Equip Your Sales Force for Success: Choosing the Right Field Sales App

Field sales apps have become an integral part of the modern business world, revolutionizing the way sales teams operate and close deals. With the rise of remote work and virtual selling, these apps have gained even more significance as they provide a platform for efficient communication, collaboration, and data management.

What are field sales apps?

Field sales apps are mobile applications designed specifically for sales professionals who work outside the office or remotely. These apps come equipped with various features, such as customer relationship management (CRM), lead tracking, order processing, inventory management, and real-time analytics. They allow sales representatives to access all necessary information and tools on their smartphones or tablets while on the go.

Factors to consider when choosing a field sales app:

Choosing the right field sales app is crucial for the success of your sales force. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. However, there are certain factors that you should consider before investing in a field sales app.

1. Features: 

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a field sales app is its features. The app should have all the necessary features that align with your business goals and objectives. Some essential features to look for include lead management, customer relationship management (CRM), real-time data synchronization, performance tracking, and reporting capabilities.

2. Compatibility: 

Another crucial factor to consider is compatibility with your existing systems and devices. The field sales app should seamlessly integrate with your CRM software or any other tools that your team uses on a daily basis. This will ensure smooth communication and data transfer between different systems, saving time and effort for your team.

3. User-friendly interface:

A user-friendly interface is vital for any software or application, especially for a field sales app that will be used by your sales team on-the-go. It should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and intuitive enough for even non-tech-savvy users to use without much training.

4. Offline capabilities:

In today's fast-paced business environment, internet connectivity cannot always be guaranteed while traveling or visiting remote areas with poor network coverage. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a field sales app that offers offline capabilities so that your team can access important information and continue their work even without an internet connection.

5. Security: 

Sales data contains sensitive information such as customer details and financial records, which must be kept secure at all times. When selecting a field sales app, ensure that it has robust security measures in place, such as encryption protocols and password protection, to keep all data safe from unauthorized access.

6. Cost: 

Last but not least, cost is an important consideration when choosing a field sales app. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, it is important to consider the long-term benefits and return on investment that a more expensive yet comprehensive field sales app can provide. Look for apps that offer flexible pricing plans and free trials so that you can test their features before making a final decision.

Comparison of popular field sales apps on the market

When it comes to choosing a field sales app for your sales force, there are numerous options available on the market. Each app offers unique features and capabilities, making it challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your company. To help you make an informed decision, let's compare some of the most popular field sales apps on the market.

• Delta Sales App: 

The Delta Sales App serves as a dynamic field sales force automation software aimed at efficiently managing sales teams and their tasks to fuel revenue growth for businesses. Crafted to tackle the day-to-day reporting obstacles encountered by field reps, sales managers, and management teams, this SaaS-based solution offers robust solutions. With the Delta Sales App, seamlessly handle distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and field sales employees, ensuring smooth operations and maximizing productivity.

• Salesforce Mobile App:

This app is designed specifically for businesses using Salesforce as their CRM platform. It allows users to access customer data, update records, and track sales activities on-the-go. The app also offers offline functionality and real-time collaboration with team members.

• Zoho CRM:

Zoho's mobile app provides a comprehensive view of customer information, including contacts, accounts, deals, tasks, and notes. It also has advanced features such as voice commands and location-based check-ins to streamline sales processes.

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales:

This app integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications and provides access to customer data like leads, opportunities, and contacts from any device or location. It also has machine learning capabilities that assist in generating insights for better decision-making.

Tips for implementing a new field sales app in your organization

Implementing a new field sales app in your organization can be an exciting and daunting task at the same time. It requires thorough planning, effective communication, and seamless execution to ensure a smooth transition for your sales team. In this section, we will discuss some tips that can help you successfully introduce a new field sales app in your organization.

1. Identify your objectives: 

The first step towards implementing a new field sales app is to identify your objectives. What do you want to achieve with this app? Is it to improve efficiency, increase sales, or streamline processes? Clearly defining your goals will help you choose the right features and functionalities for the app.

2. Involve your sales team:

Before finalizing any field sales app, involve your sales team in the decision-making process. They are the ones who will be using the app on a daily basis, and their feedback is crucial in selecting the right tool. Conduct surveys or hold focus groups to understand their needs and preferences.

3. Communicate Effectively:

Introducing a new tool without proper communication can create confusion and resistance among employees. Make sure to communicate early and often about the upcoming changes, their benefits, and how they will impact their work. This will not only prepare them for the change but also make them feel valued and involved in the process.

4. Train Your Sales Team: 

A successful implementation of a field sales app requires proper training for your sales team. Ensure that they are familiar with all aspects of the app, from basic navigation to advanced features, so they can make full use of its capabilities.

5. Start Small: 

Instead of rolling out the new app company-wide at once, consider starting with a small group of users or a pilot program before expanding it to everyone in your organization. This will give you an opportunity to test and fine-tune any issues before going live on a larger scale.

6. Monitor Performance: 

Once the field sales app has been implemented, it is important to monitor its performance and gather feedback from your sales team. This will help you identify any glitches or areas of improvement that need to be addressed.

7. Provide ongoing support. 

As with any new technology, there may be challenges or questions that arise after the initial implementation. Make sure to provide ongoing support to your sales team and have a designated person or team available for assistance.

By following these tips, you can ensure the successful implementation of a new field sales app in your organization. Remember to involve your sales team in the process, communicate effectively, and provide ongoing support for optimal results. With the right field sales app, equipped with proper planning and execution, your sales force will be set up for success!

Potential challenges and how to overcome them:

Implementing a new field sales app into your sales force may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies in place, you can easily overcome any potential challenges that may arise. Here are some common obstacles that businesses face when implementing a new field sales app and tips on how to overcome them.

1. Resistance from the Sales Team:

One of the biggest challenges in implementing a new field sales app is resistance from your own sales team. Change can be intimidating, especially for those who have been using traditional methods for years. It's important to involve your sales team in the decision-making process and explain the benefits of the new app in terms of increasing efficiency and productivity. Providing proper training and support during the transition period will also help ease any resistance.

2. Integration with Existing Systems:

Another challenge could be integrating the new field sales app with your existing systems, such as CRM or ERP software. This can lead to data inconsistencies and duplication if not done correctly. To avoid this, it's crucial to choose a field sales app that offers seamless integration with your current systems. Make sure to thoroughly test the integration before rolling out the app to your entire sales force.

3. Limited Functionality:

With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose a field sales app that meets all of your business needs. However, opting for an app with too many features may result in limited functionality, as not all features may be relevant to your business operations. Before choosing an app, clearly define your requirements and select one that closely aligns with them.

4. Data Security Concerns:

Data security is always a top concern when adopting any new technology or software solution for business operations. With sensitive customer information being stored on the field sales app, it's important to ensure that it has robust security measures in place, such as encryption and access controls.

5. Lack of user adoption:

The success of any new technology or piece of software depends on its user adoption rate. If your sales team does not use the field sales app as intended, it will not yield the desired results. To overcome this challenge, provide proper training and resources to ensure that your sales team is comfortable using the app. Additionally, consider involving your sales team in the decision-making process to increase their buy-in and motivation to use the app.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right field sales app is crucial for equipping your sales force with the tools they need to succeed. By considering their needs, security, integration capabilities, mobility, and analytics features, you can select an app that will not only improve their efficiency but also enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth. Invest time and effort into researching and comparing different options to find the perfect fit for your team's unique needs.