ソフトブレーン List of Products and Services

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, attention to inside sales has increased more than ever before. In the era of living with COVID-19, in order to adapt to the changed sales style due to restrictions on face-to-face sales, the further utilization of the inside sales department and the methods that inside sales should adopt have become key points in sales strategy. Inside sales is expected to hand over potential customers to field sales, which actually conducts business negotiations. Did you know that by using webinars, you can find and nurture potential customers with a high probability of closing deals? In this article, we will introduce how to use webinars, or web seminars. *For more detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Online business negotiation system

A time has come when high-quality, low-cost services are overflowing, and products are not selling. To create hit products, insight-driven product development is essential. This time, I will explain insight. Insight refers to "perception" or "discovery," and in business, it means recognizing desires that customers themselves are not aware of. If you can discern insights, you will be able to create hit products. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• SFA (Sales Support System)

When you say "information," what specifically do you imagine? "One of my friends got married" is information, "It will rain tomorrow" is also information, and "In the New York market, stock prices fell below $10,000" is information as well. Just as various types of information are overflowing, corporate information is also overflowing. "Information is key," "Information sharing leads to efficiency," "Real-time information is necessary for speedy management," and so on. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• SFA (Sales Support System)

The work style reform is still fresh in everyone's memory, but what is the actual state of reform in companies? What is the current state of business operations, what are the biggest challenges likely to arise, and what is the reality of overtime work? This time, we have "quantified" and delved deeper into these issues. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related link. For more information, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)

JUST.SFA," developed by JustSystems, which provides well-known software such as Ichitaro and ATOK. Although it is an SFA offered by a historically significant company, there are voices expressing the desire to "know the actual user evaluations" and "consider the introduction based on price and evaluations compared to others." Therefore, this time, we have collected as much information as possible regarding the reputation, reviews, and official information about JUST.SFA. We will explain its features and which types of companies it is suitable for. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• SFA (Sales Support System)

Tracking is a system that uses cookies and other methods to monitor user behavior on the web. Through tracking, it is possible to investigate the correlation between user attributes and characteristics and their behavior on the web, as well as to analyze the effectiveness of web initiatives more concretely. In this article, we will explain the mechanisms for tracking user behavior on the web, as well as the content of regulations in recent years and how to respond to them. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Access analysis tools

It has been thought that "remote work will not take root in Japan," but due to the Japanese government's strong directive to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, most companies suddenly began remote work. As a result, organizations had no choice but to fundamentally change their working methods. In the sales department, online business meetings started without any prior preparation. For many salespeople, this is their first experience, and there may be a lot of anxiety about how to successfully conduct online meetings. This time, while looking at examples from Western companies that are pioneers in online business meetings, we will introduce tips and key points for successful online meetings. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. For more details, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• Online business negotiation system

In this column, we introduce know-how that can help strengthen sales capabilities, with downloadable materials available. Articles such as "The Key to Improving Operating Profit Margin is 'Aftermarket Business'" and "Avoiding Price Undercutting! Closing Techniques of Effective Salespeople" explain SFA and CRM. Additionally, in "Sales Strategies and Data Utilization to Respond to Rapid Environmental Changes," we also discuss outsourcing. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• SFA (Sales Support System)

Are you familiar with the term "Sales Tech"? It is a keyword that has rapidly gained recognition over the past year or two. It is a coined term that combines Sales and Technology, referring to tools that utilize IT and AI technologies in corporate sales activities, as well as the activities themselves. In this article, we will discuss Sales Tech, which is expected to improve sales efficiency, information management, and corporate sales capabilities, with a particular focus on customer management tools that are key to sales activities. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

The employment system "job-based employment," which is being adopted primarily by Western companies and large Japanese corporations. Unlike the traditional practices of mass hiring of new graduates and lifetime employment, this system allows for the recruitment of talented individuals suited for specific roles, maximizing the capabilities of specialized employees and creating a fair evaluation system as well as a work structure suitable for recent remote work trends. However, simply implementing job-based employment does not guarantee the creation of an environment where diverse talent can thrive or ensure the acquisition of outstanding personnel. This article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the employment system that should be understood when introducing job-based employment, as well as successful case studies from companies that are proactively promoting its adoption. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• others

"Route sales." Many people may associate this term with "regular interactions" with existing customers. However, ideally, it should be seen as a presence that maintains customer relationships while also enhancing sales and building connections, known as "retention." This time, we will provide a framework for thinking and methods for building a system that connects the background and specific actions needed for "retention" for those who want to enhance their management and sales skills. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related link. For more information, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• others

Recently, telecommuting has been a hot topic. While major companies like Calbee, Nissan, and JAL have successfully implemented it, many other companies are likely considering its introduction and researching details, benefits, and methods of implementation. What exactly is telecommuting, what benefits does it offer, and what are the steps and key points for its implementation? We will explain these aspects as well. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

As the wave of digital transformation (DX) surges, the sales department is also being called upon to promote it. Tools related to DX include Marketing Automation (MA), Sales Force Automation (SFA), and Business Intelligence (BI), but simply implementing them does not automatically lead to results. To achieve results, it is necessary to implement each tool in a way that leverages its unique features. In this article, we will explain how to effectively utilize each tool to realize DX in the sales department and achieve results. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

Eight months have passed since the state of emergency was declared due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, yet the end remains elusive. As the second and third waves hit, companies are facing a pressing situation where they can no longer afford to stall their business activities. Here, we will consider customer behavior during the pandemic and explore examples that can serve as hints for developing marketing strategies in response. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. For further information, please check the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• others

Are you struggling with questions like, 'We are considering implementing SFA, but how much will it cost?' and 'I can't quite envision what I will get for the money I spend'? In business, the trend of implementing SFA is continuously expanding. The market size has grown to 100 billion yen, and it can be said that it is becoming an essential tool in the business scene. In this article, we focused on the price, which is a significant factor in the selection criteria for 'which tool to choose' when implementing SFA. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• others

"Is it necessary to have support for the implementation of CRM/SFA? Are there points to consider in determining whether to use implementation support services?" You may have such questions. In conclusion, it can be said that most companies should utilize implementation support services. Many companies are unable to leverage CRM/SFA because they did not receive implementation support. However, since there are costs involved, it is natural to consider whether to receive the service. The content and pricing of services from various CRM/SFA providers can vary significantly. Therefore, in this article, we will summarize and introduce the reasons why support for CRM/SFA implementation is necessary, the characteristics of companies that should receive these services, and an overview of the implementation support services offered by various companies. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

The role of a sales manager is very extensive. Many people are likely involved in daily sales management and operations while grappling with various concerns. The scope of responsibilities is quite broad, so to enhance management skills, encountering media that efficiently delivers necessary information is a shortcut. Therefore, we would like to carefully introduce recommended information media (web media, books) for sales managers who are considering skill development as a manager. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

In today's world, where it has become essential to provide products and services that meet the needs of both consumers and businesses, the importance of sales management and customer management has come to the forefront. In sales management, SFA (Sales Force Automation) and in customer management, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) are being used as mainstream tools in the business scene. This time, we will introduce points to consider when choosing CRM/SFA by company size, as well as major products with high global market shares. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the introduction of telework as a working style is being expedited. Many companies are likely rushing to implement web conferencing systems for meetings with members working remotely. However, the cost is a concern when introducing a paid system from the start. This is where free services come in handy. In this article, we will introduce web conferencing systems that can be used for free and how to implement them. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

Based on the philosophy of work style reform, labor standards laws have been revised and have been implemented sequentially since April 2019. As managing complicated overtime hours has become necessary, there are many aspects that cannot be managed with the traditional time card format, and many managers may be feeling overwhelmed. To manage efficiently and ensure a smooth implementation, the introduction of attendance management systems or SFA is recommended. Let's respond promptly by referring to this article. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

With the current focus on big data, interest in data analysis methods is increasing. It is said that there are dozens of techniques available for data analysis, including attribution analysis, text mining, tap analysis, and covariance structure analysis. Trying to memorize all of them is not very realistic. In the first place, not all of them are utilized in practice, so it is sufficient to grasp only the important methods. Here, we will introduce data analysis methods that can be used in business. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

In the business context, the term "matrix" is often used to refer to "matrix diagrams" for classifying information or "matrix organizations" as a form of organizational structure. This article provides an overview of matrices used as a foundation for strategic planning, their benefits, and representative frameworks. We will also introduce successful case studies of companies that have utilized matrices, so if you want to advance your business more strategically, please use this as a reference. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• others

Mobile work refers to a way of working that allows employees to perform tasks during their travels. It is particularly suited for sales representatives, and its main feature is the ability to choose where to work. The biggest challenge in implementing this is how to prevent the risk of confidential information leakage. In this column, we will explain the security measures that should be implemented by sales representatives. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

With the spread of ICT, collecting information online has become common. Web forms are utilized for this purpose. They are important content for companies to connect with users and to collect data. Many people responsible for creating web forms may want to use tools that allow for quick setup without spending too much time. In this article, we will review the overview of web form creation tools, discuss selection points, and introduce some recommended tools. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• others

One common point among successful companies is their understanding of their current situation. At the same time, this is a point that companies that have not taken the plunge into digital transformation (DX) and are carrying potential risks, as well as those that are already working on it but are struggling to achieve DX, lack. Therefore, this time we will summarize and explain the reasons why DX is necessary for the manufacturing industry, examples of companies that have achieved results, why understanding the current situation is important for DX, and what specific actions should be taken. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• others

As remote work (telework) becomes more prevalent, many people may find that this trend has also reached their own companies. When introducing remote work, it is necessary to consider the specifications and settings of the PC for comfortable work, as well as suitable locations for conducting business in advance. Therefore, this time we will review what remote work is, discuss its security aspects, and introduce recommended methods for selecting PCs and locations. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• others

Recently, the numerous webinars being held have become recognized as a standard means of communication with potential customers. However, do you know what issues are addressed by webinars? It is likely that few people can clearly articulate the purpose of conducting a webinar. If you can understand the benefits of webinars, you can also envision effective scenarios for their use. Therefore, we will introduce the benefits of webinars, discuss what challenges they can solve for companies, and present tools and success stories for effectively conducting webinars. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• Online business negotiation system

Salespeople have a higher turnover rate compared to other professions. While there may be differences in timing, very few people stay with one company until they die. However, many companies operate under the assumption that employees will not leave the company. This leads to significant inefficiencies, which are expected to become problematic in the near future. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• Personnel Information System

Originally, DX was necessary for improving productivity due to the decrease in the labor population. With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is rapidly expanding among companies. DX is interpreted as "utilizing sales technology to create innovation within the company, leading to labor reduction, increased revenue, and organizational transformation." *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related link. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)

The employment system "job-based employment," which is being adopted mainly by Western companies and large Japanese corporations. Unlike the traditional practices of mass hiring of new graduates and lifetime employment, this system allows for the recruitment of talented individuals suited for specific roles, maximizing the capabilities of specialized employees, and creating a fair evaluation system as well as a work structure suitable for recent remote work trends. However, simply implementing job-based employment does not guarantee the creation of an environment where diverse talents can thrive or ensure the acquisition of outstanding personnel. This article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the employment system that should be understood when introducing job-based employment, as well as successful case studies from companies that are proactively promoting its adoption. *For more detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.

• Personnel Information System

While you may have heard that step emails are effective for sales, there may be some who are unsure about how to utilize them specifically. If used effectively, step emails can make it easier to connect negotiations to contracts. In this article, I will explain how to create them as concretely as possible. For those who feel limited by individual email follow-ups while working from home, or for those considering more effective communication methods for sales activities, I hope you find this helpful. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• Email delivery system

The term "lead nurturing," which has recently become more frequently seen as an effective marketing technique. Can you accurately explain what it means? Lead nurturing refers to the activities aimed at developing potential customers in marketing and sales efforts. Here, we will explain the overview, methods, and points to note regarding lead nurturing. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)

Currently, it is not an exaggeration to say that businesses in Japan are being forced to transform their operations due to the impact of the coronavirus. One of the solutions among them is a method called SFA. In this article, we will delve deeper into the reasons for this. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA (Sales Support System)

Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, people's lives have drastically changed, and economic activities have significantly transformed. As a result, many companies are being forced to transition to telework, venture into new fields they have never experienced before, and change their business models. With the coexistence with the coronavirus becoming a long-term reality, the management and work styles that have been considered normal and common sense are at a crossroads. To survive in such a harsh era, it is important to change management methods. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Other Software

With the implementation of telework (remote work), are you hearing voices like "It's difficult to evaluate personnel" and "I can't see evaluations and career paths, and I'm worried about the future"? In fact, data shows that 73.7% of managers find personnel evaluation in telework challenging. However, it is a reality that personnel evaluation systems and management suitable for telework have already been established. Additionally, discontinuing telework due to the difficulty of evaluation could lead to significant losses in the future. Therefore, we will provide a detailed explanation of personnel evaluation in telework. Reducing the stress of personnel evaluation will not only help but also contribute to the expansion of your company's future potential, so please use this as a reference. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related link. For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

• Personnel Information System

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, telework (remote work) has been promoted, and in terms of sales, there has been a situation where we are forced to adapt to telework, such as refraining from visits. However, in the case of sales teams, many are not accustomed to telework on a regular basis, and there may be many managers who were perplexed due to insufficient measures. Therefore, considering the possibility of similar cases occurring in the future, we will introduce "methods for implementing telework," "benefits that can be gained from remote sales," and "recommended tools." *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• Online business negotiation system

As companies around the world follow suit with DX (Digital Transformation), data science can no longer be said to belong solely to data analysis experts; it is a field that sales professionals also want to actively incorporate. By utilizing SFA (Sales Force Automation) systems and tools, even those who are not data scientists can efficiently analyze the various data generated daily and speed up their sales activities. In this article, we will explain what data science is, how the sales process changes through the use of SFA systems and tools, and how data science can be applied to sales activities. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA (Sales Support System)

"CRM (Customer Relationship Management)" and "ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)" are both systems that manage the information resources of a company and are often confused with each other. What are the actual differences between them? In this article, we will explain the differences between CRM and ERP from the perspectives of their functions and implementation purposes. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)

In an era of uncertainty, it is precisely the development of human resources that we want to emphasize. However, because of this uncertainty, you may have questions such as, "How should we establish our human resource development policy?" and "What exactly is the human resource development that is required now?" In fact, what is required in human resource development has not changed from the past to the present. By utilizing advanced technologies, we can also aim for human resource development that prepares for the future. Therefore, this time, our company, which has provided various consultations to numerous companies, will explain the proper methods of current human resource development by different levels, such as newcomers and mid-career employees. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Employee training

Many business owners and managers wish to "make schedule management and customer information management easier" and "streamline daily report management." For such individuals, CRM/SFA applications are highly recommended. The use of these apps not only benefits managers but also provides significant advantages for sales representatives, as it allows them to increase the time spent on core tasks such as strengthening relationships with customers. However, there are many products available that assist with sales management, including "schedule management apps," "business card apps," and "map apps," making it quite challenging to choose the right one. Therefore, this time we will introduce recommended CRM/SFA apps, including free options, as well as specific features and usage methods. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has rapidly popularized remote work and non-face-to-face sales. Taking this opportunity, some companies have completely shifted to a work style that does not require commuting to the office, due to the efficiency and cost-cutting effects of remote and non-face-to-face operations. By the way, many people may be feeling confused by the changes in work density due to remote and non-face-to-face sales, or by the changing customer needs during the pandemic. Have you realized that the essence of these changes is the speed of change? I will explain the essence of the changes in business speed brought about by the pandemic and share methods for speeding up sales. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)

In recent years, DX (Digital Transformation) has been promoted by many media and companies. While the introduction of DX has benefits such as improving operational efficiency and creating new business models, a report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (as of October 2020) indicates that over 90% of companies have yet to start their initiatives related to DX. So, how should we plan and implement DX? This article will explain the important benefits and roadmap for formulating a DX strategy, as well as successful case studies from companies. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• Other Software

CTI is a business system that utilizes telephones, and various options are available. Many people may feel that there are "too many choices to select from." Even if you implement it, if it doesn't fit your company's operations, it will become a wasted investment, so we must avoid such situations. Choosing CTI based on criteria like "used by many companies" or "good reviews on comparison sites" is not necessarily appropriate. In this article, we will present the features and types of CTI, along with seven points to consider when choosing, providing you with information to select a CTI that suits your company. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Other Software

As various aspects of consumer behavior are being replaced by digital environments, the amount of data that companies can obtain about customers and users has dramatically increased. Data analysis in marketing has generally been conducted through statistical analysis of survey data, but as the types and volumes of data handled have increased, it is necessary to pay attention to the diversification of data analysis methods. This article will explain the subjects of data analysis in the marketing field, the types of data, and representative analysis methods. *For more detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

• BI Tools
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)

More and more companies are considering the introduction of CRM/SFA to improve sales efficiency and customer service. However, even after implementation, many struggle to utilize it effectively, and there are not many cases where the intended goals are actually achieved. To avoid such situations and ensure the successful implementation of CRM/SFA, it is important to leverage its functions while receiving consulting from experts. This article explains the reasons why consulting is necessary to successfully implement and operate CRM/SFA. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
• SFA (Sales Support System)