Streamline New Meter Installations with Contract Management Software

Energy suppliers and brokers have never faced the level of increasing competition and pressure to streamline their operations as they are right now. Among the many challenges, one persistent obstacle is the process of new metre installations, which has traditionally been slow, manual, and heavily reliant on email communication. This inefficient process hampers the ability of suppliers to quickly secure new business and capitalise on emerging opportunities. However, with the launch of "New Connections," energy management software is about to see a big change.

Manual Processes Slowing Down Your Business Are a Big Problem

Efficiency and accuracy are crucial in the energy sector, however, the traditional approach to new metre installations presents significant challenges, as it involves a highly manual process that is both slow and prone to errors. This outdated method encompasses several cumbersome steps, from contract generation to credit cheques, and relies heavily on email communication.

So Many Manual Steps

The typical process for new metre installations begins with contract generation. This step requires meticulous attention to detail, as each contract must align with the specific terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties involved. The manual nature of this process necessitates extensive email communication, where draughts are sent back and forth for approval, leading to delays and miscommunication.

Next, the credit cheque process kicks in, which also relies on manual efforts to collect and verify client information. This step often requires extensive documentation and cross-referencing, further slowing down the process.

Finally, once the contracts are approved and credit cheques completed, the data must be manually entered into various systems for tracking and compliance. This manual entry is not only time-consuming but also susceptible to errors, which can have cascading effects on the rest of the process.

So Many Drawbacks

The drawbacks of this manual approach are significant and multifaceted:

• Time-Consuming Steps: The constant back-and-forth communication, manual contract generation, and lengthy credit cheques lead to prolonged turnaround times. This can delay the installation of new metres and ultimately slow down business operations.
• High Potential for Errors: Manual processes are inherently prone to mistakes. A simple typo or oversight in contract terms can lead to costly errors and misunderstandings, impacting client relationships and business reputation.
• Difficulty in Tracking Performance: The reliance on email communication for contract approvals and credit cheques makes it challenging for suppliers to accurately track broker performance. Using the number of emails exchanged as a measure of productivity is inefficient and unreliable, leading to a lack of clarity and transparency in the overall process.

This cumbersome process creates significant barriers for suppliers and brokers seeking to expand their reach and secure new business. The inefficiencies and potential for errors not only hinder growth but also jeopardise the ability to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

The Solution is Contract Management Software and Automation

To address the challenges associated with traditional new metre installation processes, Sales360 introduces its innovative "New Connections" feature, set to launch in June. This new feature redefines how energy suppliers and brokers manage the process, transforming a previously manual and error-prone system into a seamless, automated journey. Here's an in-depth look at how "New Connections" revolutionises the new metre installation process:

Automatic Contract Generation and Credit cheques

One of the most time-consuming steps in the traditional process is contract generation. With "New Connections," this task is automated, eliminating the need for manual draughting and endless email threads. Contracts are automatically generated based on predefined templates and business rules, ensuring consistency and reducing the potential for errors.

Additionally, the credit cheque process is automated within Sales360. This automation accelerates the entire procedure, allowing for faster approvals and reducing the risk of inaccuracies that can occur with manual processing. Suppliers and brokers can now handle a higher volume of new metre installations without compromising accuracy or efficiency.

Streamlined Communication Channels within Sales360

The reliance on email communication in the traditional process often leads to delays and miscommunication. "New Connections" addresses this by centralising all communication within the Sales360 platform. This centralised approach streamlines interactions between suppliers and brokers, making the entire process more transparent and efficient.

With streamlined communication, approvals and verifications are completed faster, reducing the time it takes to move from contract generation to actual metre installation. This enhanced communication not only speeds up operations but also fosters a more collaborative environment, allowing all parties to stay on the same page throughout the process.

Benefits of the New Connections Feature

The "New Connections" feature within Sales360 is set to revolutionise the way energy brokers and suppliers manage new metre installations. This innovative solution offers a wide range of benefits that streamline operations, reduce manual labour, and enhance the overall efficiency of the process. Let's explore the specific advantages that this feature brings to both brokers and suppliers.

Significant Time Savings

Traditional new metre installations involve multiple manual steps, leading to considerable time delays. With "New Connections," the entire process is automated, reducing the reliance on manual labour. This significant time saving allows teams to focus on more strategic and value-added tasks, contributing to a more productive work environment.

By automating contract generation, credit cheques, and communication, "New Connections" accelerates the entire process, enabling quicker turnarounds and reducing the workload on teams.

Increased Accuracy and Efficiency

Manual processes are inherently prone to errors, which can lead to miscommunications and costly corrections. With "New Connections," automated workflows significantly diminish the risk of errors, resulting in a smoother and more efficient process. This improved accuracy ensures that suppliers can maintain a higher level of service quality and reliability.

• Reduced Risk of Errors: Automated contract generation and credit cheques minimise the chances of mistakes, leading to a more seamless workflow and reducing the need for rework.
• Improved Efficiency: The streamlined approach allows for quicker processing, ensuring that new metre installations are completed in a timely manner.

Enhanced Scalability and Flexibility

As the energy market grows, suppliers need the ability to scale their operations to meet increasing demands. "New Connections" facilitates this by allowing suppliers to handle a higher volume of new site connections without compromising quality or efficiency. This enhanced scalability positions suppliers to win more business and explore new opportunities.

• Capacity for Growth: The automation and streamlined processes make it easier for suppliers to expand their operations, handling more new metre installations without additional strain on resources.
• Flexible Solutions: The ability to customise processes and workflows ensures that "New Connections" can adapt to the unique needs of different suppliers, offering a tailored approach to scalability.

Improved Tracking and Reporting

Accurate tracking and reporting are essential for monitoring performance and making informed business decisions. "New Connections" offers automatic reports on new connection submissions and contracts, providing a reliable method for tracking progress and performance. This feature helps suppliers and brokers to make data-driven decisions, enhancing their ability to optimise operations and increase profitability.

• Automatic Reporting: The feature generates automatic reports, eliminating the need for manual tracking and offering a more transparent view of the process.
• Data-Driven Decisions: With improved tracking and reporting, suppliers can analyse performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions that drive business growth.

Anticipated Outcomes

The impact of the "New Connections" feature is expected to be transformative. Suppliers can look forward to:

• Winning More Business: With streamlined operations, suppliers can respond faster to new opportunities and attract more customers.
• Increased Broker Commissions: As the process becomes more efficient, brokers can earn more commissions due to the increased volume of new connections.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Automation helps cut down on manual labour and overhead, leading to significant cost savings.

Revolutionise Your Energy Contract Management

Innovation is crucial in the energy sector, and Sales360's "New Connections" feature is set to bring about a significant shift in how new metre installations are managed. By automating key processes, suppliers, and brokers can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. The benefits are clear: faster operations, reduced errors, and a more competitive position in the market.

As the industry prepares for this exciting development, we invite you to explore how "New Connections" can revolutionise your business. Book a demo with us to learn more about this game-changing energy management software and discover how it can transform your approach to contract management and new metre installations.