How do SFA, and ERP software help businesses?

Sales Force Automation: SFA sets all the repetitive processes in automation such as billing, order, customer interactions, emails, etc. Automating all such tasks increases productivity and saves time for more important things.

Notably, SFA is a part of CRM software that covers A2Z about customer relationship management. 

Enterprise Resource Planning: ERP software connects all the core business activities such as finance, inventory, and operations in one place only.

But what’s stopping the FMCG owners from implying the change?

1. FMCG business includes a wide range of products and is fast-moving in nature which makes change difficult.
2. Implementing technology to FMCG’s wide domain increases the risks.

Technology, Online Market, and FMCG Business:

It’s no wonder India is getting smarter and smarter each day. Consumers are buying things online and there are online FMCG stores as well to fulfill your everyday needs. But all this concludes only 10% of the total retail sales in the country! Did you know that?

And here is a disclaimer! The young generation chooses the complete online method whereas older people stay consistent with the offline method. The truth is you can’t ignore either of them. Where offline sales tactics bring sustainability, online and technology help improve the overall branding & perception among people.

Benefits of Using Sales Force Automation Software in FMCG:

Implementing Sales Force Automation Software in your FMCG business can turn your business upside down. We have already discussed that it automates the complete process. But how does this affect the organisations in real-time? Keep scrolling and read!

1.   Increased Efficiency:

According to the research, nearly 50% of total jobs today can be automated. Ahh! Don’t worry as it’s not replacing humans. It’s about automating their repetitive tasks that are stressful and non-productive.

Integrating SFA automates major repetitive and boring work that lowers your employees' morale and makes them stressed. Instead, they got to do what mattered for business growth, resulting in better performance, high enthusiasm, and improved efficiency.

2.   Improved Market Coverage:

SFA improves your business connectivity with other retailers. If you’re running an FMCG organization, you must have business with nearby retailers who operate in remote areas. To be true, it’s not easy to handle retailers and grow simultaneously. There’s so much paperwork!

Here SFA comes into play. It optimizes the business co-operations with automation, enhances direct connection, manages inventory and keeps track of monetary transactions.

3.   Real-Time Visibility:

SFA is known for its real-time visibility into market trends. FMCG is no different here! SFA automation software shows you the ongoing market trends, purchasing choices, and performance. Overall, it gives you an idea of purchases, sales, offers, season specials, etc.

4.   Enhanced Customer Relationship Management:

Customer relationships are one of the most important parts of all businesses. How do your customers envision you? Do they have a positive perception about you? Is it easy for them to connect and get what they want? These are some of the most basic questions an FMCG business person should ask.

SFA helps with that. Automating the ordering process, billing, customer interaction & tracking, solving complaints, and greeting improves customer relationships to the next level.

5.   Saves Extra Money:

SFA reduces the cost of repetitive tasks. It automates most of such non-productive tasks, manages inventory, and reduces stock waste. Ultimately, this saves some extra money for the company. 

6.   Accurate Sales Forecasting:

SFA keeps track of the market demand and sales. This means every once a week or a month, you can check the changes in the sales forecasting. You can track the demands, make 

predictions, and create strategies to get up to 15-20% more lead conversion.

7.   Improves the Inventory Management:

Using automation helps you track the inventory at best. It keeps the stock at optimal and reduces overstocking or shortages.

8.   Improves Communication among the Teams:

SFA streamlines the tasks and allows different teams to collaborate. This means your departments can work together and finish each task faster with only a few clicks.

9.   Provide Data-driven Insights:

SFA presents accurate insights about demands, sales figures, profits, inventory etc. A data-based approach helps you make data-based decisions that in return bring better business deals and strategies. 

10.  Mobile Accessibility:

Last but not least, SFA provides easy access to all these functionalities on your phone. Easy access means you can have all the data in your hands whenever and wherever you want.

Key Points to Consider While Implementing Technology:

While recognizing the need for technology is important, you must know that businesses are all about PEOPLE. From acknowledging a problem, finding a solution, and sharing it with people, everything revolves around HUMAN BEINGS.

So it’s important to keep the following points in mind when you’re about to grow your business with technology.

1. Business problems need business solutions. Apart from technology, you need someone who understands business.
2. Forget that one-size-fits-all concept! Your business is unique in all aspects. Now, look for a tech that is specially designed for your requirements.
3. You don’t need a big change instantly. Remember, growth comes with consistent small changes. Take one step at a time and move forward.
4. Look for future-proof technologies. As you grow, your requirements will rise as well and then you may have to upgrade your software so why not choose the best from the first day only?

Conclusion:

When we talk about FMCG and technology, things don't go well unlike other businesses. But why? The FMCG products are too wide and fast moving which increases the risks with implementing SFA. 

However, we all know that things are not always going to be the same! Several FMCG businesses have already started using SFA and ERP software and in this blog, we have discussed why!

Want to make your FMCG business faster and efficient? 

Get mSELL SFA software today!