Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are gaining popularity. Nowadays CRM solution vendors offer CRM applications that integrate several aspects like marketing automation, sales automation, customer support, knowledge management, asset management and more.

CRM solutions are increasingly used in financial services market and among logistics providers.

In a recent development in this regard, Keypoint Software, a provider of broker logistics software, launched a new CRM package called Keypoint Broker CRM, designed specifically for transportation brokers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).

“Many brokerages see the value of a CRM,” said Steve Blair, Keypoint general manager, in a statement. “But the available systems are not specifically designed for the logistics segment of commercial trucking, so they are often too complex and expensive.”

The new CRM solution is designed to help transportation brokers manage their shipper relationships and integrate them seamlessly into the Keypoint Transportation Management Software (TMS). Direct integration with the TMS helps brokerages identify the type and timing of sales activities that best maintain and grow shipper relationships.

The new CRM package features single-screen summary of all sales-related activities. The solution helps brokers and 3PLs track sales and account management processes including inbound/outbound calls, emails, meetings, tasks and quotes.

Managers can also analyze their business units’ sales funnel at a glance, and benchmark staff performance.

The Keypoint Broker CRM solution will be available in August.

Cloud CRM solutions are gaining popularity in government departments as well. The U.S. Department of Commerce is looking into a cloud CRM solution. According to the official GovWin blog, the Commerce Department is investigating the purchase of cloud CRM in order to replace the "multiple stovepipe systems" that are currently in place.

In light of recent budget tightening and federal initiatives to use shared services, a cloud CRM solution such as Soffront Enterprise CRM would be ideal.


Edited by Rachel Ramsey