JOHNS CREEK, GA, June 5, 2012 -- Saia, Inc. today announced it has chosen Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 2011 software to enhance its sales and marketing efforts. The software was selected due to its robust capabilities and ease of integration and interface with other Microsoft products. Consulting firm Customer Effective, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, assisted with the installation and implementation of the CRM software that will offer Saia's sales force enhanced account management tools.

"Through the CRM software, we will be able to maintain a 360 degree view of every customer interaction we have," stated Saia Vice President of Marketing and Customer Service Sally Buchholz. "We can easily and effectively manage all facets of every shipper account."

Saia sales representatives and national account executives access the CRM software via tablets -- over 200 of the devices were distributed to the company's sales force. As such, customer account information is available to Saia team members literally any time, anywhere. Additionally, by consolidating and creating a central repository for shipper information, the software enhances Saia's relationship with its customers and allows the company to better manage its sales pipeline.

"Our sales force now has the ability, while meeting with a customer, to run any service report we offer, research the movement of a specific shipment, look at the performance of a particular lane, check on the status of a claim, and much more," explained Buchholz. "The data gathered in the CRM also enables us to create enhanced targeted marketing programs to meet specific customer needs."

"Customer Effective has been a very beneficial partner in facilitating the seamless integration of the software with our sales, marketing, account profitability analysis, and customer service initiatives," said Buchholz. "At Saia, we are always looking at ways to improve our sales effectiveness and customer interface through cutting edge technological advances with investments in equipment and training. Now, more than ever, we can be supremely responsive to our customers' needs and provide continuity of care to every Saia shipper. The new CRM software provides our sales force with the ability to see and manage their customer relationships at an even higher level of sophistication."

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.marketwatch.com