Tag Archive for: internet of things

How Industry 4.0 Is Shaping New Business Models

We live in a connected society that makes the most out of technology. Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution brings with it an ocean of possibilities fueled by technological advancements such as interconnectivity, automation, big data, machine learning, real-time data and more. Examples are a GPS system that helps you get to your destination, virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa, or even Netflix recommendations.  

The concept of Industry 4.0 refers to machines and products fully connected and exchanging data to digitize the sales cycle and other business operations.  

In this digital era, disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way businesses create products and internal solutions, which were hard to envision decades ago. It’s no longer a matter of when, but how quickly you are going to integrate this technology into the way you do business to remain competitive. 

A recent study shows that only 14% of executives are highly confident that their organizations are ready to fully harness the changes associated with Industry 4.0.

Every company is different, but they all have one need in common. With digital transformation, the sales cycle also changes. Every business faces the challenge for real-time insight across processes, product and client engagement. 

That’s why you should consider Industry 4.0 as your best ally. However, that alone won’t do the trick. At the end of the day, it’s about to revolutionize the way your entire business operates and it will result in the scrapping of some old habits within the workforce.

The key Industry 4.0 technologies that transform businesses 

The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 is in full swing. According to Salesforce, these are some technologies that you should be integrating into your business operation in order to be more valuable and transform the way you interact with customers:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Forget about tedious workflows. AI is used in many ways, from obtgaining insights about your sales history, to predicting future customer behavior. Even more so if you understand the benefits of combining Artificial Intelligence with your current CRM software. With an AI-powered CRM such as Salesforce’s Einstein and Zoho CRM’s Zia, you will learn from past decisions and historical patterns to score the best leads for sales. You can also increase customer engagement as this technology helps you to get an emotional insight during the sales cycle. 

Virtual reality (VR): This technology offers unique experiences merging the physical and virtual worlds. Also, it will bring you closer to your customers. For example, an app that allows users to experiment with products before buying them will help to secure a sale. By offering them a personalized experience you can increase customer loyalty.

Robotics: This technology is changing traditional production relationships among suppliers, vendors, customers, and also between machines and humans. Automated robots increase business efficiency by learning from humans’ decisions. Machines are already transforming sectors such as healthcare and finance in which error-free activities are crucial. Machines are also great for taking care of some repetitive tasks, but automation won’t take away all jobs. This technology is making workers more efficient rather than replacing them. The human + machine is the winning combination that will make your business thrive.

Internet of Things (IoT): Nowadays it is imperative to have everyday devices connected to the internet and each other. A great advantage for companies is that they can collect customer data from these connected products. They allow businesses to learn how consumers use products or what they’re really looking for in order to launch more targeted marketing messages and shorten the sales cycle. IoT assisted production is already been used by companies such as Siemens, Airbus, and Cisco. 

Benefits of adopting an Industry 4.0 model for your business

The merging of technology and business is what can set you apart from your competitors. Benefits such as improved efficiency, lower costs, higher revenues, and innovation are significant. Therefore the importance of understanding how Industry 4.0 will help you seek new sales opportunities. 

Better supply chain management and optimization. Industry 4.0 gives you greater insight and data visibility across an entire supply chain. It also affects how products are customized, where they are made and how they get to us. For example, technologies like 3D-printing allow manufacturing companies to print their own parts, which can do wonders to improve product quality at a lower cost and faster than traditional processes. 

Reduce costs. Once automation and intelligence are built into products and sales processes, investments will pay off. Higher levels of automation results in less wasted materials and more efficient operation.

Become a consumer-centered business. Companies that monitor real-time data available with Industry 4.0 can give customers better service. It’s recommended that you also rely on a powerful ERP and CRM integration such as Commercient SYNC to be able to provide exactly what the customer wants and keep them happy.

Transform your business into a “smart factory”. According to Forbes, Industry 4.0 introduces what has been called the “smart factory.” In which cyber-physical systems (computers and networks) monitor the physical sales processes and make simple decisions on their own and become as autonomous as possible. This will make your company an evolved business that adapts to new demands. 

The positive impact of the above-mentioned technologies can have on your business is undeniable. Is your company ready to make the most out of those changes? Let’s talk about how connecting your ERP with your CRM can get your business into Revolution 4.0.

IIoT: The Evolution Of The Industrial Sector

To grow and thrive, companies must adapt to industry changes, and recalibrate their business processes and methods when necessary. The rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era is rapidly redefining the world in its entirety. Its primary focus on technological advances in communication and connectivity has thrown a spotlight on IIoT. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the industrial sector, and break barriers beyond previous possibilities.

What is IIoT?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), also known as Industry 4.0, is part of a larger concept known as the Internet of Things (IoT). IIoT is a network of connected industrial machines and devices that use IoT technology to improve manufacturing and industrial processes. IIoT applications enable systems to collect, exchange, monitor and analyze large volumes of data to deliver valuable insights. Companies can then make smarter, data-driven business decisions.

The Difference Between IoT and IIoT

While their basic principles are similar, IoT and IIoT serve different purposes. IoT connects physical devices such as home appliances, vehicles, smart devices and more, to the Internet. IIoT connects industrial machines and devices in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, oil and gas, and others.

The Importance of IIoT

IIoT is one of the major technology trends impacting industrial businesses today. This technology is gaining momentum, and will create entirely new industries. It is paving the way to a digital, data-driven world, and a future with tremendous opportunities for industries worldwide. As the number of connected devices increases, we can expect significant growth in the global adoption of IIoT in the coming years.

The main idea behind IIoT is to connect machines and devices to give real-time information on processes and efficiency. IIoT uses sensors connected to industrial devices which collect and store large amounts of data. This data is then transformed into actionable insights, which enable businesses to make data-driven decisions.

Intelligent Connectivity: The Future Of Manufacturing

The Industrial Internet of Things will transform industries as we know them, and the manufacturing industry is at the top of the list. With IIoT, traditional manufacturers will become connected ones.

IIoT can help you unlock the hidden value of all your machine data. Insights from this data can provide many benefits, including improving operational efficiency and productivity, reducing operating costs and equipment downtime, increasing employee safety, maximizing asset utilization, and so much more.

Connect Your ERP to the Internet with Commercient’s IoT Pulse

The main goal of an ERP system is to give actionable data for decision making. IIoT has the potential to expand the availability and improve the accuracy of your ERP data. IIoT and ERP solutions combine to deliver efficiency and cost savings. This provides a competitive differentiator over manufacturers that are slow to embrace emerging technology.

Commercient’s IoT Pulse improves the pace of digital transformation and maximizes the value of your ERP system by connecting it to more than 1,100 internet apps. This can help automate your digital migrations and your frequent tasks.

IoT Pulse integrates ERP’s such as QuickBooks and Sage to apps like HubSpot, Magento eCommerce, email programs, marketing systems, and more. With all your data connected, you can make data-driven decisions faster because all your data is in one place.

Integrating your ERP with IIoT provides valuable real-time data, which can be used to optimize operations, improve customer service, and create new business opportunities.

The Future Is Now!

IIoT is an absolute necessity if you want to not only stay relevant but keep growing in the face of digital disruption. Industry leaders are successfully leveraging intelligent, connected devices to drive their business forward and stay ahead of competition. Don’t get left behind.

Get connected and call or email Commercient today, to find out about how our IoT Pulse solution can help your business.

SYNC Demo integrate CRM ERP

The Future Of Data Integration For Business Is IoT

The world we now live in is changing in a pace and manner that is unrivaled in human history. Revolutionary advances in technologies are reshaping the way we live and work all around the world. As businesses grapple with the new challenges they present, they are faced with a choice between being overtaken by technological changes, or harnessing their power to succeed and prosper through digital transformation.

IoT (the Internet of Things) is one such technology trend that is leading digital transformation and innovation in the evolving business world. It will forever change the way we connect with each other and the world around us.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical electronic objects such as vehicles, machines, smart devices, home appliances, and more, that are connected to the internet and to one another. This connection enables them to communicate, gather and exchange data without human intervention.

Simply put, IoT devices share data through a wired or wireless connection. In the home, devices such as the Nest thermostat, are part of the IoT world.

The growth of IoT is leading to an increasingly connected physical and digital world. Gartner predicts that in 2020, there will be 20 billion internet-connected devices.

The statistics of IoT’s growth and global expansion bear witness to its impact and its many potential benefits.

IoT in the Manufacturing Industry

IoT is gaining momentum across various industry sectors, and has already established a strong presence in the manufacturing industry.

Technology applications in the manufacturing industry are currently being used in these areas: To connect machines; enable predictive maintenance; automate and monitor processes in hazardous areas, thus ensuring the safety of employees; and much more.

These technologies hold tremendous potential to drive progress on a global scale. However, this is only the beginning, and the endless possibilities of how it can transform and modernize business operations continue to grow.

The Importance of Data Integration with IoT

In today’s digital and data-driven business environment, the ability for multiple business systems to integrate and share data with one another has become a major success factor.

When a growing business has several siloed business applications, challenges arise that can severely cripple the growth of your business. Running a company with disparate software often leads to wasted employee productivity; lack of real-time visibility; duplicate, conflicting or obsolete data; etc.

Some of the major benefits of data integration include:

  • Timely access to accurate data.
  • Real-time visibility.
  • Process automation.
  • Reduced risk of errors.
  • Improved employee productivity and efficiency.
  • Enhancements to customer service.
  • Streamlined collaboration and data sharing across departments.
  • And much more.

Unlock the Power of ERP Data with Commercient’s IoT Pulse

With Commercient’s IoT Pulse, you can connect your ERP system such as SYSPRO, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, Acumatica, etc., to over 1,100 apps. This will help to automate data migrations and frequent tasks.

IoT Pulse can also connect your ERP system to CRM systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and others as well as to 1,100 internet apps, including Magento eCommerce, Mailchimp, Gmail, WordPress, social media apps, and many others.

Integrating your data with IoT Pulse enables you to effectively use data to drive optimal business performance and keep you ahead of the game.

IoT Best Practices

IoT is gaining strength and providing new ways to make life easier and more efficient through connected technology. Invest in the future of your business as a global competitive player, and contact Commercient today to find out how we can help you prepare for the digital future.

IoT Pulse connect ERP to the Internet

What Your Business Could Be Like Without The Internet of Things

Today the Internet of Things is a big thing for small businesses, and if you’re thinking about investing in IoT, perhaps this blog will help you take that next step. After all, in the digital age, we’re sure you don’t want to be the business left behind. Here is what your business could be like if you don’t invest in the Internet of Things.

Low Productivity

If you don’t invest in IoT technologies now, you’ll definitely experience low productivity in at your business. For example, with Commercient IoT Pulse, you can connect your ERP system to over 815 other business applications, and automate tasks like sending out emails instantly when customers input a new order, or generate a new invoice.

Without IoT Pulse, all your sales and customer data will remain siloed, which means your employees would have to spend more time searching for information. Moreover, without investing in IoT solutions, a task that can be carried out in only 30 minutes, might take an hour or more to carry out, which leaves less time for your employees to be productive and carry out additional tasks.

Higher Costs

As IoT solutions can help you save tons of money, you’ll have higher costs without them. For example, IoT solutions like IoT Pulse allow you connect all your business applications, including MailChimp, Gmail, WordPress, timecard apps, marketing, and CRMs such as Daylite, to your ERP system to automate tasks.

With all your apps connected to your accounting software, you’ll be able to troubleshoot, rule out problems, and make decisions anytime and anywhere – whether you’re at home or traveling. Data and alerts can be sent directly to your computer or mobile device detailing the status of a customer’s order, appointments, invoices, employees’ hours, and much more.

Loss Of Competitive Edge

There is so much competition in the market, brands are regularly making strategies based on the latest trends of the Internet of Things to stay ahead. It means that you just can’t afford to ignore Internet of Things if you want to gain competitive advantage. These technologies can help you increase productivity, cut costs, offer new products and services, and deploy new business models.

If you invest in IoT platforms such as IoT Pulse, you’ll be more likely to strengthen your reputation, and provide better customer experiences serving your customers anytime and anywhere.

Are you convinced yet about IoT and want to know more about Commercient IoT Pulse, how you can be more productive, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge? Let’s talk.

IoT Pulse connect ERP to the Internet

 

Misconceptions About Internet of Things Every Business Should Ignore

A popular topic these days is the Internet of Things, and there seems to be some misconceptions about it. In this blog, we uncover some of the most common misconceptions about IoT that every business should ignore.

Misconception #1: IoT Is Only For Large Corporations

There is a common misconception that the Internet of Things is only for large corporations. However, open platforms and low-cost sensors have made IoT solutions a cost-effective option for small to medium businesses. According to an AVG survey, 57% of small business think the IoT will have a significant effect on their bottom line. So, contrary to popular belief, IoT is not only leveraged by large corporations, but smaller businesses are adopting it as it has become more accessible. For example, Bike Lane, a Houston bike shop began using electronic tags to digitally manage inventory. In this way, the bike shop was able to streamline their business processes, boost sales, and reduce labor costs. Another great tool is Commercient’s IoT Pulse app, which integrates your ERP to over 815 apps, giving your business full access to important information, and can help improve efficiency, cut costs, and more.

Misconception #2: IoT Is Too Expensive

Another common IoT misconception is that IoT are devices too expensive. But, this is not true. The costs of IoT are decreasing every day so much that even small and mid-sized companies are leveraging IoT technologies. The concept of connected objects resting on open standards and technologies is inexpensive and does not require considerable financial resources. Our IoT Pulse app is an affordable option for small businesses, and supports several different ERPs, including QuickBooks, which is one of the most affordable ERPs.

Misconception #3: IoT Devices Are Unsafe

Some people also believe that IoT devices are unsafe. Of course, nothing in this world is completely safe, but IoT devices come with layers of security, ensuring that the majority of your data is safe as long as you take appropriate precautions. Take Commercient IoT Pulse, for instance: It allows you to connect your ERP to the Internet by installing a sync agent that creates a secure connection with your ERP.

When speaking of connected devices communicating in the Cloud, there is no escaping the possibility of attacks. But companies and individual users can adopt quality standards and best practices that minimize those risks to ensure IoT becomes a pro, not a con.

Misconception #4: IoT Is Just About Sensors

Sensors are an integral part of the IoT environment, but there is much more to IoT than just sensors. Because it is called the ‘Internet of Things,’ it involves APIs, software, networks, cloud, gateways, hubs, and the communication between the physical objects, and much more. It’s about management and support of the entire IoT solution. Sensors are just one part of the overall equation.

Do you have any more questions or concerns about IoT? We would love to speak with you. We’re always here to serve you. Also, if you’re interested learning more about our IoT Pulse app, check out our IoT Pulse page.

7 Must-Have Apps For Your Small Business

If you’re a small business, we’re sure you understand how important technology is in the business world, which is why we’ve created a list of seven must-have apps. We are sure these apps will help you take your business to the next level and get a higher return on investment. Check them out below.

#1 CRM Software

If you are still running your sales and marketing activities on spreadsheets, an email inbox and Post-it notes, it’s time for you to upgrade – you need to set up CRM software for your business as soon as possible. CRM software is a must-have for every small business, and will help your business run smoother, more professionally, and will give you the ability to scale up your activities. Here are a few CRM software vendors to check out:

  1. Salesforce CRM
  2. Zoho CRM
  3. Oracle
  4. Microsoft Dynamics 365

#2 ERP Software

In addition to CRM software, as a small business, you should also consider investing in ERP software. With an ERP solution, you can eliminate repetitive processes and reduce the need to enter information manually and allocate more company time to sales and business development instead of administrative tasks. Below is a list of ERP software vendors we suggest:

  1. Sage
  2. Acumatica
  3. Xero
  4. Epicor
  5. SAP
  6. Infor
  7. QuickBooks

Check out a complete list of recommended ERP vendors on our SYNC data integration page.

#3 Commercient SYNC

If you’re going to invest in CRM and ERP software, you should also consider investing in Commercient SYNC. It’s an out-of-the box and easy-to-use cloud-based application designed to integrate both your ERP and CRM data, and create one master system for easy data access. Commercient SYNC helps to keep everybody on the same page and allows you to see inventory in real time, search customer records, and complete orders for a simpler, more efficient sales process, and much more. And since it’s cloud-based, it makes it easier for you to grant your employees varying levels of controlled access to the data that you sync into your CRM system.

#4 Slack

Another must-have app that can help you your run your business more efficiently is Slack. It’s a team collaboration and messaging tool that reduces emailing back-and-forth, and offers public, private and direct messaging, file-sharing, phone calls, and message search. Slack can also be integrated with many other apps including MailChimp, Twitter, and Google Drive. It’s especially helpful when everyone’s not in one place.

#5 MailChimp

MailChimp is another must-have app for small businesses. The basic plan is free and it’s easy to use. MailChimp gives you access to dozens of attractive and easily customizable templates that you can send newsletters to a maximum of 2,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails (the free plan). It also allows you to capture leads from subscription forms, and send out automated emails. Additionally, MailChimp can be easily integrated with your CRM, ERP, website, and social media pages, and can also scale with you as your business grows.

#6 Basecamp

If you have remote employees, you’ll love Basecamp. It’s a web-based project management tool that helps you to organize, document and manage your company’s communication in one place that everyone can access and keep updated. It allows you to follow the progress of the work of each individual and find out exactly where everyone is up to in terms of their own virtual project management efforts. With Basecamp, you can you to stay in touch with your virtual employees daily.

#7 IoT Pulse  

Another must-have app for your small business is Commercient’s IoT Pulse. It allows you connect your ERP to the Internet, and provides connectivity with more than 815 Apps for your ERP. With IoT Pulse you can automate tasks, like sending out emails instantly when customers input a new order or generate a new invoice. In addition, IoT Pulse provides integration with MailChimp so you can send new product information to all your customers.

Interested in learning more about Commercient SYNC or IoT Pulse? Our sales reps would love to speak more with you.

Reasons Not To Delay In Investing in IoT

Ready or not, the Internet of Things is here to stay and it’s taking over the business world. More companies are investing in IoT. According to Erik Brenneis, who is the director of Vodafone’s Internet of Things business: “I think IoT is pretty much mainstream now. It’s not that we have all the devices on the street yet, but almost all the customers I talk to say, ‘Look, we need to somehow connect our product.’”

Haven’t already invested in IoT?  Here are a few reasons why shouldn’t delay.

It’s The Future

IoT is undoubtedly the future. In 2015, there were over 15.4 billion connected devices, and IHS forecasts that this number will grow to 30.7 billion in 2020, and 75.4 billion in 2025. Additionally, IDC predicts by 2020, global IoT spending will reach $1.29 trillion. With the industry showing so much room for growth, businesses need to start thinking about investing in the Internet of Things now, as it is only a matter of time before it becomes a true global phenomenon. So, if you want to get an early start and keep up with the competition, you should take a close look at your business models to see how IoT will fit in, deliver better services to your customer, improve processes, and expand the scope of doing business.

Get Proven Results

Nowadays, several leading companies like Commercient are already investing in IoT, and are improving their bottom line by lowering operating costs, increasing productivity, expanding to new markets, and developing new product offerings.

According to the Aruba IoT Research Report by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, “Over three-quarters (78%) of enterprises say the introduction of IoT into the workplace has improved the effectiveness of their IT team, while 75% find it has increased profitability.”

The report also shows that “adopters of IoT reported significant increases in business efficiency (83%), innovation (83%), and visibility across the organization (80%).”

So are you convinced yet that you should invest in IoT products and services?

Connect Your ERP To The Internet

In case you didn’t know, you have the option to connect your ERP to the Internet and connect it to hundreds of other apps. That’s right. With Commercient IoT Pulse you can connect your ERP system to the Internet. And, that’s not all. It provides connectivity with more than 815 apps for your ERP so that you can automate tasks, like sending out emails instantly when customers input a new order or generate a new invoice. You can try our IoT Pulse app today.

Conclusion

Businesses all over the world are already reaping the benefits of IoT-based products and services. Maybe it’s your turn to create an IoT strategy so your business can lead, instead of fighting to catch up. Remember, by investing in IoT, you’ll stay ahead of your competition, improve your bottom line, and automate tasks. So, don’t waste another second, invest in IoT today.

Automatiza tu marketing con Internet de las Cosas

Por: Isaura Martínez

 

La automatización está en boca de todos. Debido al tremendo beneficio que representa vender las 24 horas del día, no tener que estar presente para realizar tareas repetitivas y otras ventajas, automatizar se ha convertido en un boom que se ha insertado en todas las áreas operativas de un negocio: marketing, ventas, contabilidad, logística, etc.

Ante tanta demanda, las opciones que van apareciendo en el mercado son cada vez más numerosas y variadas. Herramientas, integraciones, aplicaciones, sistemas… todo esto con el fin de hacerle la vida más fácil a las empresas de todo tamaño e industria. Precisamente con este fin, Internet de las Cosas se va también abriendo camino. Aunque muchas personas suelen relacionarlo con robótica, dispositivos físicos para cuidar niños y mascotas, alarmas, y otros, IoC o IoT (por sus siglas en inglés) también representa ventajas para las empresas.

Así, IoT también te ayuda con la automatización de tu marketing y ventas. Hay herramientas para automatizar la programación de publicaciones en redes sociales, envíos de campañas de email marketing, incluso promoción de productos y servicios a través de secuencias automatizadas de correos electrónicos según los enlaces en los que una persona haga clic, hasta CRM. Por eso, van apareciendo herramientas mixtas que ofrecen dos o más de estas funciones.

¿Cómo puedes utilizar Internet de las Cosas para automatizar tu marketing y algunas funciones relacionadas a ventas?

 

Conectar herramientas con funciones muy distintas

No es lo mismo integrar un CRM con una herramienta de email marketing que integrar tu email marketing con tu sistema contable. Hay algunas herramientas que van incorporando funciones (como Mailchimp incluyendo los autoresponders en cuentas gratuitas o ActiveCampaign que incluye email marketing y CRM); sin embargo, son pocas las que pueden integrar otras funciones completamente distintas.

Una de las herramientas más completas y utilizadas para automatizar el marketing es Infusionsoft, que además cumple la función de CRM. En él se almacena información de suscriptores, personas que han descargado determinados recursos o comprado productos, y cómo estos contactos interactúan con el contenido que difunde la empresa a través de correos electrónicos y embudos de ventas.

Por otro lado, está Quickbooks, herramienta contable de las más utilizadas en el mercado, a través de la cual muchas empresas gestionan sus cuentas por cobrar, por pagar, clientes activos e inactivos, entre otras funciones. ¿Te imaginas poder integrar estas herramientas de modo que cuando haya actividad por parte de uno de tus contactos -sea que compre un producto, se genere factura, se suscriba, etc.- esa información se añada automáticamente a tu otro sistema? Con IoT Pulse ahora puedes hacerlo, pues te permite sincronizar Quickbooks y otros software ERP con Infusionsoft y más de 800 apps.

 

Mejor gestión de los contactos

¿Qué sucede cuando una persona decide suscribirse a tu lista? ¿O cuando compra determinado producto? Incluso si no compra en ese momento, ¿cómo gestionas la información de esa persona que se interesó en lo que ofrecías y que el “no” de hoy más adelante se pueda convertir en un “sí”?

Un software como Infusionsoft te permite trabajar estrategias de contenido personalizadas y segmentadas según intereses y cómo esas personas utilicen con el contenido que les envías: hicieron clic en determinados enlaces, se descargaron ciertos recursos gratuitos y otros no… con esa información, puedes construir una relación de valor con ese cliente -sea que ya te haya comprado o no.

 

Rapidez en el ingreso y acceso a la información

En promedio, una empresa utiliza entre 5 y 10 sistemas con diferentes funciones, sean relacionadas a marketing, ventas, contabilidad, logística, manufactura, etc. Pueda que haya información que se pueda ingresar rápidamente a un sistema o dos, pero ¿qué pasa cuando tienes que ingresar esos mismos datos en 10 lugares diferentes? ¿Cuánto tiempo pueden perder tú o tu personal tratando de mantener la información actualizada en todos esos sistemas de manera simultánea?

Sea que necesites ingresar a Quickbooks para ver toda la contabilidad relacionada con un cliente en particular, o a Infusionsoft para ver cómo ese cliente interactúa con el contenido que le envías, podrás ver la información en un solo sistema sin “tratar de recordar dónde podría estar tal o cual información”.

 

Atención a los clientes potenciales y actuales más personalizada

Relacionado con el punto anterior, no hay nada más frustrante para cualquier cliente o prospecto que tener que explicar lo mismo a más de dos personas diferentes. Esto sucede cuando la información está tan dispersa que el personal de atención al cliente no ve algo que ingresó al sistema del área de ventas o contabilidad, y si no hay disponibilidad de una persona de esas áreas en ese momento, no se le puede resolver nada al cliente.

Pero con una integración ese ya no es un problema. Ya no hay necesidad de dar mil vueltas para encontrar la información que necesitas en ese momento. Puedes ver a través de un solo sistema lo que ha pasado con ese cliente, desde su primer contacto con la empresa, cuentas pendientes por cobrar, etc. Así, la atención que provees es más rápida, eficiente y personalizada, lo que te ayudará a ganar puntos con esa persona o empresa y mantener la relación de negocios por más tiempo.

 

¿Usas Infusionsoft y/o Quickbooks? ¿Qué te ha parecido esta información? Gracias a herramientas como IoT Pulse ahora puedes integrar otras como Infusionsoft y Quickbooks, de modo que puedas tenerla automáticamente en tus sistemas y saber qué pasa con ese cliente o contacto en tiempo real.

Si quieres saber más sobre IoT Pulse y esta integración, o si usas otras herramientas de marketing online (Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign) y sistemas contables (como Sage), de almacenamiento en la nube (como Dropbox) y muchos más, pregúntanos hoy mismo.

4 Ways to Use Internet of Things for Marketing Automation

There are many advantages of marketing automation, such as selling 24/7 from your website or being able to complete repetitive tasks without being present. Automating processes has become a “boom” that has created a positive impact in many aspects of business operations, including marketing, sales, accounting, logistics, and more. And Internet of Things (IoT) is occupying more and more space in this field.

Although many people associate IoT with robots, devices, alarms, and others, it also offers specific advantages for companies. For example, IoT helps with marketing and sales automation. There are tools to automate scheduling of social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and even your CRM system. That’s why we’re seeing more tools that combine at least two of these.

How can you use IoT to automate your marketing and some processes related to sales?

 

Connect Different Tools

It’s not the same to integrate your CRM with an email marketing tool than doing it with your accounting software. Some tools incorporate different functions, like Mailchimp including autoresponders in free accounts, or ActiveCampaign which provides both email marketing and a CRM. However, not many tools can integrate different functions.

IoT Pulse makes this possible. It allows you to sync your ERP / accounting software such as QuickBooks with over 800 apps, including Infusionsoft.

One of the most used and effective tools to manage marketing automation is Infusionsoft, which helps you to create and manage email marketing campaigns, automations, stores information of subscribers, people that have downloaded certain resources, or bought specific products (via CRM). Also, it provides information about how they interact with the content you create and send through emails and sales funnels.  

On the other hand, QuickBooks is used by companies to manage their accounting, client information, paid and pending invoices, reports, revenue, among other data. Can you imagine integrating the information stored in Infusionsoft and QuickBooks, so you don’t have to do that manually? You can with IoT Pulse.

 

Better Management of Contacts Information

What happens when a person decides to subscribe to your email marketing list? Or when she or he buys a certain product? Even if that person decides not to buy at that time, how do you manage the information to nurture that relationship?

The information provided by a tool like Infusionsoft allows you to work on customized content marketing strategies so you can start building a valuable relationship with that customer, whether that person has purchased one of your products or not.

 

Fast and Easy Access to Information

On average, a company uses between 5 and 10 systems (software), and are related to manufacturing, logistics, accounting, admin, sales, marketing, and more. Maybe it won’t take more than 2 minutes to enter data in one of those systems, but how long does it take to enter that data in 10 different places? How much time can you or your staff afford to lose in order to keep all the systems updated?

With a solution like IoT Pulse, you’ll avoid phrases like, “I think that info is…”, or “not sure if someone has updated that yet.”

 

Outstanding Customer Service

There’s nothing more frustrating for a customer than having to call a company, and explain the same situation to more than two people. This happens when information is scattered, and it’s difficult for the customer care staff to track information added by the Sales or Accounting Departments, because they’re stored in separate systems. If no one from those departments is available at that time, it’s not possible to answer the customer’s questions.

Fortunately, by integrating the departments’ ERP and CRM systems, there’s no need to chase people around, or take the time opening every single system to find the information you need at that time.

Integration gives you that information in one place, so the customer care staff can track a customer’s interactions since they started purchasing from your company, pending invoices, and much more. That way, the attention you provide is faster, more efficient, and personalized. This will help you to earn points with that customer, and nurture the business relationship.

 

Do you use Infusionsoft and QuickBooks for your sales, marketing, and accounting departments? Thanks to IoT Pulse you can integrate these and other marketing tools to your ERP, and know what’s happening with your customers in real time.

If you want to learn more about IoT Pulse and this particular integration, or if you use other marketing tools such as Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign, and ERPs like Sage, reach out to us today.

Internet of Things (IoT): Advantages For Your Company

By Isaura Martinez

Internet of Things is gaining space in people’s lives. More and more objects of daily use are connected to the Internet: Your thermostat, alarms, fridges, child and pet care devices, cars… the list goes on.

Also, IoT influences the ways companies do business. The need to optimize processes, improve communication, stand out from the competition, and even rethink business models have made companies consider technology as the main resource to achieve those goals.

According to a McKinsey survey, IoT has an economic potential calculated in $4 to $11 trillion dollars a year by 2025. “Business-to-business applications will probably capture more value — nearly 70 percent of it.”

So if you’re is still not using the power of IoT, what are you waiting for? Here are some opportunities IoT offers to your company:

 

Productivity increase

One of the most important business trends nowadays is automation. From solopreneurs to multinational corporations, businesses are taking advantage of this to save the only resource that cannot be recovered: time. The quote “time is money” is well-known, and now is more relevant than ever. So if you help your employees to save time in tasks that can be automated, this will not only increase productivity, but also motivation.

For example, Commercient’s IoT Pulse allows you to sync over 815 apps (and counting!), from CRMs to ERPs to email marketing, so if a customer places an order he can receive a confirmation email instantly, and an invoice is generated in the system; all this without having to wait for a staff member to come to the desk, turn on the computer, and check the orders. Businesses value time, and so do the customers. With more automated tasks, the attention customers receive is faster and more personalized, which helps to retain those customers and encourage them to recommend your company to their network.

 

Information about customer’s habits and behavior

This is especially valuable for B2C companies (like retail stores or online shops), IoT offers information about the customers that wasn’t available before: Routines, preferences, shopper and consumer patterns, and more. Even if your company is B2B, serving other businesses, the inclusion of IoT in your working processes allows you to know your customers more and anticipate to their needs, providing products and services that respond to their particular situations. This is marketing automation.

In other words, with IoT, data compilation and analysis is crucial. Analytics not only allow you to know more about how customers use and interact with technology, but also boost the creation of new business models. That’s exactly what the report “Top 10 IoT Technologies for 2017 and 2018” by Gartner found.

“The IoT demands an extensive range of new technologies and skills that many organizations have yet to master,” said Nick Jones, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner.

Gartner also mentions the need of new analytic tools and algorithms as data volume increases.

 

Process optimization

According to the McKinsey report mentioned earlier, one of the industries that can get the most out of IoT is manufacturing. Processes like operation management, supply chain optimization, equipment maintenance will be done more efficiently and with less complications using this type of technology.

That’s not all: IoT is a great resource to integrate your ERP and CRM to the Internet. If you integrate ERP and CRM, it will be easier and faster to send quotes, manage inventory, control paid and unpaid invoices, among other key business management operations. That way, your staff can focus on what matters the most to grow your business: Acquiring more customers and keeping the current customers happy.

 

These are just some reasons on how your business can thrive in this highly competitive world thanks to IoT. Companies specializing in Big Data, analytics, and security will also see opportunities for growth in a world more open to the Internet of Things.

With all the opportunities that arise, a “tech” world brings new challenges. That’s why it is so important to solve these challenges focusing on integration. And there’s where Commercient comes in: We integrate your data and make it accessible to your staff, even from mobile devices, and making sure it’s safely stored in the cloud.

If you want to know more about our integrations, contact us today.

 

IoT Pulse connect ERP to the Internet