’s and don’ts of the tasks.
The fourth feature you should look for is the territory management. It allows users to make quick modifications within the team. For example, if there’s an account that needs immediate attention, you can assign it to a person who works fast. If that individual is not available, you can reassign it again until someone gets the job done.
Last is the contract management. It’s the most important feature of the sales tracking software. As the name suggests, it allows you to manage the lifespan of the contract. You can determine the expiry of the agreement. Moreover, you have full control on the information of the agreement.
Why Should You Use the SFA Software?
You have already identified its features and uses. However, you still don’t know why sales force automation is important. There are several reasons why you should use this software in your business. Here are some of them.
1 – Paperless Reporting
One of the benefits of this tool is the absence of paperwork. With this application, you don’t need to make a report and print them. When you have gathered all the necessary information, you simply need to send it to the right person. This tool not only saves time but the environment too. Moreover, you don’t need to spend money for printer inks. Thus, you can say that having this tool is the most time-saving, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to run a business.
2 – Marketing Advantages
Advertising is the driving force to make sales. If you don’t promote your company, nobody will support your store. However, creating a strategic marketing campaign is tricky, be it online or not, but not anymore.
With the help of sales CRM software, you can create an ad perfect for your target audience. You can use the data provided by the application to make a more productive marketing campaign.
3 – Promotes Better Teamwork
One of the best features of sales manager software is that it does not only work as a CRM application. It also works as a collaboration tool. It links different departments of the company to get the same information. Hence, you don’t have to send the account details one-by-one. You simply need to give them access, so they can get the details themselves.
Because they already have access to the software, you can designate tasks without a problem. Furthermore, they can concentrate on their lead assignments and work simultaneously.
4 – Provides Better Customer Service
Consumers are the lifeblood of any business. They are the ones who provide money to your firm. For this reason, you have to give them satisfaction if you want to keep them for good.
However, giving what they want is not easy, especially when your business is expanding. Nevertheless, it should not be the reason for serving your customers poorly. There are ways that you can do to keep your good service, despite the growing needs. You just need to use an SFA program.
This tool provides details about your customers. It presents the customer’s behavior pattern, interest and so on. It also records your interaction with your clients. That way, they can identify the common issues faced by their customers, which help them solve future problems.
These are just some of the reasons for using a sales force package. With this program, your business will be more productive and efficient. It can also improve your relationship with your employees and clients.
There are many companies that sell CRM sales software. They all claim that they have the best SFA platforms in the industry. It could be true because most of them have a license to distribute this tool. However, there are some who don’t have the right to sell such products. Thus, it’s critical to do your research beforehand.
When researching for a particular package, make sure you know what your business needs. That way, it will be easier to choose between standardized and customized program.
Apart from that, you also need to know the features offered by the program. Make sure it has all, if not most, of the features mentioned earlier. That way, it will be easier to manage the company and to serve customers.
Lastly, don’t forget to read reviews of sales force automation software. These write-ups will give you information that you need. You have to ensure though that it comes from a reliable website.
Get top-notch sales automation programs today! Go to CrowdReviews.com and read about our sales force software review.
Jeev Trika
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