Saia Chooses Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software
JOHNS CREEK, GA - June 5, 2012 - Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) today announced it has chosen Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 2011 software to enhance its sales and marketing efforts. Saia is one of the first less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers to utilize this product. 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, any where. 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.”
About Saia, Inc.
Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) is a less-than-truckload provider of regional, interregional and guaranteed services covering 34 states. Saia is home to the industry-leading Xtreme Guarantee product, which guarantees total customer satisfaction from pick-up through invoicing. Saia offers complete North American coverage through partner agreements. With headquarters in Johns Creek, Ga., and a network of 148 terminals, the carrier employs 8,000 people. For more information on Saia, visit the Saia Website at www.saia.com.
About Customer Effective
Customer Effective is a leading innovator in relationship management and process automation solutions based on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform. The company is a Gold Certified National System Integrator having completed hundreds of Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementations and development projects. Recent CRM and Microsoft awards include recognition as the 2011 and 2010 East Region CRM Partner of the Year, the 2010 Worldwide CRM Partner of the Year Finalist, the 2009 Worldwide Microsoft Financial Services Partner of the Year, being named to the Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club from 2006 through 2010, recipient of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle distinction in 2008 thru 2010 and a member of the 2008, 2010, 2011 Inc. 500|5000 list.