Software Advancements

BlindMatrix 

Vivek Rao, CEO of BlindMatrix, tells WFA greater consistency and improved processes delivered by BlindMatrix mean significant time and cost savings across the sales, ordering and fulfilment process, delivering new operational efficiencies, improved margins and enhanced customer satisfaction. 

“BlindMatrix is launching a new version of its software that incorporates distinct modules, updated technology, additional features, slick design and a fresh user interface – as well as integration with major suppliers.”

“It includes online catalogues, automated ordering via EDI, and easy-to-use interface to simplify ordering and fulfilment.”

“The product is designed to ensure that all blinds, shutter and curtain manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers can use the system irrespective of their domain.”

Rao says new features of the latest BlindMatrix software include:

•Customisable forms – enable clients to determine what they want to appear on their forms, for example contact forms, order forms.

•Customisable reports – clients can create their own bespoke reports, for example manufacturing reports, sales report, quotation reports, pricing reports.

•Intuitive dashboards – create dashboards to view sales, pending orders, what each rep has sold, profit for the month, cost price vs selling price, number of installations, pending jobs, pending appointments.

•New user interface – user-friendly interface.

•Single stock view – one area to manage your entire stock irrespective of number of products with the ability to see entire stock availability. 

•Robust system architecture – solution developed using latest technologies.

“Each company in the window furnishings industry uses different words and phrases to describe the same things. This adds to complexity and inefficiency. BlindMatrix provides a smarter way: an opportunity to clean up data and align terminology, supporting a more consistent approach and use of language that makes sales and orders far less complex and time-consuming to manage and fulfil – particularly in a world where a retailer is buying from multiple manufacturers and wholesalers,” Rao adds.  

Quoterite Retail Solutions

Quoterite (formerly Smartpad Pro) has recently launched a fully revised software solution with the vision of making business and life easier for window coverings retailers. 

“Our new brand, Quoterite, handles the complexities of our industry with custom tools that automate and link the quoting and ordering processes, eliminates costly errors, and enhances sales performance,” says Aaron LeCornu, Managing Director of Quoterite. 

“It also helps to promote a positive and stable work culture that empowers growth and staff to excel, with customers benefiting from an automated and superior experience delivered onsite, online and on time.” 

“Just as importantly, Quoterite is designed to allow you to regain life balance and feel human again without the guilt of often having to put work first.” 

LeCornu says the features of Quoterite’s Quoting Tool simplifies processes with more automation to make quoting faster than any other software.

“Together with our industry-leading Product Builder and Validation System, and Soft Furnishings and Drapery Calculator, you have the most comprehensive quoting system customised for your business.”

“Our advanced quote management system is a fast, simple way to manage one to hundreds of quotes.” 

“Your sales staff can track and classify quotes and leads through customised quote statuses, next action tasks, and chance of sale to ensure there aren’t any clients or leads lost in the system.”

“Managers can verify how team members are performing, use smart filters to segment quotes for easy follow up, and even track client responses.”

LeCornu says Quoterite not only reduces errors and streamlines the sales process, it also helps create an enjoyable journey for your customers. 

“Sales staff can prepare and deliver quotes right on the spot while any additional customer changes can be automatically updated and priced in allowing for immediate payment.”

Quoterite will soon be offering end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the Window Covering Industry.

“Quoterite Manufacturing Solutions is set to revolutionise the window covering industry,” LeCornu says. 

“We will soon be commencing development on three additional industry-leading systems to perfect the full end-to-end cloud-based manufacturing software.”

“It will include a complete manufacturing system — enabling the capability to manufacture all types of window coverings, including soft furnishings, curtains/drapes, roman blinds, indoor blinds, outdoor blinds, shades, awnings.”

“Live stock and inventory control are linked to your manufacturing system for all components, fabrics, including drapery material.”

“And an online portal for wholesalers enabling your clients to login and create quotes or orders, while accessing product updates, price changes, and order statuses instantly.”

Buz Software

Buz software has implemented over 80 updates this year, with promises for more. The company says it is committed to being a one stop solution for retail, wholesale, and manufacturing within the Window Furnishing industry.

“Businesses are constantly evolving, and they require a platform to keep up with their demands,” says Brendan Saunders, Buz Chief Technical Officer.

“At Buz we don’t believe you should be restricted by your software. We’ve worked hard to provide our clients a complete solution whether you are a retailer, wholesaler, or a manufacturer.” 

“We also like to make things simple where we can, by being a cloud-based solution all you need is a device connected to the internet and a web browser, there is no requirement to install apps or constantly download new updates.”

“Being Australian owned and operated, our team is based in Sydney giving us the ability to respond to enquiries in business hours.”

“Our support team have been dedicating plenty of time and resources to assist with training, creating product templates and releasing newsletters with helpful information and tips to improve your profile. Recently we published a reporting template, using Microsoft PowerBi, which our clients can download and use to evaluate sales data with no extra cost from Buz.”

Saunders says throughout the pandemic, the company has seen businesses migrate from pen and paper and spreadsheet databases to smarter systems.

“The need to be better connected has led to a surge in SaaS (Software as a Service/Cloud-based) platforms. From our humble beginnings almost 40 years ago, Buz migrated to a cloud-based platform in 2013. This has allowed us to better service our clients by being able to implement updates and new features without affecting business.”

“Buz has a great rapport with Xero and recently been given access to link with MYOB AccountRight. We also had requests to integrate with other types of CRM like HubSpot, Mail chimp and 123Form, so we published our accessible data on Zapier which allows our clients the ability to link software products.”

Buz’s 80 updates this year alone include:

•Addition of user permissions and restrictions so managers, admin and sales reps have different access levels,

•Automated emails on status change so customers get real time notifications.

•Ability to create custom email and document templates, and

•Email tracking to confirm if an email has been received and read.

“Our developers are currently working on a new version release with more integrations with other programmes, easier navigation, and plenty more features will follow,”
Saunders adds.  

BM Blinds chooses Buz

Michelle Macready, Sales Manager at BM Blinds, says the company has worked with Buz software to enable its customers to place orders online, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

“This seamless ordering process has helped our clients ensure that their orders are processed as a priority and that there are no delays in getting their order to production.”

“With a standard order form, things can get missed or misinterpreted, however when ordering directly on the Buz online ordering portal, all details must be selected prior to pressing the accept button.” 

“This has helped prevent the constant back and forth of questions between our customer service team and the client ensuring a speedy and seamless process.”

“As we add new items to our range, we can upload these at the click of a button, this way, the data is always reliable and up to date. In the same way, when items are discontinued, our Buz online ordering portal is updated as soon as a change takes place taking all the guess work out of placing orders.”

“Similarly, customers can enter details in to Buz to obtain a quotation for their client. The quotation is generally valid for three months, giving clients the option to accept the quotation and place an order directly from the quote rather than having to reenter all the details.”

Macready says BM’s customers can access the system by simply emailing. 

“The system gives clients the ability to enter quotations, submit orders, track orders, and confirm pricing. It is an excellent tool for manufacturers and retailers alike.”

“We input the data to suit our business, now it is available for our customers to be able to access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“Throughout the lockdowns that we experienced during the last couple of years, the Buz software system was very easily accessible. Our customer service team and our clients were able to work from home, offering our clients a seamless experience.”