Sale Force-Displacement—Coming Soon

The need for a good computer and equipment in sales is essential to work effectively and efficiently. The specific intent for the use of a business computer will determine which computer system to purchase. A sales team will need a computer that will allow them to record notes, run demos, build spreadsheets, and create invoices while staying connected wherever they may be. Certain detailed computer features are essential: central processing unit (CPU), graphics card, random-access memory (RAM), optical drives, battery consumption, security software, connectivity, storage, office suite program, and a good warranty. A sales company will most likely need additional equipment: printers, external hard drives, modems, and possibly smartphones.

Computer literacy provides individuals with employable skills. Employees who possess a basic understanding of computers help reduce new employee training costs, allowing a company to get back on track faster. Computer literate employees tend to be more efficient if they are proficient with basic office suite programs. Computer literacy in sales is critical for employees to adapt to new technological advancements, computer systems, applications, and software.

The effect of computer evolution on sales can be seen every day—researching and buying products from home (with same-day package delivery), and machine learning intelligence that predicts buying patterns and behaviors. Moore's law is a great observation and projection of future technological growth; industries are developing products faster, and sales organizations will need to adapt their company logistics to stay in business. With products launching in beta stages with quick updates available, product development cycles are shortening and opening the door for competitors to make product improvements rapidly. New and improved technology is being used to examine market trends by predicting customer needs and behaviors.

Over the following ten years, computer hardware, operating systems, and networking will create a greater sales force-displacement which can be seen today with virtual businesses like Amazon and eBay.  Artificial intelligence will become more prevalent in customer service and sales departments. At the same time, companies will continue building good websites or applications to generate enormous traffic and sales without needing a sales force.