Increasing Operational Efficiency With CRM Analytics and Manufacturing Cloud

The manufacturing sector is on the brink of a new era of operational productivity and efficiency. Salesforce has introduced Manufacturing

3 min. read

The manufacturing sector is on the brink of a new era of operational productivity and efficiency. Salesforce has introduced Manufacturing Cloud, a comprehensive solution tailored to assist manufacturers in consolidating account planning and forecasting processes to foster enhanced transparency and collaboration throughout their entire ecosystem. This unified perspective not only offers a comprehensive insight into manufacturing customers through new sales agreements and account-based forecasting solutions but also facilitates accurate forecasting, planning, and the achievement of predictable business outcomes.

Moreover, Manufacturing Cloud equips manufacturers with the tools to deliver intelligent field services, lifecycle marketing, channel management, B2B Commerce, and more, all within a cohesive framework that spans their entire business operations, including CRM Analytics Apps for robust analytics and intelligence capabilities.

What is CRM Analytics?

Salesforce CRM Analytics is a comprehensive and robust solution that empowers users with a unified system to collect and analyze both Salesforce and external data, transforming it into valuable insights. When focusing analytics on customers, CRM Analytics is designed to capture and analyze all available pertinent customer data and present any findings in user-friendly ways. This allows businesses to make better-informed, customer-conscious decisions. The platform offers advanced analytics capabilities, including predictive analytics, AI-powered insights, and customizable dashboards, enabling organizations to gain deep insights into their operations and customer behavior. 

Features of Salesforce CRM Analytics that can help manufacturing companies increase operational efficiency include:

example of a CRM Analytics dashboard

 

  • Unified Data Collection: A single source of truth for customer data, consolidating information from various sources including sales, marketing, and customer service.
  • Advanced Analytics: Predictive analytics, AI-powered insights, and customizable dashboards offering deep insights into operations and customer behavior.
  • Forecasting and Planning: Leveraging historical data and predictive analytics to optimize production and supply chain management.
  • Mobile Analytics: Access critical insights and reports on the go, empowering field service teams and executives to make informed decisions anytime, anywhere.

Manufacturing Cloud CRM Analytics Apps: Tailored Solutions for Success

In addition to creating custom CRM Analytics dashboards, Manufacturing Cloud CRM Analytics apps provide pre-built dashboards with specialized applications within the Manufacturing Cloud platform, catering to the unique needs of manufacturers. These apps offer advanced analytics capabilities to gain insights into sales, operations, and customer relationships, enhancing decision-making processes. Essential apps and features  include:

Analytics for Manufacturing & Advance Account Forecasting Analytics

  • Account Health and Insights: Visibility into sales metrics, order history, product pricing performance, forecast vs. plan, and customer lifetime value.
  • Product Performance and Pricing: Trends around top-selling products, demand realization, demand forecast vs. actuals, pricing trends across accounts, and pricing elasticity, as well as performance in rebate programs.
  • Sales Agreement and Target Performance: Tracking target attainment against actuals, tracking agreement attainment against actuals, which agreements require attention, where demand has fallen short, and which team members are top performers.
  • Partner Performance Analytics: Evaluating partner engagement and driving channel sales growth.
  • Whitespace Analysis: Accounts without active agreements, cross-sell opportunities, recommended product combinations.
  • Pre-Configured Einstein Discovery Stories: Give insight into how likely accounts are to renew agreements and give recommendations for pricing products and schedules for agreements.

Statistical Order Forecasting

Generate statistically predicted time-series forecast data based on order data from your system.

CRM Analytics for Warranty Lifecycle Management

Embedded analytics to give insights into warranty claims, parts with a larger number of claims, SLA management, as well as give immediate insights to make informed decisions on current claims.

example of CRM Analytics dashboard

Addressing Critical Challenges For Manufacturing Operational Efficiency

CRM Analytics and CRM Analytics apps address several critical challenges faced by manufacturing businesses, leading to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction:

  • Visibility Into Customer Data & Interactions: Providing a 360-degree view of customers, leading to more personalized engagement.
  • Accurate Forecasts & Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging historical data and predictive analytics to make accurate forecasts and optimize operations.
  • Data Quality & Integration: Ensuring accurate, complete, and consistent customer data across different platforms.
  • Tracking & Analyzing CRM Impact: Measuring ROI and demonstrating the value of CRM initiatives through advanced analytics capabilities.

In summary, Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud and CRM Analytics herald a new era for the manufacturing sector, offering unprecedented productivity and efficiency. By unifying account planning, fostering transparency, and harnessing the power of customer data, these solutions empower manufacturers to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Contact our team today to explore how Manufacturing Cloud and CRM Analytics can enhance operational efficiency for your organization’s specific needs.

Avatar

AUTHOR

Margaret McKinney

Margaret McKinney is the Manufacturing Practice Lead at Torrent Consulting. She is 9x Salesforce certified, is a member of the Salesforce Manufacturing Partner Advisory Board, is a certified Accredited Professional, and has worked in the Manufacturing space for 8 years.

Let's Work Together