Sales enablement tools you need to support manufacturing businesses

Whether your manufacturing business is selling direct to consumers, resale by other businesses, or are manufacturing component parts – you need to identify your niche, refine your strategy, and make the most of every sales opportunity whilst standing out from your competitors, and building your brand. Sales enablement tools are one clear way in which manufacturing industries are developing their strategies to increase sales. From the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Business Process Automation (BPA) and the use of data analytics, there is a lot of opportunities and ability for your business to evolve. In this article, we take a look at some of the most commonly used sales enablement tools in manufacturing, some of the top CRM platforms used in manufacturing, and how AI and automation is evolving.

What types of sales enablement tools are popular with manufacturing businesses?

Sales enablement platforms and tools are generally seen as a system that provides visibility, access, standardisation, and opportunities across your sales process. This allows your team to work from a single pre-determined format, defined by your business vision and values, and the processes you implement.

Although sales enablement is often described as a single structure (often a dashboard or hub), the tools that make up the functionality are not always integrated into the system.

When looking at sales enablement, finding a platform that provides functionality and integration can be difficult, or they might come with tools and features that are not needed. TEB Apps has been designed to work with your specific business needs and offers integrated functionality and regularly updated features that grow with you.

Having an all-in-one system, and support for integrated functionality allows you to customise your sales enablement to best suit your needs. For manufacturing businesses, many of the most popular sales enablement tools include:

• CRM: Frequently seen with mobile integration now for remote access, the Customer Relationship Management tool is likely to end up at the heart of your sale process and should offer far more than just a database for storing customer information.

• Artificial Intelligence: Smart sales are supported by the most appropriate usage of time and resources. AI is capable of improving forecasting, strategic marketing, and product development, content creation, and much more.
  
  
• Business Process Automation: Combined with AI, BPA allows time and resources to be freed up without compromising on the quality and integrity of necessary daily tasks. The right level of BPA can make an enormous difference to your sales team and what they aim to achieve.
  
  
• Team Management: Effective team management tools allow for direct teams to work together with real-time information sharing and access, and they work company-wide across multiple sites.
  With real-time information sharing, updating, and integration into sales databases, there is far more potential for up-selling, cross-selling, and customer retention as well as shortening sales cycles and closing more deals.

Who are some of the key CRM platforms?

There are a large number of CRM platforms on the market, some have changed very little in the time since their inception, and others are innovating the way in which customer service and sales tools work.

Some of the best CRM that stand out from the crowd include:

1. TEB Apps: Designed to work with your business at every stage of your company development, TEB Apps utilises AI, BPA, and a highly visual and intuitive CRM. The platform has incredibly flexible and effectively integration, with granular level operations. Features on TEB Apps include customisable T&Cs, customisable templates, automated opportunities management, sales tracking, customisable lead management with ability to auto-assign leads, product database support for thousands of items, third-party integrations, and more.
   
   
2. Zendesk:  Part of NetSuite’s CRM software, this platform offers a central location for customer data, lead generation, and supplier information. The tool is designed to collect information, allow for mobile support, and the use of cloud technology. Features include reporting, tracking, and live chat.
   
   
3. Zoho CRM: Marketed as a 360-degree customer relationship management solution, Zoho offers support for companies to centralise data and materials, and distribute them to sales reps. The platform has integrated analytics and logs / tracks each interaction had with customers. Features include lead capture, live chat, relationship management, and calendar management.

How is AI making changes to the way in which sales enablement tools are being used?

AI has been making dramatic changes to the way that CRM tools are capable of functioning, and the higher levels of automation and integration available with complimentary software has made it easier for manufacturing businesses to sort out their leads and opportunities, manage their customer engagements, streamline order processing, and ensure that sales, returns, and reorders are being accounted for.

When correctly using AI with sales enablement tools, businesses can expect to benefit from:

• Improved customer understanding
• Targeted data for marketing and sales
• Content generation for specific demographics
• Improved customer service
• Increased customer retention
• Reduction in sales cycle timw

What is expected in the future for sales enablement tools?

Technology is going to continue to drive sales in manufacturing businesses and many other demographics, and as the tools become more powerful and intuitive, the difference between those who have adopted the technology and those that have not is going to grow ever more apparent.

High performing sales teams are going to be relying more and more on data-driven targeting and strategies, and customers are going to expect the conveniences that come with having AI and automation in place to manage various aspects of the buying process.

How can TEB Apps help your manufacturing business grow?

The right tool for the task is essential, and for your manufacturing business to grow, you need sales enablement tools that are capable of supporting your existing needs, being flexible as you grow, and carry on as a core component in your future.

When you work with TEB Apps, you can expect to benefit from:

• Intuitive and flexible platform which is simple to use.
• Custom templates and structures that make quotes, engagements, and interactions easy.
• Customisable T&Cs on a granular level, so you can support your customers and ensure everything is covered.
• Lead management and automation that ensures your team are getting the most appropriate leads delivered straight to them.

Book your demo today, and discover for yourself how TEB Apps can help you build a better business.