Q.
What are the primary differences between Matrix SalesCenter and
MatrixPlus?
A. Both products provide
comprehensive and flexible analysis and reporting capabilities
that are the hallmark of our technology. There are two main
differences:
- Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) – Matrix SalesCenter provides a more comprehensive
solution in this area, including functionality commonly found
in stand-alone CRM and sales management systems such as calendars,
contact lists, and activity logs, for instance.
- Architecture – Matrix
SalesCenter was built using Microsoft’s .NET platform
and Microsoft SQL for the database functionality, making it
a more scalable solution for large enterprises.
Q. Why are you such experts?
A. Matrix Solutions
was started by a media salesperson in 1992 who was saw an opportunity
to extend and enhance information provided from existing systems
to meet the specific needs of salespeople. Since that time,
we've added additional industry people to our team, as well
as people who are experts in data manipulation and analysis.
Working with thousands of media customers ensures that we are
current with market and organizational trends. And finally,
we don’t sell our solutions outside of the media market
segment, making us truly specialists in our area.
Q. What are the key elements in
your software that can help my organization better manage our
business?
A. From a single outlet
to a multi-media corporation, our products provide a single,
integrated database of advertiser intelligence that allows for
mass customization and consolidation of data currently stored
in multiple systems. Both Matrix SalesCenter and MatrixPlus
link qualitative details with a wide range of account analytics
to enable an organization to create more effective strategies
and formulate innovative programs. And Matrix SalesCenter extends
these benefits by providing an integrated customer relationship
management (CRM) component, eliminating the need to purchase
a separate CRM software solution.
Q. We get billing information
from our traffic / billing system. Why buy your software also?
A. The ability to cleanse
and group traffic and billing system data into useful information
specifically for salespeople (the “answers”) is
the primary reason that media organizations buy and use our
solutions. In addition, a traffic system does not contain prospect
information nor can it provide the flexibility to view the data
in ways that are conducive to accomplishing many tasks –
such as forecasting, NTR evaluation, Strategic Account Management
and various CRM functions.
Q: I have to pull information
from a variety of sources and put them into a spreadsheet. How
can your
software make this process more efficient?
A. Matrix Solutions
software works as a “hub of activity” for your sales
team. The ability to create custom reports, analytics, and a
personal task list provides each user with his/her own snapshot
of performance and activities at-a-glance to keep them on track.
Our software empower sales teams and managers by housing and
delivering all account performance and customer information
in a way that allows them to prioritize and put plans into action.
Q: My organization has outlets
all over the country. Can your software help us with the consolidation
of data?
A. Matrix SalesCenter
is an enterprise-ready strategic account solution. Financials
for multiple outlets, multiple revenue streams and multiple
business units reside in one database. Data is normalized across
properties so that regional and local variations are removed,
creating streamlined, apples-to-apples comparisons across the
enterprise. You can even allow outside sales organizations such
as national rep firms to access specific partitioned data that
will allow them to provide updated forecasting, activity and
other information.
Q: I need to frequently evaluate
the performance of my sales teams. How can your software help
me?
A. There are many capabilities
within both products that allow sales management to provide
both qualitative and quantitative feedback to sellers. Actual
sales to budgets, to forecasts and to historical pacing are
all available on one report. Forecast accuracy, attrition management
and business development analysis are available with a click
of the mouse. In addition, Matrix SalesCenter also contains
a robust CRM module that tracks activity, and provides calendaring
and contact management capabilities to further extend sales
team management.
Q: What does it take to get started?
A. Both products have
been designed to be effective immediately upon installation.
In fact, most of our customers realize an excellent return on
investment within several months of installation. Our staff
of experienced media consultants, technicians and trainers will
ensure that the database is configured according to needs and
business practices. It typically takes 9-12 weeks from initial
consultation to installation and training to have a functioning
system that adds tremendous value upon first use.
Q: Do I still need to buy a separate
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Sales Force Automation
(SFA) Systems if I buy your software?
A. Matrix SalesCenter
was specifically designed to incorporate the most widely-used
features of a customer relationship management (CRM) system
so that contact and activity management can be integrated with
analysis and reporting for the most comprehensive media
sales management solution available. General purpose
CRM systems are truly an “empty box” in comparison
to Matrix SalesCenter because they don’t provide any insight
on customer activity or trends.
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