Transforming Data in the Channel – Part 2

In our last blog, we did a breakdown of handling the complexity of large data sets required in channel operations. We discussed how extremely time-consuming it is to ensure files are marked correctly, information is added or removed, and values are correctly calculated, etc. In our previous update to the CloudBlue platform, we introduced the foundation of addressing and solving this issue through our Commerce module, which allows for ingestion of large data files that can be sent to downstream partners (e.g. vendor to distributors, distributors to resellers, etc.). With our latest update, we are happy to announce that this functionality now supports data stream processing. 

Users will now see a new extension available in the Extensions Catalog within CloudBlue’s Integrations module, which allows them to enable the standard set of transformations for data stream transformation.

When the extension is installed, users can navigate to the individual outbound streams. Within each stream, the transformation tab will now allow for out-of-the-box transformation (through the extension) that can be applied to each data stream. Additionally, we also have the Transformation SDK for our users to create more complex transformations that allow them to create calculations specific to their data stream needs.

By allowing for these custom transformations, all the channel partners leveraging this capability will benefit from key operational benefits:

• Timesaving: Automatic transformation through streams can automate repetitive tasks, allowing users to save time and focus on more important tasks. With transformations, users can perform a series of actions through automation, instead of manually performing each step.
• Increased accuracy: Transformation can help reduce errors and increase accuracy by automating complex tasks prone to human error.
• Customization: Transformations can be customized to fit the needs of specific business operations, making it easy to create tailored workflows that suit specific needs.
• Consistency: Transformations help ensure consistency in large file sets by automating repetitive tasks such as formatting and data entry.
• Efficiency: Transformations streamline workflows and make it easier to accomplish dataset changes quickly and efficiently – in a fraction of the time it would take to do them manually.
• Increased productivity: Transformations can help users accomplish more in less time, increasing overall productivity.
• Flexibility: Transformations are highly customizable, allowing users to quickly create, edit, and maintain transformation logic to accommodate any future changes in operation.

With all these benefits in mind, we want to help our CloudBlue partners with the key features of streams and transformation, unlocking and solving issues that inherently plague channel operations.

To help specific channel business operations, we have also introduced a few new product management objects and functions on our platform. Users can now create specific tier-1 and tier-2 inquiring templates. This allows the resellers and distributors to collect specific information required from the customer in the tier-reseller motion to complete the transaction. These new templates are also configurable by the distributor themselves – on top of the existing vendor product definition.

To complement the new tier-inquiring templates, we’ve also introduced ordering and fulfillment parameters in the scope of tiers. This means that tier-1 and tier-2 distributors and resellers can also collect and provide information from/to the customer to complete the transaction. Like the new tier-inquiring templates, these parameters are also configurable by the distributors.

These are just a few of the new and improved functionalities we’ve introduced in the latest update to the CloudBlue platform. We’ve also made additional improvements and changes across different modules as well as changes to the user interface, which help improve operations and user experience. With this release, we’re introducing new capabilities while also bolstering our existing features to help our customers tackle those tough channel distribution and subscription management use cases.

Check out our full CloudBlue Platform Updates here.