March 04, 2010

The Importance of Real Time Sales Data. Who needs it?

Running a successful business requires timely answers to critical questions. Many such questions- for departments can be answered with accurate data if made availbale in a timely manner. In the world of business, specifically sales, real time sales data can be useful functions. Well-managed real time sales data helps in quick decision making, offers transparency and reduces time in reporting resulting in improved productivity for the sales team.

After all, companies face the same questions every month. What's this month's sales number? How are we tracking the number? How confident are we of it's validity? What number do we really think we'll hit? How well can we make business decisions based on this number? But without real-time sales data that's easy to access and analyse, it's increasely difficult to answer these questions. All of this rich and relevant data is only a mouse click away. At the touch of button, real time data can unearth delinquent and deficient activities.

It provides a unified interface that facilitates efficient and convenient access to the latest data among users in a business environment. It cuts away redundancy in information and agonizing waiting periods. Access to information is instantaneous and with gigantic latency.

The data helps sales manager and executives to get a view of their sales organizations, all at a glance. The data is current and relevant, comparative and concise. The posting of regular updates of information, can help the heads of business departments to access inventory and sales information. The purpose of real time data is to provide information which could help in taking further actions. It generates competition between companies and salespeople. You can easily trace products/services that are selling well and keep yourselves updated. You can also idetify slow moving products and look at how they are merchandised. It also helps in identifying most productive sales people as the sales happens.

It is in the interest of sales managers and organizations to recognise that sales data is only and enabler and not an answer. Creating and managing sales data is only a part of bigger picture and should work towards bringing organizational changes. Managed effectively, real time data could be a potent tool in aligning resources with strategy and realizing business initiatives and goals.

Inaccurate sales forecasts can cost companies millions- in terms of expenses, earnings and credibility. That's why, in today's competitive environment, there's no room for planning or forecasting errors. Effective sales data can be a very powerful communication medium and greatly accretive to driving actions. So empower your managers with up-to-the-minute.

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