Development Update - October 2021
This month:
This month's Development Update has taken a slightly different shape from the norm. We have the usual lowdown of what the team has been up to but we're also delighted to announce a jam-packed bonus box of items for the PRO CRM.
These are items that have been developed previously but have never been deployed across the board. Most have come directly from customer requests. There's some big, some small, some with niche uses, and some broad.
Check it out below, together with the other bits and bobs that have taken our focus in October.
A Jam-Packed Bonus
Our Sales director Andy, has put together a whirlwind recorded demo to take you through each bonus item. Check out the video by clicking the banner below.
Built for: PRO CRM
What's in this bumper jar? Default User Filter to be My Users. An extension to Analytics that allows employee payments to be calculated, exported and marked as paid. The ability to highlight a "Decision Maker". Quickly log the result of a call. Automatically mark all Meters within a Site as inactive when making a Site inactive. A new Fixed Fee Commission Type. The option to configure Gas Seasonality. Bill Validation in the Customer Portal. Added adjustments by Consumption View.
Additional Payment Terms
This feature has been hotly requested from our US customers but is also available across the pond. We now have four additional payment terms to select from: Live Split & Arrears, Signed Split & Arrears, Total Sign Annual Remainder, and First Year Sign Annual Remainder. Contact your account manager to explore the differences and discover how you can best utilise these payment terms.
Built for: PRO CRM
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Speed improvements on Imports
We've rewritten the import module for Quotes, Meters and Sites using pure SQL code. This means imports will now complete much faster.
Built for: PRO CRM
Speed improvements on Sales Exports
Just like the Sales imports mentioned previously, Sales exports have also been rewritten using pure SQL to provide further speed enhancements.
Built for: PRO CRM
"Date Created" added when Creating A Customer
The system can now record and present a "Date Created" value that details when any lead or customer was created (either manually or via bulk upload).
Built for: PRO CRM
Supplier Insights Dashboard Improvements
Supplier Insights has been updated to allow for better tracking of performance and to see the effects of adjusting matrix and bespoke pricing.
Built for: INSIGHTS
"Out of Date Badge" Improvements
Our system already displays a handy "Out Of Date" badge on quotes if the pricing previously generated is no longer current. The logic for this has been improved to notify users of further instances where pricing is out of date, such as when flat files have been completely removed.
Built for: PRO CRM
UI Improvements for USA Usage
Our usage module allows you to enter an absolute consumption value over a period of time for any given site. We've added the ability to add an 'End Date' to any inputted usage data. This helpfully defaults to the end of the month.
Built for: PRO CRM (USA Only)
Option to use Financial Reconciled data when reporting
A tick box has been added when reporting financials called "Reconciled". When ticked, the forecast and actual figures are presented based on the figures from the Financial Reconciled dashboard report, not the Financial Report (which is used by default).
Built for: PRO CRM (USA Only)
Prevent Duplicate Reference Numbers
Many customers utilise the reference numbers that are automatically assigned to Leads/Customers, Tenders, Quotes etc. Previously it has been possible to obtain duplicate values across different types (e.g. A quote and a tender could have the same reference). We've now added an alpha prefix to each one to ensure EVERY reference is unique.
That’s it for this month.
Our software evolves at such an exciting rate so please feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the functionality we’ve added since you last saw it. We’ll be more than happy to arrange a demo to show you around!
Bill Val: A Big Box Of Upgrades
BILL VAL just received a big box of upgrades and it’s only going to get better.
At the beginning of 2021 we released Phase I of our new Bill Val product and we were rather delighted by the response. We received some brilliant feedback and since then we’ve been developing many of the requested features.
Remind me again...
What does it do?
We’ve designed it to be as simple as possible – It’s a tool that allows you to upload bill data files direct from the supplier straight to our system. Once uploaded our system systematically examines each entry to ensure it’s correct.
In short, it enables you to give your clients peace of mind that their bills are thoroughly checked prior to payment.
Tell me then...
What's new?
The most significant improvement we’ve made is to the upload process. No longer will you have to ensure you have the right datasheet format for the right supplier. We’ve developed one magic generic template that will work no matter the supplier or their format.
Additionally, we’ve made the system much easier to use. The error messaging has been drastically improved, meaning that if the system does spot a problem it’ll be instantly apparent where and why.
Wait, there's more!
This is by no means the end of our Bill Val product improvements. Sign up for a demo below. We’ll take you through the recent improvements and discuss the raft of additional improvements we’ll be releasing over the coming months.
Development Update - September 2021
This month:
If we had to pick one word to describe this month, it would be "BUMPER".
Back in the summer months, we reported that our dev team had expanded and the new recruits were busily finding their way around our code. Now, looking back over this month's releases, it's truly apparent how much we've benefitted from these extra adept pairs of hands.
We can't detail every release here for risk of this article becoming a book but our amazing team has completed circa one hundred system improvements over the last 30 days. Astonishing.
Below we've picked some of the headline features to tell you about:
Effortlessly Recycle Dead Leads
We know that today's dead leads can be potentially valuable leads tomorrow. Unfortunately, they can be easily forgotten and fall off of your prospect list. With this new feature, you can now recycle these leads back into any team member's lead list. Within the Leads section, simply click the "Bulk" dropdown and select "Recycle Dead Leads" to begin the transfer.
Built for: PRO CRM
Add TPS or CTPS Information
This new feature will ensure you don't contact customers who have enrolled on to TPS (Telephone Preference Service) and CTPS (Corporate TPS) schemes. You can now import this information or update it directly within the system. As CTPS requires annual renewal, this information will helpfully expire after 12 months.
Built for: PRO CRM (UK Only)
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Auto Set Persistently Uncontactable Leads To Dead
When a Customer 'Calls Made' reaches 5, the system will now automatically change the lead status to 'Dead' with a reason of 'No Contact'.
Built for: PRO CRM
Account Phase Type Added
US Customers can now choose an Account 'Phase' type when adding account information for interval electric accounts.
Built for: PRO CRM (USA Only)
Improved Error Messaging with Data Imports
Previously importing payment files with an incorrect unit of measure would result in an unhelpful generic error message. We've updated our error messaging to help you drill down to any potential unit of measure error.
Built for: PRO CRM (USA Only)
Show 'Snapshot' for Customers
We have a rather useful screen in our PRO CRM that gives a quick snapshot of your 'Lead' information. We've enabled this view so you can now see snapshot information on 'Customers' too.
Built for: PRO CRM
Helpful Redirect After Adding a Lead
We're striving to make our system as efficient as possible. As such we've made an important UX change when adding a new lead. Post lead creation you'll now be redirected to that leads details page.
Built for: PRO CRM
Streamlined Pricing Request Process
We've streamlined the process when creating a new Matrix/Custom request. Now, when you've added your meter(s) to your request, you can select to "Save & Price" the request immediately if desired.
Built for: PRO CRM
New Expected Commission Rate
We've updated our reporting to now show you the 'Expected Commission Rate' on consumption requests.
Built for: PRO CRM (UK Only)
DC/DA Eligibility
When editing/adding individual sites (or uploading in bulk), you can now record if any given meter has DC/DA eligibility
Built for: PRO CRM (UK Only)
Customer Name Added To Detailed Quote Export
We've updated our 'Detailed Quote' export (found under Partner > Procurement > Input Prices > Quotes), so that it now includes parent and child customer information.
Built for: PRO CRM (UK Only)
Supplier Insights Dashboard
We've revolutionised the dashboards of our Supplier Insights product to include the same cutting-edge technology found within our PRO CRM product.
Built for: INSIGHTS
BILL VAL Error Reporting
BILL VAL now offers considerably more feedback when uploading files to be validated. We'll release further information around a huge BILL VAL update shortly.
Built for: BILL VAL
Fixed Fee Commission Type
For manually-added quotes (for both Matrix and Bespoke) you can now add a fixed fee standard payment to a contract.
Built for: PRO CRM
API Event Emitter
We've added a hidden layer to our software that will allow for any number of third party APIs to communicate with it. Stay tuned for some exciting integrations over the coming months.
Built for: PRO CRM
That’s it for this month.
Our software evolves at such an exciting rate so please feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the functionality we’ve added since you last saw it. We’ll be more than happy to arrange a demo to show you around!
Poll: What Do You Want Next?
Brokers – You told us that having suppliers inform you if they were participating in your pricing request would save hours of admin.
Suppliers – You told us that having the ability to notify brokers efficiently on your intent to price would help build a better broker relationship.
When we released this feature earlier in the summer, it went down a storm. So…
Brokers & suppliers, what would you like next?
Complete our short poll and help shape the next big advancement within our Supplier PORTAL.
Please select one option for each question:
We Wanted To Say Thank You
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Dashboards module and it’s all because of the great feedback we’ve received from brokers like you.
With our new Dashboards module, our reports now look and feel great. They’re also customisable to your requirements. You could say that they're the perfect icing on the cake pie.
Here's a recap of the other incredible features our system already offers:
Instant Matrix Pricing Custom Pricing Portfolio Management Task Management Lead Management Make and Monitor Outbound Calls Commission Forecasting & Reconciliation Employee and Referrer Payment Profiling Your Own Branded Customer Portal DocuSign Integration
...And much much more!
Interested in seeing what takes our CRM reporting to the next level?
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Development Update - August 2021
This month:
If you read our May update article (and your memory is exceptional!), you may recall it was a very bitty month, with lots of small improvements and releases.
August has been as far removed from that as possible. Although there's still been a few side tasks, the core of our development focus has been towards one big project - our new dashboards and reporting.
Much of the work we do here on the dev team is on an individual basis. However, these big projects take a lot of coordination between the whole team (and other departments too!).
It's been so rewarding seeing everyone's expertise combining to make something exceptional. Read on to find out more and discover what else we've released during the month of August...
Dashboards And Reporting
We've completely redeveloped all reporting and dashboards from the ground up. We're currently testing and retesting with selected accounts. Once turned on, you'll see huge improvements both in clarity and speed. You can view our recent teaser article & video on dashboards, right here.
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Customer References section now links to Contacts & Users
Within the PRO CRM you can add additional Customer References for each Lead or Customer, should they be required internally. We've now added the ability to reference Contacts & Users data within this Customer Reference section.
Built for: PRO CRM
'Date Created' field added to Customers and Leads
The system logs and records many important historical changes to your data. We've updated this logging to include a "Date Created" field, which can now be viewed by users with Admin privileges.
Built for: PRO CRM
USA Gas Commission Calculation Bugs
We fixed a bug when determining US gas commissions. Previously a calculation error occurred when the system attempted to convert between unit types.
Built for: PRO CRM
Customer References section now links to Contacts & Users
Within the PRO CRM you can add additional Customer References for each Lead or Customer, should they be required internally. We've now added the ability to reference Contacts & Users data within this Customer Reference section.
Built for: PRO CRM
'Date Created' field added to Customers and Leads
The system logs and records many important historical changes to your data. We've updated this logging to include a "Date Created" field, which can now be viewed by users with Admin privileges.
Built for: PRO CRM
That’s it for this month.
Our software evolves at such an exciting rate so please feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the functionality we’ve added since you last saw it. We’ll be more than happy to arrange a demo to show you around!
Goodbye Ugly Reporting
...
Welcome to reporting with a bit of
“Oh me, Oh my!”
Why are so many reports so bland and hard to read? Your team's good performance should be reflected in smart, concise reporting. It should get the blood flowing!
Our new dashboard suite does just that.
Here are the five best things about it:
Looks
Our new dashboards look sensational!
Style
Sometimes less is more. Our reports focus on presenting the right data.
Flexibility
Need your own report? Need to filter your data in specific ways? No problem!
Responsiveness
Super quick reporting that won’t leave you waiting around.
Full Package
Report across everything, from KPIs to commissions. Keep it simple or dive into the detail.
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Energy Matchmaking with INSIGHTS
We know our TPIs and we know the industry. Our TPIs respond better to suppliers that offer more than just good price.
Imagine this tendering scenario:
Supplier A
Supplier A is the cheapest offer on the completed tender but TPIs don’t know much about them. As a result, they haven't formed a great relationship.
Supplier B
Supplier B is £90 more expensive over a 12 month deal BUT they use the power of INSIGHTS to allow TPIs to contact them there and then. They also highlight their three best personality traits:
Fully fixed product 100% renewable Dedicated account managers
Can you guess which supplier invariably comes out on top with our TPIs?
At UtilityClick, we can present your best personality traits to the TPI when it matters most – at the price presentation stage.
Give your TPIs the confidence to put their business through you.
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Suppliers - It's Time To Stand-up
We know what you've known for a while:
Price isn't king.
Nor is getting paid "RIGHT NOW!".
We're fortunate to work with some of the best TPIs in the industry. They put contracts in place based on more than just price alone.
They want to know what makes you great. They want confidence that there will be good processes in place between them and you. And, ultimately, they want to know that you’ll offer great service to their customers.
With Insights you get access to invaluable marketing information BUT that's only a small part of it...
You'll also get the ability to showcase yourself to TPIs that make decisions on what's best for their customers, not on how quickly they get paid.
Leave the price wars behind
What makes you stand out?
Do you have a dedicated account manager that our TPIs can call on? An excellent billing system? Or may-be SLAs on super-fast query response times?
This, combined with competitive pricing is what drives contracts from the amazing TPIs that use the UtilityClick CRM.
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Elon, Cybertrucks & Supplier Links
Your Supplier Journey, Does It WORK?
Elon Musk shows us that it can.
Elon is a clever man. He didn’t invent trucks. Of course he didn’t. They’ve been around for quite some time. So how do you go about revolutionising the truck sector? Well, quite simply, you make it better.
The reason that Tesla has over 1 million truck reservations isn’t just down to its environmental benefits. Here are the big three reasons people are reserving the Cybertruck:
- Looks – quite the head-turner isn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to drive a truck that makes you look like Batman!
- Brand – it’s fair to say that it’s pretty cool to drive a Tesla. They are innovators, forward thinkers and always pushing the boundaries.
- Potential – want to go on a journey reading a book whilst your car/truck drives autonomously? Want your car/truck to be fixed through a WiFi patch update rather than at a garage? It’s fair to say that it’s more likely to happen sooner with Tesla than it is with Ford.
Why is this relevant to the energy sector and the supplier journey?
Well, there are providers out there that offer integrations between supplier and TPI. They’ve been around for a few years. But now UtilityClick has entered the space to make the process smooth, efficient and better!
Our supplier integrations create true automation between suppliers and TPIs, dramatically reducing the cost to serve for both parties.
Dare we compare ourselves to Tesla?
Why Not!...
1. Looks
Our TPI Pro CRM and Supplier Portals have been built on cutting edge technology, creating beautiful front-end applications with primary attention placed on user experience.
2. Brand
We’ve got a great track record in not only building industry-leading software solutions but also building them quickly.
3. Potential
We develop quicker than anyone else in the industry. And with our focus now firmly on TPI/supplier integrations, full automation is on the horizon!
Are you as excited as we are on the future of automation between TPIs and suppliers? Get in touch if so! The only main drawback, we have an Andy, not an Elon. Don’t let that stop you though!
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