Advances in technology have transformed many industries almost overnight – including B2B sales. In fact, investment in new technology is so popular that 70% of businesses state they plan to increase spending on technology in 2018. If your business doesn’t keep up-to-date you could easily fall behind your competitors.
Let’s look at some of the new technologies that are having the greatest impact on B2B order systems.
1. Advancement of cloud-based B2B order systems
One of the major advancements with B2B order systems is they are now predominately hosted in the cloud, rather than on-site software systems.
What benefits has that brought?
It’s much cheaper to have a host in the cloud as you have the option to pay as you go. New upgrades and software versions are uploaded automatically usually at no extra cost, and there is easy entry for software vendors so many more software options are available.
Implementation is quick and simple with no long wait time, and there is the added advantage of scalability, so your software licenses can grow as your business does.
2. Mobility for all
Another huge change in the B2B world is the large increase in the number of buyers using mobile devices for business purposes. 48% of B2B buyers use smartphones to begin their purchasing search. This makes use of the ubiquity of high-performing devices, which are actually computers, in the hands of everyone.
For the sales reps in the field, mobility is key. With devices that are affordable, light, easy-to-use and powerful, and built-in features like GPS, cameras and a call recorder, there is nothing that can’t be done while out in the field.
3. ERP integration offers complete automation
The majority of good B2B order systems offer either easily implemented or out-of-the box ERP integration via a plugin.
Integration with your back-office platforms has majorly improved B2B order systems.
Buyers can see real-time stock availability at the time of ordering. The orders are synced directly to processing and shipping, and finally provide tracking information for the B2B customer.
4. The positive impact of collecting and analyzing data
New technology has provided a huge amount of customer and sales data. Analyzing it correctly can make a huge improvement to your B2B selling process.
Over 40% of sales reps say prospecting is the most difficult part of their job. It can take hours of manpower to source new leads for B2B companies and to find the contact info you need.Bu t the latest B2B order systems provide tools to analyze suitable prospects and existing customers to help with both customer acquisition and customer retention.
Sales reps are busy people juggling many balls in the air at once. But because technology has vastly improved the B2B order systems, they are much better equipped to do their job.
