Erik Reiter
In modern sales management for automotive suppliers, automation is not just a technological innovation, but a necessity for success. From pricing to quotation management, automated processes offer a multitude of advantages that significantly optimize sales. In the following, we look at how these processes can be made more efficient and error-free through automation.
1. Seamless integration of systems: Efficiency through centralized data sources
A central problem in traditional sales management is the isolated way in which systems and departments work. Sales, production and financial data are often stored in different platforms, leading to delays and errors. Automation seamlessly links these systems so that all data is accessible in one central platform. This enables real-time information for various calculations that are also automated. Examples of this are Amortization calculations, damage calculations from quantity deviations (Claim!), profit generation in change management, etc.
Advantages:
- Central management of sales, production (e.g. quantities) and financial data (e.g. factors, surcharges, exchange rates)
- Real-time access to relevant data for well-founded decisions
- Fast reaction to market changes
- More efficient collaboration between departments
2. Automated pricing processes: Speed and precision
Traditional pricing processes are time-consuming and error-prone, especially when multiple quotes and price adjustments need to be taken into account. Cost and price calculations can be created automatically with factors and surcharges from central tables (error avoidance) and on the basis of predefined calculation schemes. Price changes from change or claim management are updated directly in the price lists. Part price allocations from investments are also included in the price lists fully automatically, naturally with the correct start and end date.
Advantages:
- Error avoidance in cost calculation
- Avoidance of errors in pricing
-Automatic price list adjustment
- Greater transparency and traceability of prices
3. Automated quotations: Increased efficiency through system integration
Customer cost-break-downs (CBDs) and price-break-downs (PBDs) can be very time-consuming to fill. This tedious and error-prone activity can be replaced by a fully automated process. This is possible in the acquisition (RfQ), change and series business.
Advantages:
- Time saving
- Reduced susceptibility to errors when creating quotations
4. Workflow automation: approval processes and task allocation
Approval processes for quotations, contract conclusions or strategically planned target projects can be time-consuming, especially when several departments are involved. Automated workflows control these approvals efficiently and ensure that all necessary steps run smoothly and compliantly. Binding and automated task assignments are also possible with modern task managers.
Advantages:
- Speed
- Automatic adherence to compliance requirements
- Commitment
- Increased efficiency through standardized processes
5 Automated contract and amortization management: error-free processes
Managing contracts and amortization schedules requires constant monitoring and updating, which can lead to errors and missed deadlines in manual processes. Automated systems take over the management of this data and ensure that deadlines are met and amortization schedules are updated. This not only reduces the risk of errors, but also improves compliance.
Advantages:
- Automated warning of over- and underpayments
- No manual effort required to determine over- and underpayments
6. Automated sales performance and control reports
Creating reports on incoming orders, claim or change performance is a time-consuming process that is often prone to errors due to manual input. Automated reporting systems offer a solution by generating reports in real time. Real-time control reports can also provide valuable information in sales management without any effort. Examples of this are the current stock of offers, damage calculations from quantity deviations, open claims or underpayments from amortization.
Advantages:
- Real-time reports for better decision-making
- Promotion of a data-driven corporate culture
- No effort required for report creation
Conclusion: Automation in sales management as the key to success
Automation in sales management offers automotive suppliers numerous advantages that improve the efficiency and accuracy of the entire sales process. Automated pricing processes, fast quotation generation and error-free contract management allow companies to respond faster and more accurately while making the best use of their internal resources. Companies that use these technologies not only secure a competitive advantage, but also create the basis for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic market.
For detailed information on how automation in sales management works with Digital Automotive, visit the website here.
Are you curious about how automation works in the leading solution for sales planning and sales management? Make an appointment for a live demo with Digital Automotive today!
