Supplier relationship management is key to B2B partnerships, especially in terms of cash flow and the procure-to-pay process. Small business accounting software firm Xero helps businesses travel through this journey and, in an effort to ease friction in supplier management, is now looking into the digital inbox.
On Monday (Feb. 22), Xero introduced its new collaboration with Gmail and Google Apps for Work as a way to streamline supplier management, data aggregation and cash flow management.
Gmail messages can now be accessed via the Xero platform, allowing users to manage the business relationships that are increasingly moving into the online messaging realm.
Next to a supplier’s contact information, Xero can provide a live stream of the latest Gmail messages from that business partner. Gmail messages can also be used to begin creating an invoice or to provide a quote, reports said.
“Google is encouraged to see a deeper Xero integration with Gmail and Google Apps for Work to help small businesses streamline their workflow and deliver a beautiful user experience,” stated General Manager for Google Apps for Work Rahul Sood. “Businesses have come to expect simple, seamless processes and enterprise-grade security from all their cloud applications. Google and Xero can deliver this together to help small businesses focus on what they do best.”
There are other features of the new integration, too. Xero said in its announcement that it can now link users to a redesigned contact list, as well as a new cash-in graph so businesses can better grasp their current financial standing with business partners.
Xero solutions also now connect into Google Apps for Work, meaning business contacts can now be located on Google Maps, while Export Xero Reports can now land on Google Sheets so businesses can collaborate in real time on these documents and reports.
The partnership can automatically display Google+ information on invoices sent to corporate buyers, and clients can log in to their Xero accounts straight from Google Apps.
“Our integrations provide a smarter and simpler way to manage the daily workflows associated with all aspects of their business operation,” said Xero General Manager James Maiocco in another statement.
The collaboration takes effect for all users of Xero globally immediately, reports said.
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