Mobile Devices for Field Sales play a crucial role in driving revenue and building strong customer relationships through direct, in-person interactions. These devices enable sales teams to understand customer needs, offer tailored solutions, and quickly address concerns. Beyond selling, field sales gather vital market intelligence and enhance customer satisfaction, playing a key role in executing go-to-market strategies and fostering brand loyalty. While on the field, these sales personnel often encounter several challenges, impeding their efficiency to achieve their organizational targets.
This blog highlights the common challenges encountered by field sales personnel in managing their day-to-day sales operations and explores essential criteria for selecting the best mobile devices for field sales activities.
Overview:
What Comprises Field Sales Activities
Mobile devices for Field sales activities include on-site client visits for product demonstrations, sales closure, and customer relationship management. In wholesale distribution and many B2B manufacturing industries, sales representatives take orders from customers, present catalogs, issue and review invoices, process outstanding payments and collect payments.
In some industries, delivery drivers act as field sales representatives performing tasks such as proof of delivery, processing customer orders, tracking order statuses and more.
Typical Challenges Encountered by Field Service Personnel
- Mobility and ease of carrying devices.
- Presenting product information and processing orders on-the-go.
- Real-time inventory and pricing information access.
- Providing prompt customer service for questions related to order status tracking, inventory, pricing, payments, chargebacks and more.
To overcome these challenges and boost productivity, field sales personnel can effectively rely on mobile solutions for their daily tasks. However, before investing on a good mobile solution, one need to consider the following parameters that helps in effective decision making.
7 Key Factors for Choosing Mobile Devices for Field Sales
1. Lightweight and Portable
Choose lightweight, portable devices with a sleek design that offer both convenience and style. These devices should be easy to carry and use on the go, ensuring that they don’t weigh you down. Look for a slim profile with modern aesthetics, so they blend seamlessly into any environment, whether you’re in the office, traveling, or working remotely.
2. Reliable Internet Connectivity
Ensure reliable internet connectivity to access sales databases efficiently. A stable connection is crucial for real-time data retrieval, seamless communication, and uninterrupted workflow. Whether you’re working remotely or in the office, prioritize a robust network setup that supports high-speed access to your sales tools and resources, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
3. Secured Platforms
Explore secure platforms designed for processing transactions and managing customer data. Prioritize solutions that offer end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS and GDPR. Look for platforms that provide regular security updates, data anonymization, and advanced threat detection to protect sensitive information. Additionally, consider cloud-based solutions with robust backup systems and 24/7 monitoring to ensure data integrity and prevent breaches.
4. ERP Integration
Seek a solution that seamlessly integrates with supply chain and order management ERP systems like SAP S/4HANA, Oracle SCM Cloud, and EBS. This compatibility ensures streamlined operations, efficient data sharing, and real-time visibility across your enterprise. An integrated system reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and enhances coordination between different departments, ultimately improving decision-making and operational efficiency. Make sure the solution supports scalability and customization to adapt to your specific business needs.
5. Offline Order Processing
Implement solutions that allow you to process orders in remote locations with limited connectivity. Look for systems that offer offline functionality, enabling data entry and transaction processing even without an internet connection. These systems should automatically sync with the central database once connectivity is restored, ensuring no data is lost. Additionally, consider mobile-friendly platforms with optimized performance for low-bandwidth environments, ensuring smooth operation regardless of location.
6. Device Ruggedness
Opting for a smart ruggedized tablet, like the Samsung Galaxy or iPad, is a wise choice for demanding work environments. These devices combine the power and versatility of a modern tablet with enhanced durability features, such as shock resistance, water resistance, and reinforced casings, making them ideal for challenging conditions. They offer robust performance, high-resolution displays, and long battery life, ensuring reliability for fieldwork, warehouse operations, or any setting where standard tablets may not suffice.
7. Barcode Scanning Functionality
Ensure the device you choose has excellent barcode scanning functionality to efficiently perform proof of delivery by scanning all delivered goods. Opt for devices with integrated or easily attachable barcode scanners that support quick, accurate scans, even in low-light or rugged environments. This capability streamlines the delivery process, reduces manual entry errors, and ensures real-time tracking and confirmation of goods, enhancing overall delivery accuracy and customer satisfaction.
How a Mobile Field Sales Solution Can Enhance Your Field Service Operations
Based on the key parameters as discussed above, a robust Mobile Field Sales (Inventory Management) solution that integrates seamlessly with your ERP system (Oracle or SAP) is the need of the hour for efficient field sales operations. Apart from seamless ERP integration, look for a solution that offers flawless connectivity, affordability, user-friendliness, and offline support in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Solutions like Propel Apps’ mobile Inventory Management for Oracle Cloud Supply Chain and SAP S/4 HANA empower field sales teams to automate inventory management, maintain up-to-date data, and make faster decisions. Investing in the right tools and technologies is essential for optimizing field sales operations and achieving long-term business growth.
To explore how this solution can benefit your organization, schedule a call with us today.
Final Thoughts
Mobile devices for Field sales operations are integral to driving revenue and strengthening customer relationships through direct interactions. Despite the challenges of mobility, real-time data access, and secure transaction processing, selecting the right mobile devices and solutions can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Lightweight, portable devices with reliable internet connectivity, secure platforms, and seamless ERP integration are crucial.
