In recent years, we have seen that window and door manufacturers who have integrated their back-end systems have seen strong business growth. In recent months, digitalization has begun to play a key role in business flexibility and success.
Integration helps you meet your customer’s changing needs in a fast and profit driven way. Leading developers are delivering integrated solutions for customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and a shift to B2B eCommerce and Cloud offerings, to stay competitive and responsive to clients’ needs. Our biggest call in the fenestration industry is integrating into ERP systems. Creating one true source of information so business owners and executive teams get a lens across their business interactions with access to real-time information. Having one source of truth is key for businesses to reduce waste; wasting time reproducing/rekeying information and waste of materials which can result in not using the correct data.
A global pandemic in 2020 has meant businesses have accelerated the digitalization of their customer and supply-chain interactions and of their internal operations by three to four years. Our customers have needed to do more this year, with less staff. Integrating and utilizing cloud solutions such as Azure has helped businesses to access information remotely no matter where you or your staff are located in the world, so everyone can be working off one data source. The ability to access information remotely is key as more people around the world are adapting to working from home, and customer preferences are now shifting to remote/web-based interactions too.
What’s more is that the changes that have been implemented this year are the catalyst for future change. Most businesses investing in integration and digitalization are now convinced this is the way forward, and so are exploring what other options they can implement to utilize staff and systems in the most streamlined and efficient way. We’ve definitely seen our customers are more willing to accept new products and systems if it means they’ll be setting themselves up to have a competitive advantage and for future success.
Here are some benefits of how integration and digitalization can help your business:
Streamlined Processes
Integration puts a stop to double handling of information, as the sales and inventory teams can access relevant information. Salespeople can check inventory levels and order history without having to contact and wait on other departments.
Turn Leads into Sales
When a lead that is registered in the CRM places an order and converts to becoming a customer, there is no need to transfer the data from one team and system to another. With the integration of the systems, this process becomes automated reducing time and the need for rekeying data.
Save Time and Money
As information is more accessible, sales staff can order directly using the ERP system whilst on the road, saving time on calls and emails. Meetings and demos run smoother as staff have access to the client information and can respond faster and with more accuracy. Even your customers can be set up to prepare quote estimates and order directly from your manufacturing system.
And as an added bonus, if your customers are satisfied with your service, they will refer you and word of mouth advertising is priceless.
Better reporting and business planning
You will have up to date information about inventory stock, upcoming orders and leads. With more accessible information, reporting to shareholders and forward business planning becomes easier.
Integration and digitalization can help boost your business growth by meeting your customers’ changing needs, whilst saving you time, money and increasing your business’ productivity.
