ソフトブレーン List of Products and Services

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, there is increasing attention on inside sales more than ever before. In the era of living with COVID-19, in order to adapt to the changes in sales styles caused by restrictions on face-to-face sales, the enhanced utilization of the inside sales department and the methods that inside sales should adopt have become key points in sales strategy. While inside sales is expected to pass potential customers to field sales, who actually conduct business negotiations, are you aware that by using webinars, it is possible to find and nurture high-potential customers who are more likely to lead to successful negotiations? In this article, we will introduce how to use webinars, or web seminars. *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.

• Web/Video Conference

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. In this article, we 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, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other information systems

When you say "information," what specifically do you imagine? "One of my friends got married" is information, "It will rain tomorrow" is information, and "In the New York market, stock prices have fallen below $10,000" is also information. 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 link. For more information, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• Other information systems

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 seems to be the biggest challenge, 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, please refer to the related link. For more information, please check the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

"JUST.SFA," developed by JustSystems, a company known for famous software such as Ichitaro and ATOK. While this SFA is offered by a historically significant company, there may be voices expressing the desire to "know the actual user evaluations" and "consider the price and evaluations compared to others before making a decision." Therefore, 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 refers to 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 in a more concrete manner. This article explains 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 information in the column, please refer to the related links. For more details, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other information systems

It was previously thought that "remote work would 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 styles. 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.*

• Web/Video Conference

In this column, we introduce know-how that can help enhance sales capabilities, with downloadable materials available. Articles such as "The Key to Improving Operating Profit Margin is 'Aftermarket Business'" and "Avoid 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 in 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 the efficiency of sales, information management, and enhance corporate sales capabilities, focusing particularly 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 merits and demerits 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.

• Technical and Reference Books

"Route sales." Many people may associate this term with "regular responses" to existing customers. However, ideally, it should be seen as a presence that "retains" customer relationships while also enhancing sales and building relationships. This time, we will provide a framework for thinking and methods for building a system that connects the background in which "retention" is necessary to specific actions for those who want to enhance their management and sales skills. *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.

• Technical and Reference Books

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 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 these tools in a way that leverages their respective 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 case studies that can serve as hints for developing marketing strategies in response. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. For further information, please check the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• Technical and Reference Books

Are you struggling with questions like, 'We are considering implementing SFA, but how much will it cost?' and 'I can't quite picture what I will get for the money I spend'? In the business world, 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. *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.

• Technical and Reference Books

"Is support for the implementation of CRM/SFA necessary? Are there points to consider when deciding 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 fully leverage CRM/SFA because they did not receive support during implementation. However, since there are costs involved, it is natural to consider whether to use the service. The content and pricing of services offered by different CRM/SFA providers can vary significantly. Therefore, in this article, we will summarize the reasons why support for CRM/SFA implementation is necessary, the characteristics of companies that should receive such services, and an overview of the implementation support services provided by various companies. *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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

The role of a sales manager is very multifaceted. Many individuals involved in daily sales management and operations likely face various challenges. 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 introduce a carefully selected information media (web media and books) that we recommend for sales managers considering skill development. *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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the introduction of telework as a working style is being expedited. Many companies may be rushing to implement web conferencing systems for meetings with members working remotely. However, the cost is a concern when considering the introduction of 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.

• Technical and Reference Books

Based on the philosophy of work style reform, labor standards laws have been revised and are being gradually implemented from April 2019. Since 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 struggling with this issue. To manage efficiently and ensure a smooth implementation, it is recommended to introduce attendance management systems or SFA. Let's respond promptly by referring to this article. *For detailed information in the column, you can view it through the related links. For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• Technical and Reference Books

With the current focus on big data, interest in data analysis methods is increasing. It is said that there are dozens of methods available for data analysis, including attribution analysis, text mining, tap analysis, and covariance structure analysis. Trying to remember 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, please refer to the related links. For more information, please check the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 basis for strategic planning, their benefits, and representative frameworks. We 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

Mobile work refers to a way of working that allows employees to conduct business during their travels. It is particularly suited for sales representatives and is characterized by 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 sales representatives should implement. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us for more information.*

• Technical and Reference Books

With the spread of ICT, collecting information on the internet 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 them to set up forms in a short period without spending too much effort. In this article, we will review the overview of web form creation tools, discuss key selection points, and introduce some recommended tools. *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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 DX while holding potential risks, as well as those that are already working on it but struggling to achieve DX, lack. In this article, we will summarize and explain the reasons why DX is necessary for the manufacturing industry, examples of companies that have achieved results, the importance of understanding the current situation for DX, and specific actions to take. *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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

With the advancement of remote work (telework) implementation, many may feel that this wave has also reached their company. When introducing remote work, it is necessary to consider the specifications and settings of the PC for comfortable work, as well as the appropriate locations for conducting business in advance. In this article, we will review what remote work is, discuss its security aspects, and introduce recommended methods for selecting PCs and suitable 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.*

• Technical and Reference Books

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 may be that few people can clearly answer the purpose of conducting a webinar. If you understand the benefits of webinars, you can also envision effective scenarios for their use. Therefore, we will introduce the benefits of webinars, what challenges they can solve for companies, and provide information on tools and success stories for effectively conducting webinars. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• SFA/Sales Support 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, the sales operations of many companies are fundamentally based on the assumption that employees will not leave the company. This leads to significant inefficiencies, which are expected to become a problem in the near future. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Management Seminar

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.*

• Other information systems

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 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, feel free to contact us.

• Personnel and Labor

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 and are considering more effective communication methods for sales activities, I hope you find this helpful. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Email/Fax transmission

The term "lead nurturing," which has recently become more common 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.*

• 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, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Due to the impact of the novel 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 expected to be a long-term situation, the ways of management and work 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.*

• Management Seminar

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 anxious about the future"? In fact, data shows that 73.7% of managers find personnel evaluation in telework challenging. However, suitable personnel evaluation systems and management for telework have already been established. Additionally, discontinuing telework due to evaluation difficulties could lead to significant losses in the future. Therefore, in this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of personnel evaluation in telework. Reducing the stress of personnel evaluation will not only help with that but also contribute to the expansion of your company's future potential, so please take it as a reference. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

• Web/Video Conference

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 companies have been forced to respond to telework, such as refraining from in-person visits. However, for many sales teams, telework is not something they typically consider, and there may be many managers who have been perplexed by their inability to implement sufficient measures. Therefore, taking into account the possibility of similar cases occurring in the future, we will introduce "methods for implementing telework," "benefits gained specifically from remote sales," and "recommended tools." *For more detailed information on the column, please refer to the related links. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

• Web/Video Conference

As companies around the world follow suit with DX (Digital Transformation), data science can no longer be said to be the domain of just 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 more detailed information, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, 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 more detailed information, please refer to the related links. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.*

• Other information systems

In an era of uncertainty, it is precisely because of this unpredictability that we want to emphasize the importance of human resource development. However, due to this uncertainty, many 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, the requirements for human resource development have not changed over time; by utilizing advanced technologies, we can aim for human resource development that prepares for the future. Therefore, this time, our company, which has provided various consultations to numerous businesses, will explain the proper methods of current human resource development by different levels, such as newcomers and mid-level employees. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• Technical Seminar

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 applications not only benefits the managerial level 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 applications, including free options, along with specific features and usage methods. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more details.

• SFA/Sales Support System

Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, remote work and non-face-to-face sales have rapidly become widespread. Taking this opportunity, some companies have completely shifted to a work style that does not require commuting to the office, benefiting from the efficiency and cost-cutting effects of remote and non-face-to-face operations. By the way, many people may feel confused by the changes in work density due to remote and non-face-to-face sales, or by the evolving customer needs during the pandemic. Have you noticed that the essence of these changes is a shift in speed? I will explain the essence of the changes in business speed brought about by the pandemic and share methods for accelerating sales. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related link. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

• SFA/Sales Support System

In recent years, DX (Digital Transformation) has been promoted by many media and companies. While the introduction of DX offers benefits such as improved operational efficiency and the creation of 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 embark on initiatives related to DX. So, how should DX be planned and implemented? This article will explain the important benefits and roadmap for formulating a DX strategy, as well as successful case studies from companies. *For more detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.

• Other information systems

CTI is a business system that utilizes telephones, and a variety of options are available. Many may feel overwhelmed by the choices. 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 "widely 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, to provide you with information to select the CTI that suits your company. *For more detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• CTI Support Center

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, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Business Intelligence and Data Analysis
• 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 companies 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 receive consulting from experts while leveraging its functionalities. This article explains the reasons why consulting is necessary for successfully implementing and operating CRM/SFA. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System
• Management consultant/Small business consultant