SEI Investments (NASDAQ:SEIC), the global provider of outsourced processing solutions and integrated investment technology solutions for investment management organizations, announced today it has developed a new Marketing and Distribution Assessment (MDA) tool to help Investment Managers assess opportunities to expand distribution through various sales channels.
The MDA tool allows mutual fund clients to receive timelier, comprehensive assessments combined with latest industry information. Additionally, it provides an innovative analysis based on a comprehensive checklist of "best practices" for a company's product, performance, marketing and distribution areas. SEI's solution is intended to streamline the strategic planning process. "We've always provided the knowledge and expertise to evaluate new channel opportunities for our clients," stated Ross Ellis, Head of SEI's Global Funds Services Product Group. "This new MDA tool now permits us to deliver a strategic analysis much more quickly and efficiently to meet our clients' needs, and permits them to execute on their strategies in as little as a few weeks rather than several months."
Built on the foundation of SEI's extensive proprietary and secondary research, the unique tool utilizes technology to allow marketing teams to work collaboratively on assessments to help clients define the factors needed to succeed in each channel. MDA analyzes and scores over two hundred metrics, based on critical success factors for each distribution channel. A gap analysis is then produced which provides recommendations for development and refinement in each channel. SEI utilizes this report for both periodic assessments and annual business planning.
In addition to the customized assessments, the MDA also provides a periodic report card to measure critical metrics for growth of assets. "As an example, during the development stages, we've already worked with one client to identify 30 critical functions needed to meet their asset growth goals over the next three years," continued Ross Ellis. "With the MDA, we can now set up metrics and produce an accurate, timely quarterly report card to make sure we are on track, or determine if we need to respond quickly to a problem area."
The MDA will be released in July and is just one part of an overall suite of Marketing and Distribution solutions that SEI delivers to its clients. "We believe this is the first advice component fully integrated in a technology solution to deliver a consistent, timely, cost-effective advice product to our clients," stated Ross Ellis.