ソフトブレーン List of Products and Services

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 outcomes, 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 more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Inside sales is a method of interacting with customers through phone calls, emails, and other means without visiting them in person. The appeal lies in the ability to conduct sales activities for many companies while remaining within the office. On the other hand, there are many tools that support inside sales. As a result, many people may not know which tools to use or how to use them effectively. This article thoroughly analyzes the features and functions of 25 types of tools that are useful for inside sales, providing information to help you choose the right tools for 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.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Task management is, quite literally, the management of tasks. To put it simply, it involves identifying the necessary work to complete a certain job and progressing daily operations according to their importance and priority. This time, while explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various task management methods, we have prepared a task management selection comparison sheet to clearly explain which tools are the best to use. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Other operation management software

The Japanese market is experiencing a declining labor force population. Many companies are troubled by labor shortages, and what should be focused on is "productivity improvement." By improving productivity, we can expect effects such as increased operational efficiency, expanded sales, reduced employee working hours, and enhanced motivation towards work. Instead of being satisfied with existing corporate structures and evaluation systems, let’s actively strive for productivity improvement. This article will explain the basic knowledge of work style reform and productivity improvement, as well as the key points and specific initiatives for successfully enhancing productivity. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Management Seminar

Due to labor shortages and the promotion of work style reforms, many companies are currently at a turning point in changing their employees' work environments. One aspect of this is the movement to shift sales department operations to telework (remote work). However, for companies that have traditionally conducted most of their sales processes through face-to-face interactions and visits with customers, sudden changes may be challenging. In this article, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of conducting sales via telework, as well as the steps and points to keep in mind when implementing it. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more details.*

• Web/Video Conference

In recent years, we often hear about "work style reform." How is your company addressing this issue? Many companies are advancing their initiatives for work style reform, and it seems that they are making progress in reducing overtime hours and implementing remote work. However, on the other hand, there may be few companies that have actually achieved the goal of allowing "various people to thrive in ways that suit them." In this article, I would like to discuss organizational revitalization while focusing on "organizational development," which is expected to be the next step in work style reform. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.*

• Management Seminar

ITR Corporation announced that the market size for engagement in the "Human Resources and Talent Management Market 2020" is expanding. This time, we will explain engagement, which is gaining attention in the business world. Please read on to understand everything from its necessity to practical methods. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• Other information systems

Currently, companies have accumulated vast amounts of data, and utilizing this data has become a very important issue. Most companies are likely managing and analyzing customer information using Excel, aren't they? This time, I have summarized the basic operations of the Analysis Tool, which is an add-in for Excel, as well as what can be done with the Analysis Tool. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Business Intelligence and Data Analysis

Did you know that by utilizing step emails in email marketing, you can nurture potential customers? This time, I will clearly explain how to use step emails. In this article, I will also introduce examples of step emails, so please feel free to use them as a reference. *For more detailed information, you can view it through the related links. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Email/Fax transmission

Mynavi Corporation (Student Window Division), which develops advertising and marketing businesses targeting young people, primarily university students. As the urgent need for integration with a new accounting system arose, they also faced challenges in sales management and administrative tasks. What results were achieved by the collaboration between Mynavi Student Window and Softbrain? We will thoroughly analyze the sales DX strategy centered on sales tech (CRM/SFA). *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Sales Skills Seminar

As the labor force decreases and the domestic market shrinks rapidly, the government has recently been leading the promotion of "work style reform." One approach that should be introduced is "seminar sales," a type of inside sales. Seminar sales are said to be a sales style that aligns with work style reform and allows for effective and efficient sales. This article will explain what seminar sales are, the background that necessitates them, methods for achieving results, and more efficient sales methods that combine IT technology. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Technical Seminar
• SFA/Sales Support System

No matter how large a company is in terms of employee numbers, if its productivity is low, it can only generate profits comparable to those of small and medium-sized enterprises. Conversely, even with fewer employees, it is possible for a company to create significant added value. Improving productivity is an important challenge for companies. To enhance productivity, it is necessary to consider the improvement of each employee's labor productivity and the relevant indicators. In this article, we will explain in detail how to increase labor productivity and establish appropriate productivity indicators. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Do you know what lead nurturing means and what benefits it has? While there are many companies that have succeeded with lead nurturing, the strategies can be complex and not straightforward. However, the impact when successful is significant, and failing to engage in it may allow competitors to rise. In this article, we will introduce an overview of nurturing and specific methods. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Several months have passed since the declaration of a state of emergency 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 provide hints for developing marketing strategies in response. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Management Seminar

To improve productivity and performance within the company, smooth information sharing and revitalization of communication within the organization are essential. Effective measures for this include the introduction of "CRM/SFA" and "chat tools." "Chat tools" are communication tools that can be used anywhere, and they have been adopted by many companies as suitable means of communication in modern times. However, what positive impacts do they have on performance compared to the introduction of CRM/SFA or before actual implementation? In this article, we summarize which is more suitable for business, "CRM/SFA" or "chat tools," and which contributes to performance improvement. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related link. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Since the advent of the internet, methods of attracting customers have changed dramatically from traditional methods. While many understand the importance of web marketing, there are likely many who do not know where to start or feel unsure about how web marketing differs from traditional marketing. The web industry is one that undergoes rapid changes, so if you leave things as they are because you don't understand, you will quickly be left behind. This article will introduce what web marketing is and the key points that management should check to improve performance. *For more detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

"I feel limited by customer management in Excel." "What customer management system should I choose?" This article addresses companies that have such concerns and questions by explaining the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a customer management system, as well as how to choose one. Additionally, we will introduce recommended customer management systems. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Other information systems

To increase sales performance, it is effective to encourage customers to purchase higher-priced products, thereby uniformly raising the customer unit price. However, to raise the customer unit price or encourage switching, sales skills and know-how are necessary. In this context, an effective marketing strategy is the method known as "upselling." This article will focus on the basic information that should be understood when implementing upselling, key points for its introduction, and examples of successful and unsuccessful initiatives. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

In recent years, SFA (Sales Force Automation) systems have once again attracted attention as solutions for strengthening sales capabilities and improving operational efficiency. Although various SFA tools are currently available, many may be unsure about which tool to choose. In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of implementing SFA (Sales Support Systems/Tools), as well as key points for selecting tools that will help avoid failure, taking into account the reasons for unsuccessful SFA implementations. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

This column introduces a "seminar report" on know-how that helps strengthen sales capabilities. In the seminar titled "Achieving a Little Contact Center that Reduces Frustration for Sales Employees through Division of Labor Using CRM," we explain the concept of division of labor and the approach to task sorting. Additionally, we present various seminar reports such as "How to Make After-Sales Service Profitable and Achieve a 10% Operating Profit Margin?" and "Sales DX Strategy Centered on Sales Tech at Mynavi Corporation." *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• Sales Skills Seminar
• Management Skills Seminar
• Management Seminar

If you have experience in management, you likely have faced the struggle of developing your subordinates not going as planned. It is also a common story that a salesperson who achieves excellent results is entrusted with management, but when it comes to developing subordinates, they may not succeed and end up unable to demonstrate their abilities as a manager. This is a wall that one encounters early on when stepping into a management role. This time, as a method to break through such a wall, I will introduce a subordinate development method using "talk scripts." *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• Workflow System

Customer management is a crucial element in improving performance, and building good customer relationships and enhancing satisfaction lead to long-term results. However, customer management is not easy, and there are challenges such as information collection and management, as well as effective communication. While "business card information" is essential for customer management, can managing business cards alone lead to achieving performance goals? In this article, we will explain the selection of suitable customer management tools through a comparison of "CRM/SFA" and "business card management tools." *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

On February 28, 2023, our company held an online seminar titled "Achieving Division of Labor with CRM! Creating a Mini Contact Center to Reduce Frustration for Sales Employees." In this seminar, we explained the "Approach to Division of Labor and Task Sorting for Sales Employees to Focus on Their Core Duties," "Specialization of Support Tasks for Sales Employees," and "Key Points for Creating a Mini Contact Center Using CRM." Here is a summary of the seminar. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Sales Skills Seminar
• Business Skills Seminar

I went to give a lecture at a well-known, reputable company. I argued that the sales reports should minimize the written parts, quantify sales information, and conduct real-time knowledge management to provide a clear overall picture of sales. However, I received strong opposition from the managerial class. They said, "Our company exists today because seniors have educated juniors through daily reports of several thousand characters." *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Overtime is a common issue faced by many companies. In a world where long working hours are often seen as a sign of diligence, there are indeed companies that suffer significant damage due to overtime. Discussions about labor have become a regular feature on television and other media, making it clear that the issue of overtime is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. We need to rethink our perceptions of traditional working styles and explore the causes and solutions to the overtime issue so that we and those around us can truly work in a better way. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Microsoft's application service for business efficiency, "Dynamics 365." Dynamics 365 not only enables centralized customer management as a Sales Force Automation (SFA) tool, but it also allows for smooth extraction of customer information, data analysis, and integration with Microsoft products, making it an essential system for automating and streamlining sales activities. However, just because the service is efficient and highly convenient does not necessarily mean it matches the needs of all companies. In this article, we will discuss the reputation and reviews of Microsoft Dynamics 365, as well as its pricing and key points for implementation. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

This article clearly explains the features (advantages and disadvantages) of webinars, how to hold them, and tips for hosting seminars that will satisfy participants. By reading this article, you will come to understand the various scenarios in which webinars can be utilized, so if you want to learn about methods for attracting customers in the new normal era, please refer to it. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• Technical Seminar
• Distance learning/E-learning

Many companies are struggling with questions about which tools are recommended for telework and what is lacking. This reflects the current situation where telework has not been successful or there are multiple challenges. In fact, the necessary tools for telework can be categorized, and there are established, proven tools in each category. Therefore, we will introduce 21 carefully selected telework tools from our company, which has improved productivity for over 7,500 companies, organized into 8 (+2) categories. Knowing the necessary tools will undoubtedly lead to better telework, so please use this as a reference. *For more detailed information, you can view it through the related links. Feel free to contact us for more details.*

• SFA/Sales Support System
• Web/Video Conference

In order for companies to achieve their sales and profit goals and continue to grow, it is necessary to develop a sales strategy. However, many may not know how to create an effective sales strategy. To devise a strategy that leads to results, it is important to first learn the methods involved. In this article, we will take a closer look at what a sales strategy is, what is important when formulating a strategy, and recommend books that are helpful for studying sales strategy development. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• Technical and Reference Books
• SFA/Sales Support System

The term "work style transformation" has become increasingly visible in various contexts. However, much of it revolves around discussions on how to achieve flexibility in working locations and hours, or promoting mobile work, focusing on "what kind of work style should be aimed for." In essence, work style transformation is merely a means to achieve a goal, and the work style to be pursued changes depending on the objective. Yet, it often tends to become a vague "general discussion" with scattered purposes. Therefore, rather than such a "general discussion," I would like to talk about a "specific" work style transformation aimed at "increasing sales." *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

This column introduces "work style reform" that helps strengthen sales capabilities. In "DX in manufacturing starts with understanding the current situation!", we provide a thorough explanation along with case studies and the necessity. In "Does a three-day workweek bring happiness?", we discuss the challenges in the sales field to maintain productivity. Additionally, we present articles on various work style reforms, such as "What is job-based employment?" and "Is the belief that things won't go well without face-to-face meetings just a misconception?" *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Web/Video Conference

Generally, lead time refers to the time required from the ordering (initiation) of a product to its delivery (completion). In sales activities, the meaning differs, and the process from door knocking to order receipt is referred to as lead time. By shortening the lead time in sales, it is possible not only to prevent prospects (potential customers) from dropping out but also to lead to order acquisition and increased sales. This article will explain the causes of prolonged lead time in negotiations and orders, as well as the benefits and key points of shortening it, and the sales methods and tools that should be implemented. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.

• SFA/Sales Support System

The "customer list" is said to be an asset in business itself. By effectively utilizing the customer list, there are benefits such as being able to turn customers into fans of the company or product. Once you capture the hearts of customers and turn them into fans of the company or product, it will ultimately lead to an increase in sales. Therefore, this time, we will explain how to manage the customer list and specifically how to utilize it. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

An "API" is an interface that expands functionality by connecting software and programs with each other. By integrating APIs, it becomes possible to improve business efficiency, and cost reduction as well as enhanced user convenience can be expected. This article will explain the meaning of APIs, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to utilize them. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Other information systems

If business improvement goes well, it is not a dream that operations can become dozens of times more efficient than the current state. However, it can be said that the likelihood of success is very low if business improvement is implemented blindly. Business improvement requires a calm analysis of the current situation and an awareness of the problems. While it may sound easy when heard in words, it is quite challenging to execute in practice. To ensure the success of business improvement, let's grasp the key points that lead to success and carry out the improvements effectively. *For more details on the column, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Daily report management is a fundamental daily task for company employees who travel frequently, such as sales representatives and consultants, to share information within the company. However, the process of creating daily reports through document preparation and email reporting by sales representatives can be cumbersome, and it is also challenging for supervisors and other internal stakeholders to grasp the content of the reports they receive. Therefore, we will introduce the benefits of a daily report management system that can help streamline daily reporting tasks. We recommend considering the implementation of such a system. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• Other operation management software

"ERP is essential for management" and "Successful companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, have been using ERP for many years" are phrases we are increasingly hearing. However, many may still be unclear about what ERP actually does and what benefits it offers. In this context, our company, which has implemented various tools including ERP in over 7,000 companies, will explain what ERP is and what advantages come with its implementation. Understanding whether to implement ERP can serve as a catalyst for sustaining your business in an uncertain era, so please take your time to read this thoroughly. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• Other production management systems
• Production Management System
• Sales Management

An internal social networking service (SNS) refers to the use of communication tools within a company that have the format of social networking services like Facebook, LINE, or Twitter. It allows for the sharing of records, discussions, edits, photo documents, or data with internal members, and if used effectively, it can address many challenges faced by companies. Companies struggling with quick information sharing or detailed HR feedback, as well as those having difficulties with daily report creation, may find that implementing an internal SNS can help solve these issues. In this article, we will provide an overview of internal SNS, representative tools, the challenges it can solve, and effective ways to use it. *For more detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

• Corporate information portal/groupware

People who often work outside the office, such as sales representatives, are often required to create daily reports. Among these individuals, there may be those who do not fully understand how to write a daily report or want to learn effective writing methods. It is also important for business owners and managers to support employees who have such concerns. For those individuals, we will share the basic points of daily reports, efficient writing methods, and the significance of writing daily reports. Additionally, we will introduce recommended daily report management systems. *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

In the business field, customer management using CRM tools is becoming more common. CRM tools can be broadly divided into two types: on-premises and cloud-based. On-premises CRM refers to the type of CRM that is built and operated on the company's own servers. In contrast, the use of cloud services, where CRM is utilized on external servers, is currently advancing. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the comparison and selection points when implementing CRM in relation to the cloud. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Other information systems

In the future, sales must focus on streamlining operations as much as possible and addressing customer challenges, which is the most important task. In this article, we will introduce tools equipped with AI and technology that can help with this, categorized into the following five types for each sales step: 1. Lead list creation tools 2. Lead nurturing tools 3. Telemarketing and phone response tools 4. Sales and negotiation support tools 5. Online meeting tools *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

• SFA/Sales Support System

Data-driven has now become an essential business process for sales activities. This time, we will revisit what data-driven means, the reasons why it is necessary for sales activities, its advantages and disadvantages, and the steps to incorporate data-driven approaches. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.*

• SFA/Sales Support System

Among companies aiming for excellent results, process management is currently attracting attention. By implementing process management, it is possible to achieve desired outcomes in a shorter period and visualize challenges to success. This article clarifies the overview and objectives of process management, and explains methods and points to consider regarding process management. Please use this to enhance the quality of sales activities and achieve sales targets. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.

• SFA/Sales Support System

A web conference is one of the remote meeting systems suitable for communication with employees who are far away. Unlike video conferencing, it does not require expensive dedicated equipment, and as long as there is an internet connection, anyone can participate. It can also be applied to seminars and online business negotiations. It is essential for responding to work style reforms and digital transformation (DX), so it is definitely a system that you want to understand in detail right now. Therefore, in this article, I will explain video conferencing in an easy-to-understand manner so that you can explain it to others just by reading this article. *For detailed content of the column, you can view it through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• Corporate information portal/groupware

Are you considering the introduction of a flexible working hours system at your company? Once implemented, are you able to manage it effectively? Many people may be wondering, "Is the flexible system really useful?" and "What should we do?" This time, we will explain in detail the knowledge that is helpful for operation and the key points for building a system. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

• Personnel and Labor