2023.9 Cloud Release Notes
Base Edition Updates
Introducing the new Tasks module - Manage your to-do list with recurring tasks
The new Tasks module enables you to manage your tasks effectively and streamline your workflow. With this module; you can view all relevant information in one place; eliminating the need to search for information in different places and making it easier to get a complete picture of each customer; deal or case.
The Tasks module features a simplified user interface. You no longer need to use drop-down menus and can filter tasks quickly without relying on pop-up filters. With the introduction of tabs to manage workflow; you can quickly review what is happening today; identify overdue tasks; and track the status of tasks assigned to others.
While you are trying the new Tasks module; you will still be able to access Hotlist and work with tasks in other places such as Timeline; Interactions; Activities; and Activity Tracker. Your current workflow will not be disrupted by the new module. However; new features such as recurring tasks will not be displayed in Hotlist and Activities tab. We will continue to improve the Tasks module. Once all the functions are available in Tasks module; Hotlist will be discontinued.
Tasks module
The Tasks module includes four built-in tabs. Each tab includes a filter bar and a list.
See all your Tasks
The “All” tab displays tasks based on the selected filter settings; including date range; user and a toggle to show or hide completed tasks as needed.
Clicking on the Subject column will open the task dialog. Clicking on the links in the Name column will open the corresponding Address Book entry or Lead. You can also open the associated Opportunity or Case by clicking on the items listed in the Regarding column. This allows you to view all relevant information without leaving the module.
Please note: Adjusting the column settings such as selecting fields or changing and saving the changing column width is not supported in this release. It will be supported in an upcoming release.
Focus on today's tasks
The "Today" tab displays tasks that are due on the current day. You have the option to turn off completed tasks to focus on pending ones.
The User filter enables you to select other users. You can check the activities they are working on; provide assistance and collaborate as needed.
Pay close attention to your overdue tasks
The “Overdue Task” tab displays tasks that are overdue. The User filter allows you to select other users to help you find out if they need assistance in catching up.
Collaborate with your colleagues
The "Delegated Task" tab displays tasks that you have created and assigned to other users. This tab allows you to track tasks that you have delegated to others. It is equivalent to the option of “Only show tasks that I created” filter in the Hotlist module.
Manage your to-do list quickly
When one or more entries are selected; a toolbar will appear above the list. You can mark the select tasks as completed or delete the tasks.
Please Note: You cannot complete tasks that are created from Action Plans. You need to open each task and complete them individually. The tasks from Action Plans are indicated by a special icon.
Show or hide completed tasks
Use the switch to toggle completed tasks on or off. Completed tasks will be crossed out.
Create a new task
Clicking the "New Task" button in Tasks module opens the dialog for creating a new task. You can link the task with an Address Book entry or a Lead. If the task is with an Address Book entry; you can also associate the task with an Opportunity or a Case using the Regarding field.
Note: Creating a task in the Hotlist module doesn’t allow you to link the task with an Address Book entry or a lead.
Completing Tasks on your to-do list
When a task is completed; the completion information is displayed in the System Information section of the task dialog; providing details about the task completion date and who completed it. This information is useful when reviewing delegated tasks; as it allows you to see when the task was completed by another user.
Recurring tasks
You can create recurring tasks by clicking the Repeat button in the Task dialog. A pop-up will open for you to setup the recurring rules. You can create daily; weekly; monthly; or yearly recurring tasks.
The recurring rules will be displayed in the Task dialog. You can edit or remove the rules.
Important note about recurring tasks
When you create a recurring task; only the first instance will be created. Subsequent instances will be created automatically when the previous task is completed; with all the data from the previous task copied to the new one. However; you need to be careful when making changes to an incomplete instance; as you may inadvertently change the recurring rule.
For example; let's say you have a weekly recurring task for every Tuesday. If you open an incomplete instance of the task and change the date to Wednesday; the next task created will be for Wednesday; not Tuesday. To maintain the previous recurring pattern; make sure to change the date back to Tuesday in the new task; so that future tasks will continue to be created on Tuesdays. Modifying a completed recurring task will not affect other tasks in the series.
It's important to be careful when deleting an incomplete instance of a recurring task. Deleting the incomplete task will end the recurrence and no new task will be created.
Edit recurring rule
You can edit recurring rule by clicking the pencil icon in an incomplete instance of a recurring task. The change will affect the future tasks. In a completed instance; the pencil icon will be hidden.
To stop recurrence; click the x next to the pencil icon.
Places where you can work with recurring tasks
You can create; view; edit; and delete recurring tasks in the Tasks module; Timeline and Interactions tab; Timeline widget in Leads; Actions panel in following tab and Activity Tracker (for Sales Leader Edition users). Recurring tasks will also be displayed in the Consolidated Timeline Report.
Recurring tasks are not displayed in the Hotlist module and Activities tab; not supported in Action Plans and are not synced to Outlook.
Connect to Your Favorite Apps
Please welcome 9 new Zapier integrations!
Integrating your favorite apps through Zapier and Maximizer can automate your workflow. Take advantage of our pre-configured workflows by connecting through Zapier:
To understand the value that Zapier and Maximizer can provide to enhance your workflow; try Zapier free!
Please welcome OCAT DataLenz for Spire
Maximizer's DataLenz for Spire integration connects your ERP and CRM systems for enhanced visibility and efficiency of your orders and invoices.
In today’s fast-paced business environment; having the right information at your fingertips is critical. DataLenz is designed to simplify this process; bringing together your Spire and Maximizer accounts. This tool provides a read-only view of your Spire data directly in the Maximizer user interface; giving your team enhanced visibility and control without data redundancy. By seamlessly linking Maximizer contacts to Spire customers; this integration streamlines data management and enhances sales efficiency.
With easy access to communication data; orders; invoices; and account information; Maximizer users gain a comprehensive view of their customers; enabling them to make more informed decisions and deliver personalized experiences. The integration between Maximizer and Spire offers sales professionals a powerful solution to optimize their sales processes. By linking contacts; accessing communication data; and gaining insights into orders and accounts; Maximizer users can streamline their workflows; improve customer relationships; and drive sales.
To learn more; please contact Cencomp - one of our valued Business Partners.
Save and send emails with Maximizer contacts now available for Maximizer Connect for Outlook 365
Add Maximizer contacts as you write emails within Outlook 365 and save the email as an interaction to one or multiple contacts within Maximizer.
Sales Leader Edition
Sales Intelligence Updates
This release focuses on minor UI improvements and fixing bugs on both the front and back end.
- UI Enhancements: In response to user feedback; we have fixed misplaced and misaligned filters in the UI of the filter bar on the dashboards.
- Improved Dropdown Menus: Text overflow in dropdown menus within the filter bar has been successfully addressed. This fix ensures that users can access all menu options without any inconvenience; enhancing overall usability.
- Timestamp Sync Label: To provide clearer context to users regarding the synchronization of their data; we've added a timestamp sync label. Users can now easily see when their data was last synced; enabling them to work with the most up-to-date information and ensuring data accuracy.
- Reset Button: In our continuous effort to provide users with more control; we have introduced a reset button to the filter bar. This feature allows users to clear selected filter options with a single click; saving valuable time and preventing accidental data selection.
- Sales Targets v2: The new and improved Sales Targets dashboard now offers an even more comprehensive view of sales reps' activities versus their activity targets. We have improved the dashboard's user interface; providing better data visualization for our users. This enhancement allows sales leaders to effortlessly track their team's progress towards achieving sales targets; leading to more informed decision-making and better performance management.
Timestamp Sync Label
To provide clearer context to users regarding the synchronization of their data; we've added a timestamp sync label. Users can now easily see when their data was last synced; enabling them to work with the most up-to-date information and ensuring data accuracy.
Remember that data sync usually happens every 2 hours.
Reset Button
In our continuous effort to provide users with more control; we have introduced a reset button to the filter bar. This feature allows users to clear selected filter options with a single click; saving valuable time and preventing accidental data selection.
*When a user clicks on the Reset button; this will reset all filters to the default configuration:
- People Picker: All
- Owner/Team: All
- Date: This Year (This fiscal year)
- Process: 1st option in the dropdown menu
- Stage: All (But will be dependent to the Process selected)
- Revenue Type: All
Sales Targets Dashboard v2
The new version of the Sales Targets dashboard provides an improved UI for our users; giving them better data visualization and easier to track and monitor the sales rep's performance.
It is important to know that this dashboard is based on Activity Targets; that means that the data shown here will be based on the data created in the Targets module and from the logged interactions by the users.
An example of how data is obtained is:
- John has distributed targets of 50 interactions; that could be appointments; tasks; phone calls; etc. for the month of March.
- John logged 30 different interactions using the interactions menu in the Address Book or in the Opportunities module.
- The widget #3 (Remaining Targets) will match the Targets vs Interactions.
- Ex:
| Owner | Activity Target | Activity Target Category | Activity Target Amount | Logged Activities | Logged Activity Category | Logged Activities |
| John | E-mails | Introduction e-mail | 10 | E-mails | Introduction e-mail | 7 |
| John | Appointments | Demo & Presentation | 10 | Appointments | Negotiation | 7 |
| John | SMS | - | 10 | - | - | 0 |
| John | Tasks | - | 10 | - | - | 0 |
| John | Documents | - | 10 | - | - | 0 |
Filters Changes
Filter #1 - Interaction Types
- A new filter added; it will allow users to filter data by Interaction Type.
Filter #2 – Interaction Categories
- Change the label of the filter to help identify that the categories are based on Activities; not on Opportunities.
Widgets Changes
Widget #1 – Total Activity Targets
- Track and visualize the sum of the set targets for all activities; to ensure alignment and focus on achieving desired outcomes.
- It should display the sum of all “Target Interactions”
Widget #2 – Total Activities
- Get an overview of the total number of completed activities; providing a clear snapshot of the sales reps’ productivity and engagement with prospects and customers.
- It should display the sum of all “Interactions”
Widget #3 – Remaining Target
- Monitor the progress towards meeting the activity targets by comparing the actual activities completed with the set targets.
- It should display the value of the (Sum of Activity Targets – Sum of Interactions) of the owner.
- Example:
- John and Michael have Interactions Targets in the current year.
- John and Michael also have existing Interactions in the current year.
If we use the table below as an example...
| Owner | Date | Interaction Type | Category | Interaction Count | Target | Target Category | Target Count |
| John | January | N/A | 1 | N/A | 5 | ||
| John | February | Chat | Cat 1 | 2 | Chat | Cat 1 | 5 |
| John | March | Phone Call | Cat 2 | 3 | Phone Call | Cat 2 | 5 |
| John | April | Cat 3 | 2 | Cat 3 | 5 | ||
| John | May | Appointment | N/A | 5 | Appointment | N/A | 5 |
| Michael | June | Cat 2 | 4 | Cat 2 | 5 | ||
| Michael | July | Chat | N/A | 3 | Chat | N/A | 5 |
| Michael | August | Phone Call | N/A | 2 | Phone Call | N/A | 5 |
| Michael | September | Cat 1 | 1 | Cat 1 | 5 | ||
| Michael | October | Appointment | Cat 3 | 0 | Appointment | Cat 3 | 5 |
| Total | 23 | 50 |
...We can say that the Remaining Target of John for this year; considering 5 months; it will be:
- Sum of Target count – Sum Interaction Count = Remaining Target
- (25 – 13) = 12
- Remaining Target for John = 12
Widget #4 – Target Attainment
- Measure the extent to which the activity targets have been achieved; providing insights into the sales rep’s performance and their ability to meet or exceed the set objectives.
- This indicator will calculate the percentage of target attainment of an owner. In this case we need to consider the widgets “Total Activity Targets” and “Total Activities”
- Example:
- If we follow the example of John above; assuming that “This Year” is chosen in the date filter.
- If Activity Target = 25; that means it is 100%
- How much does the “Sum of John’s Activities = 13” represents in %
- (13 * 100 / 25) = 52%
- Target Attainment = 52%
Widget #5 - Activities vs Targets
Currently we are only showing the default system interactions to the users; when a user creates a new Interaction and creates a Target with that new interaction; we are not showing it; to provide the users to have a data visualization chart where they can track all the Targets vs Activities; we will add a new Column chart.
The image above is an example where we are showing the target in red line and the activities in purple for a specific Leader. The user set targets for the 6 default system interactions (appointment; chat; email; phone call; SMS; task); 1 for each month; meaning 12 per year.
Then we can see that the user has only made phone calls; SMS; and tasks. The other activities that the users have not created are not showing and are represented as 0.
The chart facilitates goal alignment and transparency within the team. It visually represents the collective effort of all sales reps towards achieving the set targets. It also helps managers and reps to track the progress of the team towards their activity targets over time.
Widget #6 - Activity Summary (Total Activities Over Time)
Currently the widgets we provide to the users are only focused on the default interactions available for the users; but we are missing to show the newly created interaction types; also users can create targets with these newly created interaction types. It is important to show to our users all the activities target they have created.
For that we are going to present as the “Activity Summary - Total Activities Over Time” a bar chart that shows the sum of all interactions.
Users can easily track and monitor the overall activity levels of each sales rep over time. The widget provides a visual representation of the total activities completed by each sales rep; allowing users to evaluate their performance and identify trends or patterns.
Widget #7 - Activity Distribution Radar
The Polar Widget offers a clear and concise visualization of the sales reps' activities in a graphical format. Users can quickly assess the distribution and balance of various activities performed by each sales rep; such as calls; emails; meetings; tasks; etc.. Enabling managers to identify top performers and those who may require coaching or support.
The widget helps sales managers and reps prioritize their activities effectively. By visualizing the distribution of activities; users can identify patterns and trends; allocate resources accordingly; and ensure that efforts are directed towards the most impactful activities that drive sales results.
Widget #8 - Leader Board
- Ensure that the “Owner” is configured to render in “Ascending” order.