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New software releases support user-friendly features, an increasingly automated environment and the ability to tailor solutions to businesses’ unique needs. WFA reports.
SMARTPAD PRO
Smartpad Pro is designed as a user friendly and effective quoting and business management software for window furnishing retailers. Smartpad Pro’s Aaron Le Cornu says the software simplifies and enhances every aspect of sales operations, from quoting, to customer service, to employee performance.
“Smartpad Pro is a complete cloud solution available anywhere, anytime and on any device, streamlining your business operations.”
“Our current system boasts the latest technology and architecture available in the made-to-measure software market. We even build and maintain your product ranges free of charge, saving you significant time and money from the get-go.”
“Our system currently has more features and tools than any other available in the world, allowing us to automate more processes than any other system. This makes for much faster, smoother, controlled and more accurate operations.”
CURRENT FEATURES
Tools for streamlining your processes
Tools for process automation and reporting
Tools for easily configuring and customising your system
New, world-first features
“Our software looks set to benefit users with several worldfirst features in the window furnishing software industry,” says Le Cornu. “Each of these releases automates business systems and processes, with the purpose of drastically improving and subsequently increasing profits.”
He says businesses on Smartpad Pro using these tools will have the equivalent of 1.5 extra full time staff for every six staff in their business for less than 1/10th the cost. This will give them a huge advantage over their competition.
Automated quote follow-up and marketing system
“Imagine having a staff member dedicated to following up with clients who have been quoted but haven’t yet ordered. That’s what this tool will do for you – making it just as personal and specific as a real person would.”
“With this tool, users can create a communication matrix that automatically texts or emails clients at the right time, with personalised messages specific to their product enquiry and current special offers and deals. This tool is going to be the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to increase conversions.”
Live quoting system “What would get more clients to accept quotes? How about giving them more options and information without overwhelming them, being onhand to respond to questions, or making the order and payment process automatic?”
“The Quotient-style system allows you to do all this, and get insight into the decision process clients go through when looking at a quote. Instead of using a PDF, this system sends client a live link where they can toggle between product options, see attached information and brochures, and live message the sales rep. The client can then choose the products they want, accept the order, sign and make their deposit payment all from their quote page.”
“You also get to a report on when and how many times the client looks at the quote, what products they look at, and whether they accept the order.”
Automated task management system
“Automated task management removes the need for closely managing staff by automatically assigning them tasks and tracking their progress.”
“You set up various teams within your organisation with default tasks for quotes and orders. Each time a quote is generated or turned into an order, each person in that team instantly gets notified of their new task and its due date.”
“The system also sends you reports of who is on track and who is falling behind.”
“Existing systems in the window furnishing industry are hard to navigate and cumbersome to use,” says Le Cornu. “Based on extremely old architecture, people find their interfaces difficult to follow and need significant training to learn how to use them. Instead of looking at how to improve the way processes and tasks are carried out, these existing systems have essentially converted the time-consuming paper system into a digital format, which ends up creating more issues than they actually fix. Other systems don’t take into account the user interface, to get the most out of any system they need to be easy to use and intuitive which Smartpad Pro is but other systems need far more training.”
“Our rapid growth over the past three years can be attributed to our client feedback-driven development,” says Le Cornu. “We take the time to fully understand what our clients want and the business problems they experience, so that everything we do is based on what they really need, rather than what we assume they need.”
“In the coming months we are excited to be launching an inhouse blog and voting system where we will post all upcoming features and additions on a roadmap. Our clients can vote on their most-desired features, and provide their feedback and thoughts about any potential additions.”
DRAPE AND BLIND SOFTWARE
“Great software keeps on innovating but it’s more than that. It’s about developing a system that works well for the customer and the industry,” says Mira Krulic of Drape and Blind Software (DBs). “The goal is to make it faster and easier to get your work done. It is not about technology.”
“Technology comes second to the ability for you to run your entire business within the software.”
“We understand that everyone is different”, she says. “Users are not limited to doing things the one way. For example, you want to speed up entering your measurements into DBs. Which method would you prefer to use? Old school – write the numbers down on paper and enter them in later? Use a touch screen to tap the numbers in as you measure? Use a portable numeric keypad to tap the number in as you measure? Use a Bluetooth laser measuring device to have the numbers jump into the system? Use your mobile phone to dictate your measurements straight into the system?”
“You can now also import locations and measurements into DBs from an Excel spreadsheet. This flexibility makes it easier for people who are working off architectural plans and quoting on commercial work. The aim is to speed up your measuring time so you can spend more time selling curtains and blinds. You choose the way that works best for you.”
Another key attribute of the system is that DBs allows users to copy product from one room to another, again, speeding up the process of generating a quote.
“When the customer changes their mind, you keep the original quote and make a copy of it. You can then perform global changes in the second quote giving the customer alternatives in a matter of minutes.”
“Multiple quotes are a great selling tool”, explains Krulic. “You can provide customers with several options at different price points without extra work”.
“Production tends to slow down if there are delays in
generating orders and worksheets. DBs speeds up the production process by eliminating workflow traffic jams. Fabric orders require total quantities and cuts for curtains and soft furnishings. Curtain worksheets need a lot of information including the heading style, cut length and finished drop sizes.”
“Track orders displays the track type, width and projection sizes, cord length and control side. Sometimes, blind suppliers insist that you use their specific order forms, or your job won’t get processed.”
“Lastly, you must compile most of the information again for the installer. If you have a large job the task becomes enormous and errors can be costly.”
“DBs takes three seconds to create all supplier orders and worksheets for accepted quotes,” says Mira Krulic. “You don’t even need to have all the knowledge as DBs does it all for you. Calculate the making cost for workroom A using one calculation method and calculate the making cost using workroom B which uses a totally different method.”
“Once it has been set for each workroom, the sales staff can forget about it. Administration team members can take over worksheet/order processing freeing up sales consultants.”
“The other important thing when considering software is to make sure the structure can be scaled-up to keep up with the changing needs of your business. DBs cloud options allow you to grow and to work your way in a future-proof environment.”
“The takeaway here is that it’s not about the technology or the features”, she says. “The goal is to engage a system that is usable and flexible. The best way to get an idea is to see the software in practice and to get in touch with other users who will give you specific insights.”
“Drape and Blind Software offer no-obligation demonstrations and trials to see if we are a good fit for you.”
BLINDMATRIX
BlindMatrix has launched a mobile app that enables businesses to quote and invoice customers quickly onsite. It can be installed on android and apple mobiles and tablets and can be used without an internet connection.
BlindMatrix Managing Director and founder Vivek Rao says the app is designed to enable reps to quote rapidly and takes payments onsite without the need for paper price tables and a separate card machine. It generates quotations, invoices, purchase orders, Installer’s check sheets and delivery notes at the push of one button.
“Reps can take photos of windows for fitters so they can foresee any installation issues before the fitting date. Customers’ acceptance signatures can be captured through the app.”
“Traditionally paper price tables or spreadsheets have been a necessity onsite to give quotes,” he says. This is time consuming. The app also works without an internet connection therefore if the surveyor can work in all areas of the country.”
The app links in with accounting software, and has CRM capabilities and manufacturing capabilities, meaning the whole business can effectively go paperless whilst giving the blinds business full visibility and control of their company.
BlindMatrix is easy to use and offers a wide range of benefits that enable users to spend more time, more effectively on their window furnishings business:-
Using BlindMatrix…
Rao founded BlindMatrix in 2003, having identified a gap in the window coverings industry for dedicated software. Utilising his software background, he joined forces with a core group of developers to work with window coverings companies in the UK. BlindMatrix solutions are now used across global markets including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, providing solutions for small family run businesses and large enterprises that retail and/or manufacture blinds, curtains, shutters and awnings.
“We believe our software solutions actually work to challenge our clients and improve the way they run their businesses,” says Rao. “We can make a difference and help your business grow.”
