B2B Info Center

Portal Software Isn't Just for Placing Orders

Written by Now Commerce Team | Jun 14, 2016 8:53:48 PM

Traditional paper-based order-handling methods fall short of meeting the speed and precision demanded by today's wholesale businesses. That's why it's crucial to adopt portal software designed to meet these unique challenges. This software goes beyond accepting online orders; it revolutionizes the entire operation, ensuring orders are managed efficiently across all channels.

Streamlined Order Handling

One of the most significant advantages of consolidating all your order channels into a unified software system is the streamlined efficiency it brings to your operations. By standardizing the order format and centralizing the database, your fulfillment, accounting, and inventory teams can avoid the chaos of dealing with varied order-recording methods. Gone are the days of deciphering hand-scrawled notes from field sales reps or squinting at faint carbon copies from phone orders. Instead, every order is digitally captured or printed with precision and clarity. This transformation accelerates fulfillment and minimizes errors, ensuring that information is easily accessible and accurate.

Speed Order Taking in the Field

Outside sales reps face two outdated options in a paper-based system when securing a customer order: jotting it down on paper or calling it in. Handwritten orders are often rushed and challenging for your team to decipher. In contrast, phone orders leave customers waiting as reps navigate your phone system to find someone available to take the order. These methods are outdated and fail to impress today’s customers.

Portal software transforms this process. Sales reps can effortlessly open their laptops or tablets, log into your system, and enter orders directly. This approach is swift, efficient, and error-free. Adhering to the system's standardized format consistently references each item, making order processing straightforward and reliable.

Online Customer Accounts Are Possible - And Practical

Customers today expect the convenience of online shopping, just as they experience in their personal lives. Elevate your business into the modern era by simplifying this process for them. Advanced portal software seamlessly integrates this capability, easily managing your online and traditional sales channels. Your customers will appreciate the ability to restock effortlessly without the hassle of waiting on hold or scheduling a live appointment with a representative.

Unifies Product Descriptions

When sales reps lack immediate access to product descriptions, they often rely on memory when addressing customer inquiries. This can lead to inaccuracies, as human memory is not infallible. Customers receiving incorrect information may become dissatisfied and consider alternative options. Portal software resolves this issue by providing reps access to a centralized database containing all relevant product details, ensuring accuracy and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Works with QuickBooks

Numerous small and medium-sized businesses rely on QuickBooks for their accounting needs. Effective portal software seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, eliminating the hassle of managing separate databases or reconciling data between systems. This integration empowers the portal software to access and update real-time inventory levels, product descriptions, personalized customer pricing, and more.

These are just a few capabilities of modern portal software. If your company still relies on traditional methods like pens and paper for order management, it's time to upgrade. Your customers will appreciate the streamlined, efficient system regardless of how they place their orders.