Business Tip 20
How to ... Leverage Best Practices Templates

Templating for Efficiency

Deploying software that allows creation of sales analyses and data driven presentations is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it distributes the ability to all personnel in the organization to create charts and tables but, at the same time, can result in duplication of effort. To maximize the efficiency of using this type of software and avoid redundancy, Best in Class organizations are utilizing Best Practices Templates.

Best Practice templates are individual screens or entire presentations that have been identified as delivering one or more of the following:

• Analyses that provide insights

• Analyses that save time

• Presentations proven to evoke positive response from customers

• Information that allows for more efficient and effective management of the business

Ideally, Best Practice templates are identified early in the deployment of the software and become a focal point during program implementation and training. “Gate keepers” are then appointed to identify new templates that meet requirements. Sharing of these Best Practice templates is accomplished through web sites and newsletters.

• These templates help deliver several benefits to the organization

• Reduce effort to generate insights

• Raise the ability of the entire organization to deliver on customer needs

• Leverage individual expertise within the organization

• Speed up the response to retailer needs

Templates are organized around either common CATMAN steps or according to sales objectives.

Templates can be organized into Libraries based on CATMAN Go-To-Market Strategies

Software applications such as Interactive Edge’s XP3 Suite provide the platform to create, manage and distribute these Best practice templates.

The data, products and accounts depicted in this example are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual data, products or accounts is purely coincidental.