A study by Sawfish Software has shown that SalesFlow customer relationship management solution can vastly reduce the headaches caused by covering colleagues’ work when they take a vacation.

The study revealed that, by using SalesFlow, staff found it easier and quicker to be up-to-speed with a colleague’s clients and on-going leads, enabling a smoother transfer of work during the holiday period.

The easy access to each client’s data, and updates on individual sales, was highlighted for enabling a rapid reaction to any query. Additionally the integrated document management system, which links all relevant documents to the account within the SalesFlow system, ensures access to all important paperwork. This is enhanced by the version control facility, giving staff a quick overview of any previous revisions or updates to documents.

Responses to the survey revealed that, by having access to all related information through the SalesFlow system, 74 per cent of staff questioned were more confident in continuing a colleague’s work in their absence. Meanwhile, in approximately 8 out of 10 cases, management responses reported continued levels of productivity, and team performance against targets.

Steve Hull, chief executive of Sawfish Software, said: “Many managers worry not only that productivity will slip during holiday periods, but also that clients may become disaffected by dealing with a sales rep who is unfamiliar with their account.

“SalesFlow provides all account information at the touch of a button, and this encourages confidence when responding to a colleague’s accounts. Equally well, responses from sales managers showed that team performance levels were not impacted upon by holidays.

“There was a high percentage of responses stating that SalesFlow proactively flags up any areas which needed extra attention, ensuring that leads were not dropped, and that management could offer the relevant support to the sales team.”