A common concern from organizations implementing Xactly is whether or not it can be independently managed. Comp admins have jobs, and managing a platform cannot reasonably be another full-time job. 

At Canidium, our ultimate goal for our clients is the successful and independent management of Xactly. We want our client's day-to-day operations and maintenance to be manageable in-house.

While harnessing the power of Xactly can significantly boost sales performance, mastering its use and maintenance in-house is critical to unlocking its full potential. This article delves into how to become independent in utilizing Xactly, along with best practices for day-to-day management and when to engage your software implementation partner for assistance. This article will explain:

• Day-to-Day In-House Management Features
• Training and Knowledge Transfer for In-House Xactly Management
• When to Engage Your Software Implementation Partner

Empowering Comp Admins: Features for Independent In-House Management 

When implementing new software within an organization, a common concern is whether the solution can be realistically managed in addition to existing job responsibilities. The last thing that a solution should do is create significantly more work. The goal of Xactly software is to automate wherever possible to simplify a comp admin’s life.

In this section, we explore how comp admins can leverage Xactly's features to streamline their workflow and maintain optimal performance - independently in-house. From managing organizational hierarchy changes to performing transaction edits/updates, adjusting quota/rate changes, and meeting reporting needs, comp admins can harness the intuitive interface and robust functionalities of Xactly to drive efficiency and effectiveness in managing incentive compensation programs. Let's delve into each of these tasks and discover how Xactly empowers comp admins to excel in their roles with confidence and autonomy.

Keeping up with Organizational Hierarchy Changes

• In Xactly, comp admins can easily manage organizational hierarchy changes by accessing the platform's hierarchy management tools. They can add, remove, or update team members, adjust reporting relationships, and modify team structures as needed.
• With Xactly's intuitive interface, comp admins can make real-time updates to the organizational hierarchy independently, ensuring that the sales team structure accurately reflects the current organizational setup.

Transaction Edits/Updates

• Xactly provides comp admins with the ability to perform transaction edits and updates seamlessly within the platform. They can review and modify sales transactions, including correcting errors, adjusting deal values, or updating sales credits.
• By accessing transaction management features in Xactly, comp admins can independently make necessary edits and updates to sales transactions, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with compensation plans.

Quota/Rate Changes

• Comp admins can independently manage quota and rate changes within Xactly by leveraging the platform's configuration tools. They can define and adjust sales quotas, targets, commission rates, and incentive structures based on evolving business needs.
• Utilizing Xactly's quota and rate management features, comp admins can independently update performance targets, adjust commission rates, and modify incentive structures to align with changing business objectives and sales strategies.

Reporting Needs

• Xactly offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities that empower comp admins to generate custom reports, dashboards, and visualizations to meet reporting needs independently. They can access real-time data on sales performance, compensation metrics, and quota attainment.
• Comp admins can use Xactly's reporting tools to analyze sales trends, track key performance indicators, and gain actionable insights into sales performance independently. They can create and customize reports tailored to specific requirements, ensuring timely access to critical information for decision-making.

By leveraging Xactly's comprehensive features and tools, comp admins can effectively manage day-to-day tasks independently, including keeping up with organizational hierarchy changes, transaction edits/updates, quota/rate changes, and reporting needs. Xactly empowers comp admins to maintain data accuracy, compliance, and alignment with business objectives, driving efficiency and effectiveness in managing incentive compensation programs.

Training and Knowledge Transfer for In-House Xactly Management

Xactly University: Offers role-specific tracks covering various aspects of Xactly's functionality. Encourage team members to enroll in relevant courses and monitor progress.

Canidium Training: Provides specialized training tailored to your organization's needs, considering roles, industry, and objectives. Work with Canidium to design customized sessions.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can empower their teams to maximize the value of Xactly and drive continuous improvement in sales performance management. With proper training and knowledge transfer, comp admins can develop the skills necessary to effectively manage Xactly and take full advantage of its capabilities. By investing in training programs such as Xactly University or Canidium Training, organizations can ensure that their team members have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and utilize Xactly's functionalities efficiently.

In addition to training, documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices can provide comp admins with step-by-step instructions for everyday tasks. These guides can be regularly updated to reflect any changes or improvements, and team contributions can be encouraged to ensure that the knowledge base continues to expand.

Fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial for maximizing the value of Xactly. Organizations should promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, recognizing and rewarding learning efforts, and providing opportunities for external learning experiences. This continuous learning approach will not only enhance the understanding and proficiency of comp admins but also encourage innovation and improvement in sales performance management.

When to Engage Your Software Implementation Partner

While striving for independence in managing Xactly, your software implementation partner remains a valuable resource in specific scenarios:

1. Complex Configuration Changes: When faced with intricate tasks such as restructuring compensation plans or integrating Xactly with other systems, your partner's expertise can ensure smooth and accurate implementation. Their in-depth understanding of Xactly's capabilities and best practices is instrumental in optimizing configurations to align with your organization's unique requirements.

2. Troubleshooting Technical Issues: Despite your team's proficiency, technical issues requiring expert assistance may arise. Your implementation partner possesses the technological know-how to diagnose and resolve such challenges efficiently. Leveraging their experience with Xactly's architecture and underlying technologies streamlines the troubleshooting process, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations.

3. Strategic Guidance on Optimization: Beyond technical support, your partner can offer strategic insights to optimize Xactly's utilization for driving sales performance and achieving business objectives. Collaborating with them in strategic discussions can help identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Whether refining compensation strategies or leveraging advanced features, their industry knowledge and best practices can shape your long-term strategy for maximizing the value of Xactly.

4. Training and Skill Development: Your implementation partner also plays a crucial role in training and skill development for your internal team. Tailored training sessions cover advanced topics or address areas of weakness, ensuring your team remains proficient and up-to-date with Xactly's functionalities. By incorporating regular training sessions or workshops, you reinforce a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement within your organization.

By strategically engaging your software implementation partner, you can overcome challenges, optimize your use of Xactly, and drive continuous improvement in sales performance. While independence remains the goal, recognizing and leveraging your partner's expertise fosters a collaborative partnership that accelerates your journey toward achieving business success.

The Ultimate Goal: Xactly Independence

Mastering Xactly in-house is a journey that requires a combination of understanding, effective setup, day-to-day management best practices, ongoing training, and strategic engagement with your software implementation partner. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, organizations can harness the full potential of Xactly to streamline sales operations, incentivize sales teams, and achieve greater sales success in today's competitive marketplace.

Now that you understand how to manage Xactly in-house day-to-day and when to engage your software implementation partner, your next step is to read about the role of a dedicated project manager in Xactly implementation.

Read this article: How a Dedicated Project Manager Leads to Successful Xactly Implementation.