When implementing new productivity or automation software, there can be a fear that it will replace employee headcount. This apprehension is fair - after all, look how generative AI is replacing certain creative roles. However, in the world of bids and proposals, it appears that software does not equal layoffs. In fact, APMP and Loopio’s 2024 RFP Trends & Benchmarks report found that when equipped with Request For Proposal (RFP) software “more contributors — an average of 10 people vs. 9” were involved in the proposal process.
In this blog we’ll take a look at how RFP software embraces collaboration instead of diminishing it, and how Flowcase aligns with this notion.
Skip the busywork, not the teamwork
Intuitive proposal software can do a brilliant job at automating lower-level repetitive tasks that often land on the laps of bid managers. This of course doesn’t mean replacing bid manager roles - rather it allows them to regain quality time to focus on storytelling, differentiation, and guiding the collaborative process.
This last point - guiding collaboration - is hugely important. Armed with an RFP software, more relevant experts are able to plug into the specific areas where they can add value. This leads to greater collective ownership over the bid with better insights and creativity. Of course, without proper processes, extra hands on deck can result in ‘too many chefs spoiling the broth’, but intuitive software should enable subject matter experts to lend support in an efficient manner.
Asking for additional inputs sounds like it may result in longer turnaround times, but in reality the opposite is true. In the same benchmarks report, software users claimed to save 5 hours per RFP. More collaborative bids in less time - that’s a big win, win!
How Flowcase enhances cross-functional alignment
By making your firm-wide experience more accessible, Flowcase enables more teams to get involved throughout the proposal process. While every firm has different workflows, below is an example of how our platform can improve collaboration:
- Sales Teams may kick-off the process by taking on the role of qualifying the opportunity. Because users can easily search across employee roles and skills, as well as project criteria, they can quickly identify whether your firm can adequately meet the client’s needs.
- Once your project teams have been identified, Bid Managers can tailor individuals’ content to meet the RFP demands. Since bid teams are closest to the client, they’re best positioned to edit employee bios or role descriptions to resonate with the bid.
- As brand ambassadors, Marketing can then take over and ensure data is exported into branded templates, or designed to meet the bid-specific requirements.
- Outside of the bid process, HR Teams or Knowledge Managers can identify skill-gaps and look to rectify them to ensure the firm is best positioned to meet future proposals.
Because the platform is so intuitive, it’s also possible for individuals to autonomously assume responsibility for each step in the process. However, as we’ve discussed, collaboration can add that bit of expertise to make the proposal stand out.
To learn more about improving proposal collaboration, request a demo today.
