Top Automation Use Cases in Order Processing for Sales, Inventory, Finance, and Accounting Teams

Let’s take a look at how low-code user experience (UX) is enabling IT and business teams to quickly and efficiently connect ERP system with their CRM, e-commerce platform, and a plethora of other systems.

Create end-to-end automations throughout various applications, which will help you to optimize not just order processing but also your order-to-cash workflows.

Create Bi-Directional Data Flows with Different Teams that will Automate the Following Tasks

Bi-directional data flow is where order information is shared between different teams in both directions. Let’s take the example of a Bi-Directional Sync of Tools, Data, and Systems that can be created with Sales and different teams. Examine how our easy to build integration between Sales and different teams brings real-time data synchronization to power new efficiencies.

Order Fulfillment

From Sales to Fulfillment: When a sales order is entered into the system by the sales team, it immediately flows to the fulfillment team. This ensures that warehouse staff can begin preparing the order for shipment without delay.

From Fulfillment to Sales: If there are any issues with fulfilling an order (e.g., out-of-stock items), this information can flow back to the sales team. Sales reps can then inform customers promptly, offer alternatives, or adjust the order as needed.

Inventory Management

From Sales to Inventory: Sales orders impact inventory levels. When an order is placed, inventory levels are automatically adjusted, providing real-time visibility to the inventory management team.

From Inventory to Sales: If inventory levels reach a critical threshold (e.g., low stock), this information can flow back to the sales team. Sales reps can then prioritize selling products with higher availability or communicate potential delays to customers.

Customer Service

From Sales to Customer Service: Customer service representatives can access sales order information to provide accurate updates to customers inquiring about their orders. They can see order status, tracking information, and any special instructions from the sales order.

From Customer Service to Sales Tools, Data, and Systems: If customer service identifies patterns of common issues or concerns with certain products or orders, this feedback can be shared back with the sales team. Sales reps can then address these concerns proactively with customers.

Sales

From Sales to Sales: Sales reps may have multiple touchpoints with a customer. If one salesperson processes an initial order, another salesperson engaging with the same customer later should have access to that order history. This allows for a seamless customer experience and avoids redundant data entry.

From Sales to Marketing: Marketing campaigns can be informed by sales order data. For example, if a certain product is selling well, the marketing team can create targeted campaigns around similar products to capitalize on this trend.

Finance and Accounting

From Sales to Finance: Sales orders directly impact billing and revenue. This information flows to the finance team for accurate and timely invoicing.

From Finance to Sales: If there are payment issues or discrepancies, this information can flow back to the sales team. Sales reps can follow up with customers to ensure payments are made, preventing delays in shipping or fulfillment.

Production and Manufacturing

From Sales to Production: Sales orders drive production schedules. Manufacturing teams can see incoming orders and plan production accordingly.

From Production to Sales: If there are delays or changes in production that affect order fulfillment, this information can flow back to the sales team. Sales reps can then communicate with customers about any potential delays.

Marketing and Promotions

From Sales to Marketing: Marketing teams can track the success of promotions and campaigns through sales order data. They can see which promotions led to increased sales and adjust future campaigns accordingly.

From Marketing to Sales: If marketing launches a new campaign, sales teams should be aware of it. They can then align their sales efforts to support the campaign and drive sales for promoted products.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Between Teams: Bi-directional data flow promotes collaboration between teams. They can work together seamlessly, sharing insights and updates in real-time.

Data Integrity: With bi-directional flow, data integrity is maintained. Any updates or changes made in one system are reflected accurately in the other, reducing the risk of errors or discrepancies.

Compliance and Audit

From Sales to Compliance: Accurate sales order data is crucial for compliance and audit purposes. This data should flow to compliance teams to ensure that all transactions meet regulatory requirements.

From Compliance to Sales: If compliance teams identify any issues or discrepancies in sales orders, this information can flow back to the sales team for correction or clarification.

Ready to automate your order processing workflow?

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Benefits of Syncing Customer Data Between Your CRM and ERP System

Syncing customers between your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is essential for maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer information across the organization.

Here are several reasons why syncing customers between these systems is beneficial:

Data Consistency: Ensuring that customer data is consistent across systems prevents discrepancies and confusion. When a customer updates their information in one system (such as their address or contact details), that information should be reflected in both the CRM and ERP to maintain accuracy.

Improved Customer Service: Syncing customer data allows sales, marketing, customer service, and accounting teams to access the same information. This means customer service representatives can have a complete view of the customer's interactions, orders, and preferences, leading to more personalized and efficient service.

Order and Sales History: When CRM and ERP systems are synced, sales teams can have access to customers' historical data, including past orders, payments, and invoices. This information is invaluable for sales representatives when engaging with customers, upselling or cross-selling products, and understanding customer buying patterns.

Efficient Order Processing: When a salesperson creates a new customer record in the CRM system, that data should seamlessly flow into the ERP system to enable efficient order processing. This integration ensures that orders can be processed quickly and accurately without manual re-entry of customer details.

Marketing Campaigns and Segmentation: Marketing teams can benefit from synced customer data by creating targeted campaigns based on purchase history, preferences, and behavior. CRM data can be used to segment customers effectively, and this segmentation can be applied in the ERP system for tailored marketing and promotions.

Financial Reporting and Invoicing: Syncing customer data ensures that invoicing and financial reporting are accurate. When a sale is made in the CRM system, it should automatically generate an invoice in the ERP system, linking the customer's account and purchase details.

Inventory Management: For businesses that manage inventory, syncing customer data helps in demand forecasting and inventory planning. Sales data from the CRM can inform inventory levels and purchasing decisions in the ERP system.

Streamlined Workflows: Automation of processes between CRM and ERP systems reduces manual data entry and the potential for errors. This streamlines workflows and allows teams to focus on more strategic tasks rather than administrative work.

Compliance and Security: Keeping customer data synchronized ensures compliance with data protection regulations. It also enhances data security by reducing the risk of data breaches that can occur when information is spread across disconnected systems.

Scalability: As a business grows, having synced customer data between CRM and ERP systems allows for seamless scalability. New sales channels, products, and customer segments can be easily managed with integrated systems.