3 Salesforce Forecasting Challenges For Manufacturers [And How To Tackle Them]

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud to modernize their operations. Its promise of a more integrated, data-driven approach is hard to resist for manufacturers looking to stay competitive.

But the road to full Manufacturing Cloud adoption isn’t without its difficulties. Transitioning from legacy forecasting systems to Salesforce, while ultimately rewarding, presents significant challenges that can disrupt operations and even slow down the sales cycle. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for manufacturers who want to maximize their investment in Salesforce and avoid costly pitfalls.

Let's explore key challenges manufacturers face when improving their forecasting with Salesforce and how to navigate them effectively.

1. Data migration: moving the old to the new

Switching from legacy systems to Salesforce involves moving a lot of data, and this process is often more complicated than expected. Imagine trying to move all the files and records from a cluttered, old office into a brand-new one. It’s time-consuming, and if things aren’t handled carefully, important data can get lost or messed up.

Gartner estimates that data migration errors can cost manufacturers upwards of $15 million annually and cause significant operational disruptions.

For manufacturers, data errors during migration can cause production delays, inventory mismanagement, and ripple effects that impact supply chains and customer satisfaction.

Here's how Valorx Fusion seamlessly connects Excel with Salesforce for efficient data management.

2. User adoption and training: getting everyone on board

Even the best tools are only effective if people know how to use them. Salesforce is powerful but also complex, and for employees who are used to simpler systems, the transition can be tough. Without proper training, they might struggle to understand how to use Salesforce effectively, leading to mistakes and slowdowns.

A survey by McKinsey revealed that 70% of digital transformation projects fail, often due to poor user adoption. In manufacturing, the stakes are high; delays in adoption can slow down production and impact overall business efficiency.

3. Limited customization/feature gaps: Adapting to new tools

Salesforce offers many features, but it might not have everything that manufacturers are used to in their old systems. This means companies often face a choice: either spend time and money customizing Salesforce to fit their needs or change the way they work to fit the new system. Neither option is ideal, and both can lead to frustrations.

According to a Forrester report, companies spend an average of $1.2 million annually on Salesforce customizations. Even with this investment, some legacy system features may be difficult or impossible to replicate, leading to operational inefficiencies and frustration among users.

Preparing for a successful Salesforce journey

Switching to Salesforce’s Manufacturing Cloud is a strategic move that can position manufacturers for long-term success. However, as we’ve explored, data migration, user adoption, and customization gaps are significant hurdles that can impact forecasting accuracy and overall business efficiency.

With careful planning and investment, these challenges can become opportunities to enhance forecasting and drive growth.

Fusion supports manufacturers in overcoming these challenges with its seamless Salesforce integration and live data capabilities, providing tools that bridge feature gaps and improve adoption efficiency. By addressing these issues head-on, manufacturers can utilize Salesforce’s full potential and turn obstacles into competitive advantages.

This product walkthrough shows how Fusion simplifies the forecasting process.

Explore our resources and see how you can improve your forecasting accuracy today.