eSi: Frequently Asked Questions
for Manufacturers
What is eSi?
eSi –electronic sales information – replaces the paper reports that the
manufacturer sends to sales agencies, with electronic files that are quickly emailed
instead. It requires a simple change in process on the part of the manufacturer, who sends
information that’s already in its database, but in electronic format, versus printing
hard copy reports or invoices.
Back to top
What’s wrong with the way sales agencies receive information today?
Often, sales reps aren’t aware of a sale for weeks and in most cases, months,
afterward. As the main point of contact for customers, reps are expected to work with
current, accurate sales data; however, the process some factories use for getting out that
crucial data takes months. For example, a
sales invoice is dated January, but the customer pays the bill in March – the
standard 60-day window allowed without incurring a late fee. The factory reports March
sales at the end of the following month: April 25th. As a result, the sales
agency is not aware of the January sale until the end of April, or with postal delays, the
beginning of May. When the manufacturer sends information electronically, agencies get it
the same day: A vast improvement over waiting for postal mail.
Back to top
Why should I consider implementing it?
Manufacturers are the sole source of timely sales data. By sending electronic files,
you can get vital data to sales agencies in minutes, rather than weeks. Agencies will be
able to service accounts more effectively, and you’ll save money with reduced
postage, paper and staff costs.
Back to top
What paper would eSi replace?
You’re mailing one or more of the following to sales agencies: commission
statements, invoices and/or sales reports. This means the information is already in-house
in your database, so there is no creation of new data needed, just a switch to sending
electronically.
Back to top
What software does the manufacturer buy?
None. And no hardware, either. You do not need to purchase dynaMACS, or any other
agency software to electronically send information. The beauty of eSi is that it’s a
process, not a product. Manufacturers simply move from a printed reporting process, to an
electronic one.
Back to top
How much does eSi cost?
It doesn’t cost a cent. In fact, you save money, by:
- Eliminating postage and paper costs associates with mailing multi-page heavy printed
reports to many different agencies.
- Reducing administrative time, spent on preparing individual reports for each and every
sales agency – every month.
Back to top
What’s involved in implementation?
Your IT person does a one-time set-up of a report format – using the same
information already contained in your sales manager’s weekly sales report. After
that, your admin or sales assistant selects the reports and emails them to the respective
sales agencies.
Back to top
What report format do I use, and what information should be in the file?
Use a standard comma delimited (*.csv), Excel spreadsheet (*.xls) or ASCII text file
(*.txt). The file contains the same information found on your standard invoice or weekly
sales report – which is already in your database.
Back to top
|
