In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are racing to leverage innovative technologies to stay ahead. Few understand this better than Pete Gillett, a pioneer in mobile customer relationship management (CRM) applications. Drawing from over three decades of experience, Pete has consistently stayed at the forefront of mobile CRM innovation, creating solutions that streamline workflows, enhance customer engagement, and drive business success.
The Evolution of Mobile CRM
Pete traces the roots of mobile CRM back over 20 years when portable technology was in its infancy with products like Compaq and Palm Pilot. “The main portable business solutions at the time had been fairly heavy laptops,” he recalls, “and you used to get the tablet-style where you could swivel the main screen around.” Early adoption included using clunky devices at tradeshows to capture leads—solutions that, while groundbreaking at the time, required significant manual effort.
The launch of the iPad in 2010 revolutionized the industry. “That made us go properly mobile,” says Gillett. His company quickly pivoted to adopt the new technology, deploying iPads at large-scale events such as the Munich Bauma construction show. “We rented 300 iPads and drove them in a van from the UK to ensure they arrived securely—it was a game-changer!”
Fast forward to today, and mobile CRM solutions have become even more sophisticated. Pete shares his excitement about the latest breakthroughs: “This year is the next revolution. You could almost just handwrite someone’s name and company, scan it with our app, and it will scrape all the information you need from the web to populate your CRM.” These advancements have drastically reduced the time and effort required to capture and qualify leads, enhancing the efficiency of sales teams who can use the Zuant app everyday .
Empowering Sales Teams with Seamless CRM Integration
A hallmark of Pete’s approach to mobile CRM is its impact on sales workflows. By simplifying lead capture and qualification processes, his solutions have transformed the way sales teams operate. “Their life is easier because of fast lead follow-up,” he explains.
He contrasts the present with the past when salespeople had to sift through stacks of marketing-qualified leads (MQLs) that were often unfiltered. “Now, they get really good qualified leads—the people that want to hear from them,” Pete emphasizes. This shift has not only improved productivity but also boosted morale among sales teams.
Mobile CRM applications have enhanced customer service in the B2B sector. “If someone scans a badge at a tradeshow, they immediately get a thank-you email, relevant content, and a qualified lead entry into the CRM,” says Gillett. This streamlined process allows for faster follow-ups and ensures that salespeople can focus on meaningful interactions rather than administrative tasks.
The Role of AI and 3D Technology in CRM Innovation
Pete is particularly enthusiastic about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mobile CRM. “AI is the absolute breakthrough,” he asserts. His solutions leverage AI to enrich customer data with minimal input. For instance, by simply entering a name and company, AI algorithms can scour publicly available information to generate a complete profile, eliminating manual data entry.
But Gillett’s vision extends beyond AI. He is also a strong advocate for using 3D photography and augmented reality (AR) to enhance customer engagement. Partnering with Matterport, his team has developed solutions that allow sales teams to virtually walk clients through factories or event booths. “It’s adding augmented reality into a 3D space to demonstrate products better than you could face-to-face,” he explains. This innovation is especially valuable for global businesses with customers who cannot attend tradeshows or visit facilities in person.
Companies like Toshiba are already reaping the benefits. Peter highlights a case where Toshiba’s 3D-scanned exhibition booth was used for virtual customer tours throughout the year. “Considering these booths cost millions to build, it’s crazy not to extend their utility,” he adds.
Overcoming Security Challenges in Mobile CRM
As mobile CRM applications handle vast amounts of sensitive data, security remains a top priority. Gillett’s company has invested heavily in safeguarding customer information. “Denial of service attacks and cyber threats are prevalent, so you need a secure system,” he states. A standout feature of his Zuant platform is the “Zuant Vault,” a centralized repository that ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR. Pete elaborates: “If there’s a data deletion request, the system identifies every device with that contact information and deletes it. This level of control is critical for maintaining customer trust.”
He also warns against the risks of personal data lingering on sales executives’ mobile devices. By centralizing data and automating compliance processes, his team has set a new standard for mobile CRM security. “It’s an area that doesn’t get much publicity but is crucial to protecting customer information,” Pete notes.
Pushing Boundaries with Emerging Technology
Looking ahead, Pete is optimistic about the future of mobile CRM. He sees immense potential in blending 3D, AR, and AI to create immersive customer experiences. “Almost anything’s possible,” he says. Whether it’s booking a hotel room via a 3D walkthrough or demonstrating complex machinery through virtual models, the possibilities are endless.
Despite the rapid pace of technological advancement, Peter remains grounded in his mission to simplify and enhance the user experience. “If it’s not easy, people won’t use it,” he emphasizes. By making cutting-edge technology accessible and intuitive, Pete is empowering businesses to unlock new levels of efficiency and customer engagement.
To learn more about Peter Gillett, check out his LinkedIn profile and website.