Staying ahead of the curve in the packaging industry is a constant juggling act. Consumer preferences shift faster than you can say “biodegradable,” sustainability is no longer optional, and technology is evolving at a breakneck pace.
And let’s not forget the unsung hero of the product experience: the packaging itself. It’s the first impression, protector, and brand ambassador all rolled into one.
But behind the glossy exterior, packaging manufacturers face some tough realities: data scattered across different systems, sales teams working in silos, and a constant struggle to keep production aligned with demand.
These challenges are all too familiar but shouldn’t hold you back. That’s where Salesforce comes in. It offers a comprehensive solution that goes way beyond basic customer relationship management. It’s a suite of integrated tools designed specifically to tackle the problems unique to the packaging industry.
Let’s dive into the top three hurdles packaging manufacturers face and see how Salesforce can help you clear them with ease.
Solution 1: Unifying Data for a 360-Degree Customer View
Ever feel like your company’s data is playing a game of hide-and-seek? It’s a common struggle in packaging manufacturing—your sales data might be tucked away in one system, production numbers in another, and customer details scattered across who knows how many platforms. If you’ve got multiple sales teams spread out across different regions, it’s even tougher to keep track of who’s talking to which customers, let alone what they’re saying.
This kind of data chaos makes it nearly impossible to see the big picture. You could be missing out on prime opportunities to cross-sell or upsell products, your sales folks might be working with outdated info, and production planning can become a real headache.
But what if you could bring all that data together in one place? That’s where Einstein 1 shines. It’s like a central command center for your business, integrating all your different systems and gathering everything from customer chats to production schedules into a single user-friendly dashboard.
Suddenly, you’ve got a 360-degree view of your entire operation. Your sales team in New York can see what your team in L.A. is working on, and everyone has access to the latest customer insights. This kind of visibility empowers your team to make smarter decisions, spot emerging trends, and fine-tune your processes for maximum efficiency and growth.
Solution 2: Streamlining Sales Processes for Consistency and Collaboration
Managing a sales team in the packaging manufacturing industry can be a challenge, especially when team members are spread across different locations and channels. A lack of visibility into customer interactions across the board can result in missed opportunities to cross-sell or upsell products. Additionally, an aging workforce may be less inclined to adopt new technologies, making tracking leads, managing opportunities, and collaborating much more difficult.
This is where Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud comes in. It acts as a central hub for your sales team, providing a standardized framework for everything from lead generation to closing deals, tracking commissions and tracking orders.
Your sales reps can access the same information and collaborate seamlessly, whether they’re in the office, on the road, or working remotely. The user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility make it easy for even the most tech-averse team members to get on board and start using the platform effectively.
But Manufacturing Cloud is more than just a tool for managing your sales process; it’s a CRM platform that tracks every customer interaction, giving you valuable insights into your sales pipeline and what’s working and what’s not. This level of visibility allows sales managers to identify high-performing reps, pinpoint bottlenecks in the sales cycle, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your overall sales strategy.
Solution 3: Connecting Sales and Manufacturing for Accurate Forecasting
Imagine this scenario: your sales team just closed a major deal, but back at the plant, production is scrambling because they weren’t prepared for the sudden influx of orders. Sound familiar? Any disconnect between sales and manufacturing is a major headache for packaging manufacturers, especially those with multiple plants and intricate production processes.
When sales forecasts don’t match up with what’s happening on the factory floor, it can throw a wrench in your whole operation. You might end up with excess inventory taking up valuable space, or worse, not enough product to meet demand and unhappy customers knocking at your door. This is particularly troublesome when you’re dealing with specialized machinery that needs to be running at optimal capacity to be profitable.
Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud can be the bridge between your sales and production teams. It seamlessly integrates with your existing manufacturing systems, creating a real-time flow of information between the two departments. Your sales team gets up-to-the-minute insights into plant capacity and production schedules, while your production team can see exactly what’s coming down the pipeline.
This means your sales reps can confidently promise delivery dates, knowing they’re based on accurate, real-time data. And your production team can proactively adjust schedules to meet unexpected demand surges, ensuring your customers get their orders on time, every time. No more missed deadlines, no more scrambling to catch up—just a smooth, efficient operation that maximizes productivity and keeps your customers happy.
What’s Next
So, are you ready to say goodbye to data headaches, disjointed sales teams, and production nightmares? With Salesforce, you can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Imagine a future where you have all the information you need at your fingertips, your sales and production teams are working in harmony, and you can confidently meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.
This isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s the reality that Salesforce can create for your packaging business. We understand this industry’s unique complexities and are here to help you navigate them.
Ready to take your operations to the next level? Connect with Coastal’s experts about how Salesforce can empower you to thrive in the ever-evolving world of packaging manufacturing.
