What Is Mobile CRM Software
Mobile CRM is basically the same old CRM except that you can execute CRM functions and access data while on the move. To state further, mobile CRM enables better communication between employees behind the desk and those in the field. Field operatives can view contacts, customer information, reports, and forecasting data and thus take appropriate decisions. They can also accept work assignments and keep the executives in the support office up-to-date with the latest data.
Sales professionals can access data in real-time, so it is always the most current, up-to-date information available. If you need to know about a client or lead, you can find what you need to know immediately via phone, laptop, PDA, or other mobile device.
A central data center allows you to access all the information all the time. No one person has longer access to a file or case; you can look at it simultaneously without slowing anything down. And if a client id shifted to you suddenly, you have access to all their information in a matter of minutes. Thus, mobile CRM is an extremely effective, efficient ancillary to your normal CRM system.
Sales productivity is one of the key business aspects that experiences a positive impact when mobile CRM is deployed. Simply put, field personnel can execute routine reporting activities faster and make use of the time thus gained to focus on the requirements of the high-profile customers. Mobile CRM helps dissolve the layers between sales reps and their managers in the HQ. Bi-directional flow of information boosts sales force productivity and empowers the field executives to take independent decisions by virtue of access to crucial customer information.
Companies that have deployed mobile CRM report a reduction in paperwork and redundant data entries; however there are issues that are preventing mobile CRM from truly taking off. Broadband is still not ubiquitous although Wifi, WiMax, and VoWLAN are helping to overcome the connectivity problem. Another challenge is getting employees to successfully navigating the learning curve associated with any new technology. Security is another issue. Data encryption, strong passwords, placing the mobile CRM server on separate virtual LANs, etc are some of the things that need to be done to ensure data protection; however these should not come at the cost of productivity or speed of execution of an activity.
Mobile CRM can be used online and offline. If the internet doesn’t work or the connection has failed, you can get on your mobile device; if you lose your phone but have your laptop or PDA, you’re covered. Thus it provides an almost fail safe way to get the information you need, when you want it.
Since most mobile CRM systems are internet based applications, the time involved in getting data is miniscule and has severely cut down on the time it takes to get data. The central system furthers this goal, and is usually created around an internet application available to all authorized personnel. This might mean that each user gets an account and a password with which they access the database from their phone, laptop, or other mobile device.
Tags: Software
