Sofon Connect: integrations with CRM, ERP, CAD and PDM
25 November 2011
Organizations are naturally hesitant and nervous about interfaces and integrations because of less than pleasant experiences with other suppliers in the past. However, integrations are a daily business for Sofon. Almost every Sofon implementation includes one or more Connectors.
Implementation time
The implementation time depends on complexity and customer-specific requirements. Interfaces are well organized and much easier because Sofon strives only to support – or only exchange data – pertaining to the processes that are strictly necessary to achieve goals set. The current technical possibilities have made interfacing much easier. Realization takes place as much as possible parallel to model-building, so that implementation cycle time is not unnecessarily prolonged.
Sofon Connect
Sofon Connect makes integration with other systems easy. This possibility is based on various technological standards, such as XML , API’s and web services* . Integrations are realized with ERP, CRM, CAD and PDM systems. Based on Sofon Connect, we build so-called Connectors to other packages:
- ERP connectors are available for, among other systems, Infor ERP LN/Baan, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and AX, QAD MFG/Pro and SAP.
- CRM connectors are realized for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Siebel, Salesforce.com and Update.Seven.
- Client-specific integrations have been developed for various PDM systems (such as Teamcenter and SmarTeam). Integrations are also built regularly for custom-made systems.
Methods
The process the user goes through can almost always be split into two categories:
- Starting from ERP/CRM/CAD
- Starting from Sofon. We offer solutions for both methods.
Starting from CRM
If you start from CRM, the opportunity is the starting point. Within the opportunity, an initial or a follow-up quotation is produced. Information from the opportunity (such as customer data) is used in the quotation. Information originating from the quotation is saved in the opportunity and a PDF document of the quotation is attached to the opportunity.
Starting from ERP
If we start from ERP this usually originates from a quotation or an order. This can be at the level of an order line or a complete order. In the first case, only one article is configured. In the last case a complete quotation or order is put together in Sofon. The result is then saved to the ERP quotation or ERP order.
Starting from CAD
In a CAD scenario, it can be desirable to start with a lay-out drawing in CAD, after which the various parts of the lay-out are configured in Sofon. Data from the lay-out components in question can be entered into Sofon, so that only the detailed questions need to be further answered in Sofon.
Starting from Sofon
In these situations, Sofon leads the quotation process. The quotation or order is generated in Sofon. The acceptance of a complete order usually occurs when the order specifications are passed on to ERP/PDM/CAD. This variant offers the possibility of using Sofon offline and passing on order data when the user is online. Another advantage is that sales reps do not need to work with an ERP system.
Saving information
Information does not need to be saved more than once, e.g. in Sofon and in ERP. Information is entered only once. Shared information usually concerns article and client data, but can also include prices or other information. One of the systems is the source. The other systems are periodically (immediately, every hour, day, week or month) brought up to date. Sofon usually adjusts to data delivered from the other system. By saving information in Sofon, it is possible to work offline.
Do you have any questions about integration? Do not hesitate and post your question!
* Technology explained:
XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language and is a standard for showing structured data in the form of ordinary text. This representation is both readable for search engines and people.
API stands for Application Programming Interface. Interface with which software can communicate with other (standard) software packages.
In a web service, an API of an application is made available for another application.
Marijn Schouten is Director Business Development at Sofon - supplier of sales support software. As Marijn has a lot of contact with clients, he has a clear insight into how companies that deliver customer-specific products and services can realize improvements within their sales and quotation process.
Comments
I always like to have a read about such things, my blog is related if you want to have a look round it please feel free. I have added yours to my bookmarks.
I really appreciate what you post. You have a new subscriber now.
