CRM/ERP/CAD/PDM Integration
Sofon Guided Selling speeds up, simplifies and improves the quality of sales processes and sales documents. This result can only be achieved if optimum use is made of the information already available in other systems and if information generated in Sofon is delivered to these other systems.
Sofon is an open system that exchanges information easily -- primarily through XML -- with other systems.
Integration with CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Although Sofon also provides a complete CRM solution, in situations where a customer already has a CRM, Sofon can be easily integrated. Typically, the link between the systems mean that data relating to prospects, customers, contacts, activities and opportunities are kept up to date in the CRM system. If a quotation needs to be drawn up, Sofon is launched from the CRM system and fed with all the information relevant for this quotation, such as customer data and price agreements. Once the quotation has been produced, Sofon sends back the information relevant for the CRM system, such as the total price and data relating to the version of the quotation. This ensures that a quotation can be found again easily in the future. In addition, Sofon delivers the complete quotation in PDF format, allowing it to be stored as an attachment with the opportunity.
Integration with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
The integration between ERP and Sofon ensures that orders drawn up in Sofon are transferred fully into the ERP system, including bills of materials, routings and costs. This means that the ERP system has access to all the data needed to allow production, delivery and invoicing to take place. As the ERP system often forms the basis for a great deal of company-wide information – such as customer and article data – Sofon makes use of this data.
Integration with PDM (Product Data Management)
An increasing number of companies are using a PDM system to maintain article data, product specifications, drawings and other information centrally. Sofon makes use of all the relevant information in a PDM system. If PDM is used for the specification of customer-specific products, the information that becomes available from Sofon orders can be delivered to PDM.
Integration with CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Information from CAD systems can be read into Sofon as a basis for a new configuration. In addition, Sofon can deliver information that is used in CAD to produce a parametric drawing. This drawing can then be worked on in the CAD system.
Integration with other systems, such as Microsoft Office
Thanks to the open nature of Sofon, it is easy to make use of information in existing systems that is relevant for Sofon, such as price information in Microsoft Excel files. Sofon’s CRM system integrates with Microsoft Office and, in particular, with contacts, agendas, tasks and e-mail.