With all these advantages, the question is: ‘why aren’t you using mobile apps in your business yet?’
While the mobile app culture of today didn’t exist 5 years ago, more and more savvy suppliers are recognising the benefits of mobile devices and apps in helping them sell more, deliver better customer service, and improve their bottom line.
Will mobile apps become the preferred method of outlet-to-supplier interactions?
Apps are changing how outlets order from suppliers. They offer a variety of features that specifically work to maximize order-tracking and accuracy, as well as empower sales efficiency, outlet control and purchasing convenience.
Mobile devices now mean that suppliers can access records and drive sales quite literally from the palm of their hand. With these advancements in mind, it’s clear to see why outlets should be keen to embrace digital technology and integrate apps into their day-to-day business transactions. Mobile apps that ‘talk’ to your ERP? That’s the language of 21st century business.
Mobile apps that ‘talk’ to you That’s the language of twenty-first century business.
For the drinks industry in particular, using mobile apps to order, manage and sell stock can feel like a step into the unknown. The move away from legacy systems and tried-and-tested formats is daunting. Happily, the advantages of employing apps to direct outlet-to-supplier relationships should far outweigh the negatives.
1. Greater Accuracy
The outlet-to-supplier relationship is dependent on accuracy. Sales teams out on the road often grapple with different duties as well as their own workload. Lines of communication frequently aren’t reliable or time efficient. Scribbling down orders in a paper diary may be legible at the time, but hours later could read like hieroglyphics – with frustrating consequences for both outlet and supplier.
Capturing outlet orders correctly the first time, every time, instils confidence that you’re running a tight operation and paying due attention to detail. Mobile apps ensure that margins of error are minimal as data capture takes place instantly on site.
2. Greater Efficiency
When using an app, efficiency is the name of the game. Establishing a clear line of communication to the centralised ERP system has obvious positives. Data is collated on the ERP instantly and accessible immediately either from the office or the field. Orders and invoices can be generated, printed or emailed, without any time delay. Order histories and outlet visits can be recorded so instead of searching for stray pieces of paper from six months ago, sales reps will waste no time in getting up-to-date on outlet historical information prior to an on site visit.
3. Errors Can Be Rectified Quickly
While apps certainly reduce the possibility of mistakes, human error is sometimes inevitable when it comes to data entry. Being able to quickly log in and correct these errors as and when they arise, is one of the beauties of apps. For example, if an order quantity needs to be amended, adjustments can be quickly made via app and immediately communicated back to the supplier ERP. Having control over orders, and the ability to edit or update, empowers sales reps and cuts back on time rectifying errors from a central system.
4. Convenience
The convenience of a mobile app is one of its most significant features. Working remotely in parallel to the supplier means that reps are always in touch with headquarters. Simply make sure your mobile device is charged and you have a convenient ordering system in your pocket at all times. Because the app data has been communicated to the ERP, should the device itself be lost or stolen, the data will always be available.
Working remotely in parallel to the supplier means that reps are always in touch with headquarters.
Wrap up
Suppliers who are keen to integrate mobile apps into their business usually want to simplify their own business processes and the customer’s path to purchase.
The app’s ease of use clears the way for reps to get on with what they do best – selling
With these positives in mind, it is clear that mobile devices and apps bring accuracy, efficiency, control and convenience to outlet-to-supplier interactions.
Did you miss last week#s blog? Do you want to learn about how self-service web portals can enable you to sell goods 24/7? Click HERE to learn more!
