Software for strength

Issue 99 November 2024

Software suppliers are working to transform business operations in the window furnishings industry with innovative solutions.

Buz Software

Alex Morrison, Customer Success Representative at Buz Software tells WFA that the company is constantly evolving to meet the needs of various businesses across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. 

“This year, we’ve rolled out three major releases: Bulk Update Orders, Excel Order Upload for customer users, and more advanced stock integration with MYOB,” Morrison confirms.

“In addition to these, we’ve made over 10 minor enhancements, such as banners for setting global or product-specific messages, improved branch stock control, and appointment routing via Google Maps, to name a few.

“Each of our updates brings its own set of powerful features and benefits,” Morrison says.

Bulk Update Orders allows businesses to make changes to multiple orders at once, streamlining the process and saving a significant amount of time, especially for high-volume operations. “This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.”

Meanwhile, with Buz 2 Buz Excel Order Uploads, users can now seamlessly upload orders using Excel, making it easier to transfer large amounts of data quickly and accurately. “This has been a game-changer for businesses managing bulk orders or working between different systems.”

“Our Advanced Stock Integration with MYOB has taken stock management to a new level, especially for businesses that rely on MYOB for their accounting. It provides better stock management within MYOB, giving businesses more control and visibility over their inventory.”

The major updates, along with the minor improvements like enhanced branch stock control and appointment routes via Google Maps, all work together to make day-to-day operations smoother and more efficient for users, Morrison says. 

“We’re always listening to feedback to ensure we’re delivering features that truly make a difference in their business.”

Buz Software’s offerings are designed to fill a gap in the market for businesses that need highly customisable, integrated software solutions, without the complexity or cost typically associated with larger enterprise systems, Morrison adds.

“Many small to medium-sized businesses, and even some larger enterprises, struggle to find software that fits their specific workflows or industry requirements right out of the box.

“What sets us apart is the flexibility we offer. Whether a business is in retail, wholesale, or manufacturing, Buz Software can be tailored to their unique needs, and it grows with them. We also focus on providing a comprehensive solution that brings together essential functions like order management, stock control, invoicing, and customer relationship management into one unified platform.

“By doing this, we address a key pain point: businesses don’t have to rely on multiple disconnected systems or spend a fortune on large-scale custom development. Instead, they get an adaptable solution that can scale as they do, while remaining easy to use and cost-effective.”

“We focus on the window furnishing industry, and that’s our strength. We’ve chosen to concentrate on this specific sector because it allows us to deeply understand the needs of our customers and provide a solution that truly caters to their business processes. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone—we’re trying to be the best for this particular market.

Morrison adds that security is a key driver for businesses; with many data breaches happening across various industries, enterprises are looking for software that can offer robust data protection. 

“We’ve responded to this demand by introducing features like multi-factor authentication and user access restrictions. It’s all about giving our clients peace of mind that their information is secure.

“The flexibility of Buz Software is one of its strongest points. Our platform is cloud-based and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. We didn’t want to limit our clients to a specific app or device. So whether you’re working from home, on the road, or in the office, you have full access to your business operations through Buz.”

“We’re really proud to be an Australian-owned company with a local support team here in Sydney. Our clients don’t have to worry about different time zones or delayed responses. We aim to address enquiries within an hour during business hours. Our goal is to be as responsive and supportive as possible, whether companies need help with training, new features, or any other questions.”

Accent Software

Kerry Spero, CEO at Accent Software, tells WFA the company is continuously evolving its solutions to meet the demands of the window furnishings industry and customer feedback.

Recently, it launched several enhancements to Insyte, its business management platform for retailers and manufacturers in the window furnishings sector. 

“These updates focus on improving customer experience, operational efficiency, and the seamless integration of different business functions,” Spero explains. 

Key new features include enhanced CRM functionality including improved tools for managing customer relationships, with personalised communication and tracking. “This helps sales teams work more efficiently by being able to see all correspondence relating to each customer,” Spero says.

Another new feature is the Advanced Quoting and Ordering Module. He explains: “We’ve simplified workflows for generating quotes, customising orders, and managing complex product configurations, allowing sales teams to spend more time nurturing customers. Quoting in this industry can be a complicated process; Insyte makes it easy, saving time and preventing costly errors.”

Meanwhile mobile access for field technicians via the company’s app allows installation teams to manage jobs and schedules remotely, providing real-time updates from anywhere.

Accent’s business intelligence dashboards includes enhanced reporting and analytics for better decision-making, and provides deeper insights into sales, production, and installation performance, allowing business owners to make data driven, intelligent business decisions.

Another new feature is Live Diary. “This feature allows customers to book appointments with their sales consultants directly from websites in real time, eliminating the need for calls, request forms or manual coordination,” Spero says.

In addition, Insyte Sketch was implemented last year. This feature “empowers sales professionals to capture photos of windows or spaces, draw diagrams, and add essential notes on their tablet that are integrated within the order,” Spero says. “Adopting sketch technology that is integrated with the current CRM system provides many benefits such as elimination of lost paperwork, enhanced order accuracy, efficient handling of complex cases, modernisation of the sales process, and error reduction. 

A quote from Accent Software’s customer Jason Davis of Cardell, Brisbane, explains how Insyte Sketch supports the business. “In situations when we handle complex curtain and blind installations, Insyte Sketch proves to be an invaluable asset in our quoting and detailing process, facilitating clear communication between our sales team and Installers,” says Davis. “With this innovation, we get the job done right the first time.”  

Meanwhile Spero points out that customers can expect a range of upcoming innovations from Accent, including AI Integration: “The integration of AI technology into Insyte enhances Insyte’s scheduling and exception handling allowing for more efficient processing,” he says. 

Another new addition will be Recipient-Created Tax Invoices (RCTI), which streamline the management of contractor installer payments.

He adds: “We are enhancing our quoting capabilities to include discounting options such as ‘Buy One, Get One Free’, and other targeted offers.

Manufacturing upgrades are also key, he adds. “Our Enterprise Manufacturing Modules include enhancements like paperless scan stations, label pricing, and optimised inventory management.”

Overall, the company’s enhancements offer key benefits, he tells WFA. 

“Automation of manual processes and integration of all aspects of business management, from quoting through to invoicing leading to faster production and installation turnarounds and reduced errors.

“The enhanced CRM and quoting tools ensure sales teams can respond quickly and accurately to customer inquiries, improving customer satisfaction and sales conversion rates.

“Real-time Business Intelligence Dashboards enable managers to track performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions to grow their businesses.”

Spero explains: “The window furnishings industry lacks a fully integrated software solution that covers every aspect of business operations, from initial customer inquiry through to installation. Many companies have traditionally used fragmented systems, leading to inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and missed opportunities. 

“Our software fills this gap by offering an all-in-one solution that connects CRM, sales, production, installations, and finance seamlessly. We also address the growing demand for mobile accessibility. With more businesses adopting remote and hybrid work models, mobile tools for both management and field teams are crucial. Our solution ensures teams can work effectively whether they’re in the office, on-site, or working from home.”

“The market is evolving rapidly, with businesses increasingly seeking digital tools to improve customer experience and efficiency. There’s a strong focus on AI automation to support smarter decision making and reduce manual processes. As remote work and hybrid models reshape the way companies operate, businesses need flexible software solutions that offer comprehensive management capabilities, employee accountability, and customer satisfaction. To stand out, businesses are focusing on better customer service and faster turnaround times. Insyte meets this demand by delivering seamless integration and high efficiency for our clients.

He adds that the shift towards remote and hybrid work environments has heightened the need for software that can be easily accessed and managed from anywhere. “This has driven increased demand for cloud-based solutions such as Insyte and advanced scheduling tools that accommodate both in-person and virtual appointments.”

He concludes: “Business owners and managers are now prioritising software that enables them to manage their operations from home or while on the go. Our mobile and cloud-based features have become indispensable for companies operating in this new landscape.”

“At Accent Software, we are committed to bringing to the table the ultimate software solution for retailers and manufacturers, with a focus on innovation and ease of use. 

“Our focus on customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships enables our clients to achieve operational excellence and stay competitive.”

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