Definition

Salesforce automation, usually abbreviated as SFA, is a software that is utilized by salespersons to aid in the sales process. This software is used to automate tasks such as sales processing and inventory control while application in analysis of sales forecast and performance is also popular. Other uses include order processing, information sharing and order tracking. SFA includes a one-off opportunity management or contact management.

The SFA program products are on the rise in the market and businesses are free to choose whichever version works best for their company. Alternatively, a company may approach a program developer and have a custom SFA made for them. A client has the option of running an SFA program either on a personal computer or a smartphone, giving user diversity.

Salesforce automation is linked closely with customer relationship management (CRM) and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. CRM, however, doesn’t inescapably infer automation of sales related tasks.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

Salesforce automation usually form part of the company’s customer relations management system that tracks and records customer contacts and interaction for future reference. Contact or interaction with a client may be in form of a meeting, a phone call or an email. Along with recording the happening of the interaction, the SFA records the purpose or need for the interaction and shows if follow up interaction with that customer is necessary. This greatly helps companies in a bid to detect and eliminate duplications of actions and interaction with clients which can aggravate him/her.

Despite the various SFA programs, they all have a basic design of the database that is configured web-ready, a customizable template as well as an email package. Most adopt a tri-layered design so as to keep the server, application and database from each other and consequently minimize the programming load on the users. In a bid to help users to customize according to their needs, tastes and preferences, programmers use a module-based design with SFA software.

Use of mobile systems

When SFA programs were first invented, synchronization with data from a company’s main office was a challenge. Since salespersons may leave the company premises, they had to wait until the end of the day so as to synchronize with the office data. With the convenience of high-speed internet, the challenge of synchronization has been solved. In fact, synchronization is done using mobile systems that enable constant connection to the head office.