Latest] 25 recommended tools for business efficiency! Thorough explanation of types, how to choose, and cautions!

What are business efficiency tools?

Business efficiency tools refer to various appapplications and systems used by companies and organizations to improve productivity and reduce costs. The introduction of business efficiency tools not only improves productivity and efficiency, but also increases employee job satisfaction and motivation by eliminating the "manpower shortage problem" and "work specialization," which we often hear about in recent years.

25 recommended business efficiency tools by business type

Recommended tools to improve operational efficiency in sales

1. [CRM/SFA] UPWARD (UPWARD Corporation)
‍" UPWARD" is a mobile appthat maximizes the value of CRM and SFA for outside and in-home sales. It provides various support functions by linking with CRMs such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics365 based on the concept of "storing and utilizing" customer data.  

By utilizing "UPWARD," customer data such as customer profile information, business meeting history, activity reports, and business card information can be semi-automatically stored in CRM with a single smartphone. When the person in charge in the field creates a daily sales report or activity report, not only is the report format automatically created on "UPWARD", but also voice input support allows easy reporting in spare time.

The data entered daily is visualized on a map, and the color and size of the markers help the user intuitively identify the next customer to be visited. UPWARD" is a sales tool that has been carefully designed to be easy to use for frontline salespeople involved in door-to-door sales and outbound sales. digital transformation

For more detailed information, you can download our service brochure at the following URL.
Click here to download the documents.

2.[CRM/SFA] Mazrica Sales (Mazrica Corporation)
‍" Mazrica Sales" is a CRM and SFA tool. It is an easy-to-use tool that allows for the integrated management of all information necessary for sales management, including customer information, business cards, and case progress management. As one of its main features, it also supports appapplications for smartphones, allowing outside and visiting sales representatives to input activity report information in the field. It also includes AI functions, such as the ability for AI to analyze risks related to deals and directly advise on information about similar deals.
Click here for the official Mazrica Sales website

3. [CRM/SFA] e-Sales Manager Remix Cloud (Softbrain Corporation)
‍" e-Sales Manager Remix Cloud" is a CRM/SFA tool provided by Softbrain Corporation. It is equipped with many intuitive and useful functions such as customer management, case management, daily report management, and business card digitization. There are also many functions that can be linked, so companies that have already introduced a variety of tools can expect further synergy effects through tool integration.
Click here for the e-Sales Manager Remix Cloud official website

4.[CRM] Sales Cloud (Salesforce)
‍" Sales Cloud" is a cloud-based sales support system provided by Salesforce, the world's leading CRM company. Through Sales Cloud, it is equipped with functions such as customer management, deal management, and sales activity analysis. Sales Cloud is also characterized by its high degree of customization flexibility, which allows it to be used by a wide range of companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.
Click here for the official Sales Cloud website

5.[CRM] Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Microsoft)
‍" Microsoft Dynamics 365" is a sales support tool provided by Microsoft. This tool has all the functions necessary for customer management, including customer management, negotiation management, competition management, and competitive analysis. It also has an AI assistant function, a function to reply to emails, and a function to retrieve relevant information from office products such as SharePoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
Click here to visit the official Microsoft Dynamics 365 website ‍

6.[SFA] Hot Profile (Hammock Corporation)
‍" Hot Profile" is a cloud-based business card management and SFA tool. It unifies new business development, business card management, and sales support as business processes to increase productivity of sales activities and improve sales. It is loaded with useful functions to improve the quality of sales activities, such as business card databasing, visualization of human connections, and automatic assignment of corporate attribute information. Visualize sales in multiple segments for easy sales forecasting. Necessary information such as company information, company news, and e-mail history can also be instantly grasped.
Click here for the official Hotprofile website  

7.[SFA] VyNDEX (WingArc 1st Corporation)
‍" VyNDEX" is a convenient SFA tool that allows editing information in the system from Excel. It allows users to search, refine, and sort data in SFA using familiar Excel, and can also easily handle batch maintenance and input of data. This SFA tool is useful for companies that have been managing sales data and customer information on Excel. In addition, since large amounts of customer information and negotiation data can be efficiently updated through batch maintenance, it is possible to shorten the time required for work and to work offline.
Click here for the official VyNDEX website

8. [Business card management tool] Sansan (Sansan Corporation)
‍" Sansan" is a cloud-based business card management tool for corporate users, with more than 1 million company information pre-registered, and a wide range of functions not only as a business card management tool but also as a CRM, including email distribution functions. It is equipped with a wide range of functions, not only as a business card management tool, but also as a CRM, such as email distribution. Sansan can be used to centrally manage all customer information necessary for sales activities, and can also be integrated with CRM Salesforce.
Click here for the official Sansan website

9.[Business card management tool] myBridge (MyBridge Corporation)
‍MyBridge is a business card management tool. It easily reads business card information with a smartphone camera and centrally manages the data in the cloud. It frees you from the stress of data entry of business card information and allows you to easily accumulate customer information. Security measures also comply with international standards (ISO) for information protection.
Click here for the myBridge official website

Recommended tools for business efficiency in marketing

10.[MA] SATORI (SATORI Corporation)
‍" SATORI" is an MA tool that has been implemented by more than 1,500 companies. It has strong features for customer acquisition, and is excellent for approaching not only real-name customers but also anonymous prospects, utilizing behavioral history on the website to create business opportunities for anonymous leads and acquire more potential customers. The simple interface is easy to use. The support system is also attractive from the pre-introduction phase to the operation phase.
Click here for the official SATORI website

11.[MA] Adobe Marketo Engage (Adobe Corporation)
‍" Adobe Marketo Engage" is a globally used MA tool. It allows you to quickly build and deploy campaigns, nurture prospects across channels, and create personalized content such as emails and landing pages. It can build optimal customer experiences by accumulating and utilizing a wide range of behavioral data and connecting it to appropriate and timely approaches. Through sending high-quality prospects to your customers, you can strengthen the collaboration between sales and marketing.
Click here for the official Adobe Marketo Engage website  

Recommended tools for business efficiency in task management  

12.Asana (Asana, Inc.)
‍Asana is a specialized project and task management tool used by more than one million teams in over 190 countries worldwide. Asana's features include the ability to assign and categorize tasks and projects, set milestones, and visualize the progress of tasks and projects. Progress is reflected in real time, which can help to identify employee workloads and potential issues. In addition, the system includes a useful function for managers to manage multiple projects at once.
Click here for Asana's official website

13. monday.com (monday.Com Ltd)
‍monday.com is an all-in-one business management tool for managing tasks, projects and team collaboration. It contributes to team collaboration and productivity by centralizing all workflows, processes, tools, and communications for your company's operations. Although it is a foreign-owned tool, it offers a 14-day free trial, so you can easily try the tool.
Click here for the official website of monday.com

Recommended tools to improve operational efficiency in the back office

14.[Human Resources] SmartHR (SmartHR, Inc.)
‍SmartHR is a cloud-based business efficiency tool to streamline tasks around human resources.
SmartHR's main functions include attendance management, such as clocking in and out, payroll and overtime applications, and a payroll calculation function that automates the calculation of social insurance premiums and taxes through simple operations from a smartphone or PC. SmartHR also has a labor management function that facilitates procedures such as year-end adjustments and employment contracts, etc. By implementing SmartHR, HR-related work can be completed online, making it possible to go paperless and leading to a significant reduction in man-hours.
Click here for the official SmartHR website

15.[Expense Reimbursement] Cloud-based Expense Reimbursement System "Rakuraku Seikatsu" (LUX Co., Ltd.)
‍The cloud-based expense reimbursement system "Rakuraku Seikatsu" provided by LUX Co. Using a smartphone's camera, the system automatically reads data from receipts and paychecks, and allows users to apply for various types of expenses in the cloud. It also has many convenient features that automatically generate journal data for accounting software with a single click.
Click here for the official website of the cloud-based expense reimbursement system

16.[Accounting/Accounting] Money Forward Cloud (Money Forward, Inc.)
‍Money Forward is a tool with a full range of functions that make accounting and accounting-related tasks more efficient. The main feature is an automatic journalizing function that automatically makes journal entries based on imported transaction data to streamline bookkeeping tasks. It also includes an automated expense reimbursement function that allows users to apply for expenses by scanning or photographing receipts, and automates the approval and payment process. By adopting MoneyForward, you will be able to visualize your business status digitally, and contribute to the efficiency of your business management.
Click here for the official Money Forward Cloud website

17.[Accounting] Cloud accounting software freee (freee, Inc.)
‍freee is a cloud-based accounting business efficiency tool. It can automatically import bank account and credit card transaction data for accounting processing, create employee paystubs, and has a payroll calculation function to facilitate smooth payroll payments.
Click here for the official reeee website

18.[Electronic Contracts] Cloudsign (Lawyers.com, Inc.)
‍Cloudsign is a lawyer-supervised electronic contract tool with a simple UI and a focus on Japanese law. By implementing CloudSign, you can easily issue electronic signatures and break away from the stamp culture and paper culture. It also supports electronic contracts that require multiple signatures, and can be used for complex electronic contracts by setting the order and conditions.
Click here for the official website of CloudSign

19.[Attendance] JobCan (DONUTS Corporation)
‍If you want to promote operational efficiency in attendance and shift management, JobCan is a good choice. JobKan is equipped with attendance management functions such as time and attendance stamping and pay application from smartphones and PCs. It is also possible to create weekly and monthly shifts and distribute them simultaneously to employees.
Click here for the official Jobcan website

20.[Billing] Paid (Raccoon Financial, Inc.)
‍Paid is a tool that combines billing representation and a guarantee in the event of nonpayment. It can improve the efficiency of all billing operations that arise in running a company. For example, Paid takes care of time-consuming tasks such as making phone or e-mail reminders for non-payment, making credit decisions, checking for non-payment, issuing invoices, etc. By introducing Paid, you can aim for sound corporate management with zero non-payment risk.
Click here for the official Paid website

21.[RPA] Coopel Coopel (DeNA Inc.)
‍Coopel, a cloud-based RPA tool provided by DeNA Inc. Featuring a modern UI, even non-engineers can intuitively operate the robot and create scenarios (automation of routine tasks). With a generous support system, this product is recommended for companies that are introducing RPA tools for the first time.
Click here for the official Coopel website  

22.[RPA] Robopat digital transformation(FCE Process & Technology Corporation)
‍Robopatdigital transformationboasts a 98%+ retention rate. Even with zero system knowledge and zero plumbing skills, it is easy to operate the robot and create scenarios. The support system is also well organized, with dedicated consultants providing extensive support focusing on two main areas: improving operating skills and establishing RPA within the company.
Visit the official website of Robopat digital transformation  

Recommended tools for business efficiency in communication

23.Slack (Slack Technologies, LLC)
‍Slack is a communication tool for business. It is possible to create a dedicated channel for each team or project, and exchange text messages and video calls in a chat format. Click here to visit the official Slack website.
Click here for the official Slack website

24.Chatwork (Chatwork Corporation)
‍If you are looking for a domestic communication tool, Chatwork is the best choice. It boasts the No. 1 user base in Japan, with more than 410,000 companies using it. Similar to the aforementioned Slack, you can create a dedicated channel and communicate in real time via chat and calls. Chatwork also offers a free plan, so you can easily try it out.
Click here for the official Chatwork website ‍

25.Zoom (Zoom Video Communications)
‍Zoom is an online video conferencing tool used around the world. Zoom is free to register and can be used for free as long as the duration of the meeting is 40 minutes or less.
Click here for the official Zoom website

Why is it necessary to implement business efficiency tools?

Decrease in the working population

According to a survey conducted by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting on the current labor shortage and its future prospects, the data shows that the working population and the number of workers will decrease by 500,000 every year due to the declining birthrate and aging population. As a result, companies must increasingly emphasize operational efficiency and productivity per worker. Against this backdrop, many companies have recently been trying to improve their business productivity by utilizing business efficiency tools.

Changes in the work environment

IN RECENT YEARS, YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD THE TERM "WORK STYLE REFORM" MORE AND MORE OFTEN. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A MORE COMFORTABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEES, COMPANIES ARE BECOMING MORE STRICT WITH LEGAL COMPLIANCE EVERY YEAR, SUCH AS STRICTER COMPLIANCE, OVERTIME WORK REQUIREMENTS, AND THE OBLIGATION TO OBTAIN PAID TIME OFF. AS A RESULT, THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY PER EMPLOYEE BY INTRODUCING BUSINESS EFFICIENCY TOOLS AND AI.

Three advantages of implementing business efficiency tools

Increased business productivity

Business efficiency tools improve productivity by automating and simplifying work processes. For example, a task such as manually registering business card information in Excel can be done with a business card management tool or customer management tool that automatically reads and registers business cards using a smartphone's camera. This eliminates the need for manual input and greatly improves productivity.  

Cost savings

The introduction of business efficiency tools can lead to reductions in human and time costs. The reduction of these costs will directly affect the company's profits. Once cost reductions are realized, companies will be able to invest in new equipment and personnel, and will be able to manage their business more aggressively.

Leading to the prevention of gerrymandering

The introduction of business efficiency tools will help to prevent the creation of a "workforce". This will lead to various benefits, such as smooth handover work, and knowledge acquired in the course of work will be converted into data and become a company asset.

Types of business efficiency tools

CRM TOOLS

CRM tool is an abbreviation of "Customer Relationship Management" and is also called a customer relationship management system. CRM is a business system that centrally manages customer information in the cloud and promotes stronger customer relationships by enabling a detailed and personalized approach to each potential customer through e-mail, telephone, SNS, etc., based on the information stored in CRM and its built-in functions, thereby facilitating good customer relationships. Loyalty This is an effective tool for nurturing loyal customers, such as repeaters and fans.
Related Articles>> [Latest in 2024] 14 Customer Relationship Management app(CRM)! Thorough explanation of free versions, selection points, etc.

SFA TOOLS

SFA tool is an abbreviation for "Sales Force Automation. logSFA tools, also called sales support tools or sales support systems, provide a mechanism for efficiently managing and executing individual and organization-wide sales activities. SFA enables the storage and sharing of a variety of sales-related information, such as customer management, case management, and forecast management, throughout the organization. By centralizing data, more effective sales activities can be conducted. In addition, the functionality to visualize the business process also prevents the work from being assigned to a specific person and improves the sales efficiency of the entire organization.
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MA TOOLS

MA tool is an abbreviation for Marketing Automation, a tool to automate marketing activities and improve operational efficiency. Marketing activities that can be automated with MA include email marketing, lead nurturing, and lead scoring.

Task Project Management Tool

Task project management tools are useful for individuals and teams working together, and are designed specifically for project and task management. By implementing a tool, you can visualize who is working on what task and the progress status, making it easier to grasp the entire project and to work smoothly.

Business card management tools

A business card management tool is a tool to manage business card information acquired from customers. By implementing a business card management tool, employees can centrally manage the business cards they acquire on a daily basis in the cloud. Some business card management tools are equipped with a function that allows users to scan business card information and automatically register customer information using a smartphone camera.  

Back Office Management Tools

Back office management tools are tools that streamline complicated back-office administrative tasks. There are tools that mainly improve the efficiency of accounting, contract, and accounting-related tasks. Some tools have functions that allow different tools to work together, and some companies provide services that allow information from expense reimbursement tools to be automatically entered into accounting software journal entries.

Communication Support Tools

Communication support tools are tools that allow you to communicate with customers and internal members of your company via chat. The introduction of these tools can be expected to improve the customer experience by allowing real-time interaction. It also allows you to exchange information with internal members of the company, facilitating business communication.

RPA TOOLS

RPA (Robotic Process Automation) tools utilize software robots to automate routine tasks that humans perform repeatedly. For example, they can automate back-office related tasks such as attendance tallying, or automatically issue and email invoices to billing clients after reading routine invoices. In the past, programming skills were required for the above functions, and collaboration with engineers was essential.  

How to choose a business efficiency tool

1. Choose one that can solve your organization's problems.

BUSINESS EFFICIENCY TOOLS ARE INTRODUCED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS THAT COMPANIES FACE. THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO FIRST IDENTIFY THE ISSUES THAT THE COMPANY IS FACING. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOUR COMPANY HAS A DEEP-ROOTED PAPER CULTURE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACT-RELATED AND LEGAL INFORMATION IS COMPLICATED, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A BACK-OFFICE RELATED TOOL. IF THE ISSUE IS THAT "CUSTOMER INFORMATION IS BEING MANAGED IN EXCEL AND DETAILED CUSTOMER ANALYSIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, RESULTING IN SLUGGISH SALES GROWTH," IT IS IMPORTANT TO SELECT AN APPROPRIATE TOOL THAT ADDRESSES THE SPECIFIC ISSUE.   

2. Select one that is easy to use.

It is important to choose one that is easy for employees to use. Even if a business efficiency tool is implemented, it will not solve the problems your company faces unless there is a sustainable change in behavior in the field. Therefore, be sure to choose a tool that is focused on ease of use for your employees.

3. Whether data linkage is possible

If the company already has multiple business efficiency tools in place, the ability to link data with other systems is another point to be considered. If a tool lacks the ability to link data, the time and effort required to manage information for each individual system will increase, which in turn may lead to inefficient operations. The advantage of data integration is that business processes can be efficiently integrated and information consistency can be ensured.

4. Choose a service with a generous support system.

The support system is another point that greatly affects the usability of the tool. If a tool is introduced but not properly utilized due to reasons such as not knowing how to utilize the tool or difficulty in operation, the behavior of the field will not change. Make sure to check the quality of the support system before introducing the tool.

Points to keep in mind when implementing business efficiency tools

Security measures

IF YOU HANDLE PERSONAL INFORMATION OF CUSTOMERS OR EMPLOYEES, BE SURE TO SELECT A TOOL THAT IS FULLY SECURE. LEAKAGE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT LOSSES IN TERMS OF COMPANY CREDIBILITY AND SALES. WHEN SELECTING A TOOL, BE SURE TO SELECT A PRODUCT WITH HIGH INFORMATION SECURITY, SUCH AS ISMS CERTIFICATION (ISO27001), WHICH IS AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD.

Listen to the voice of the field

After the tool is implemented, get regular feedback from employees who are using the tool and ask them about points that are easy to use and points for improvement. Be sure to work well with the vendor's customer support to wipe out any points of improvement.

Tools are not introduced all at once.

However, introducing a variety of business efficiency tools at once will cause confusion in the field, so prioritize the issues you want to solve and consider introducing tools little by little.

summary

By introducing business efficiency tools, we can get one step closer to solving problems that many companies are facing, such as "manpower shortage problem" and "labor shortage".
Among them, if your company wants to "promote the digital transformationization of field sales organizations" or "thoroughly promote customer information management," please feel free to contact UPWARD, a mobile CRM developer and provider.
Please feel free to contact us .