It is a common concern for companies with field forces to know about their whereabouts and on-field sales. It becomes even a bigger concern when the productivity and performance of field forces don’t meet expectations. Especially companies that carry out some form of distribution along their value chain face these issues.
That is why, field force management or tracking is extremely crucial for an organization’s success. And to do that, you need a highly advanced and automated solution. This is where a Distribution Management Software (DMS) solution comes into play.
We’ll take a deep dive into how a DMS solution facilitates field force tracking and improves the overall performance of related reps.
Field Force Management with DMS Defined
Field force management includes processes and tactics to monitor, track, and manage workforces who perform outside office premises.
The staff could be sales agents or representatives, service technicians, or distribution personnel, among others. Effective field force management involves:
tracking the movement of vehicles,
Monitoring field sales,
Properly scheduling and deploying manpower,
Ensuring safety procedures are met as expected,
And monitoring how the field personnel is performing in real time.
If your organization has extensive distribution networks, having a strong grip over field force management is vital for maintaining a competitive advantage and retaining clients/customers. And that is why purchasing and installing a DMS solution with effective field force tracking features is paramount.
Know about DMS in detail > https://www.sokrio.com/how-does-the-distribution-management-system-work/
Field Force Tracking Essentials
Using DMS for Field force tracking encompasses several essential features to streamline and improve the management of the on-field workforce more effectively.
These essentials include:
Real-Time Route & Location Tracking
Using robust GPS technology, companies can access the precise location of field agents or reps and their routes. This ensures the field forces are on the right track and reaching targeted points of sale. It also allows route monitoring which minimizes the adverse effects of obstacles on the roads.
Monitoring Field Force Activities Accurately
Businesses can monitor field forces’ activities when they log in directly to the system via smartphones or laptops. DMS provides a holistic view of daily field operations by showing the movements, location, sales orders, and other activities in real-time.
Data Analytics:
DMS solutions like Sokrio DMS enable comprehensive data analytics and insights. This lets companies analyze performance insights across various metrics and KPIs. This data helps in recognizing the better performers and identifying those who need improvements in particular areas.
Automated Scheduling:
Advanced and automated DMS tools streamline the scheduling of deliveries by assigning field personnel based on proximity, availability, and skill set. This optimizes route planning, resource allocation, and sales tracking.
Live Dashboards:
Managers can view field force movements and activities through visualized dashboards. These dashboards also have vital metrics that give real-time insights and report generation facilities. These enable real-time, informed decision-making for sales strategies.
Report Generation:
DMS lets you generate reports to your specific business needs, offering relevant data and insights for informed decision-making. DMS also transforms complex data into easily understandable visualization. Plus, you can customize report parameters and formats, allowing you to perform in-depth analysis and identify trends crucial for growth.
These essential features work in sync and make sure the field operations are monitored and optimized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Benefits of Field Force Tracking via DMS
Using DMS for field force tracking offers many notable benefits:
Reduced Administrative Costs
Businesses can automate key processes such as scheduling, deploying, and activity monitoring, which saves administrative costs. DMS reduces manual data entry and extensive paperwork, further saving substantial administrative time and resources. This automation eventually leads to more efficient use of administrative personnel, who can now focus on more strategic tasks.
Better, Informed Decisions
Distribution Management Software (DMS) significantly expedites decision-making capabilities by enabling businesses to make more informed decisions faster.
DMS enables managers access to real-time data and analytics on field force activities, customer interactions, and market conditions. These crucial sets of information can be leveraged for:
actionable insights,
route plans,
current trends,
and predictive analysis
with greater accuracy to respond to rapid market changes with real-time strategies.
Improved Market Visibility
DMS solutions improve market visibility, which is pivotal to know the competitive environments of the markets. You can not only track field force activities with data analytics but also get a clearer picture of market dynamics and possible field sales rep turnover.
The detailed visibility allows businesses to find new market opportunities, rethink marketing and sales strategies for specific customer segments, and optimize resource allocation so that SR turnover is minimized.
Minimized Faulty Order Management
Implementing DMS is a good strategy to reduce faulty ordering and delivery process, which is directly related to on-field sales reps. DMS systems streamline the order management process by automating and synchronizing order entry, processing, and tracking in real-time. This reduces human errors that we see in manual order handlings, such as data entry mistakes or oversight in order status updates.
Moreover, DMS lets the sales force to get access to updated product information and inventory levels at warehouses, enabling accurate communication to customers, processing orders correctly, and ensuring reliable and prompt service delivery.
Learn some valuable strategies to solve order management challenges here.
Increases Scheduled and Retail Shop Outlet Visits
Monitoring field forces through DMS lets you track their whereabouts and take immediate action if anything unwanted is found. This also keeps the field forces on their toes and forces them to visit shops and sales points on time and as needed.
Read the following two case studies of Sokrio DMS to know how they increase scheduled visits to outlets by 89 percent and shop visits by 30 percent for their clients.
Case Study 1: Sokrio Increases Scheduled Outlet Visits By 89%: Boost Sales & Reputation
Case Study 2: Increase Retail Shop Visit Time With Sokrio: Up To 30%
Purchasing the Best DMS Solution for Field Force Tracking
So, choosing a DMS solution for field force tracking requires understanding whether the software meets your business needs.
Factors to consider are as follows:
Scalability: The solution should be able to grow with your business and integrate new users and changes, as and when needed.
User-Friendliness: The solution should offer a top user experience and user interface so that you can navigate and use it properly. It should also be mobile-friendly, and allow access via smartphones and tabs.
Customer Service: Select a DMS whose supplier offers 24/7 support and regular software updates to meet new technical challenges and security concerns.
Flexibility with Business Needs: Make sure to choose a solution that is tailored to your business processes and can be customized to your operational needs.
Data Security & Privacy: With cybersecurity threats increasing day-by-day, and sensitive data being exchanged and stored online, strong data security measures are a must. Make sure the encryption methods, data compliance standards, and security protocols of the system are all in place accordingly.
Budget & ROI: Analyze the total cost of purchasing or leasing a DMS solution for your business operations. If the system is too pricey, check if the potential ROI works in your favor. If not, then avoid purchasing it.
You should consider these factors, before buying a DMS for your businesses. You should buy a DMS solution that not only meets current needs but also supports the future growth of the business in a dynamic market. You can try Sokrio’s DMS, which ticks all the above factors and much more!
Final Words
Effective field force tracking through DMS is not about only monitoring; it’s about ensuring your field force teams perform to their best potential. With the right DMS solution, businesses can streamline their distribution processes and enable field forces to contribute to the company’s growth and profitability. A robust DMS enables everyone to feel empowered in using the system.
So without further ado, try a DMS solution like Sokrio, and enhance your business productivity!
