Which portals are designed to automate business processes before, during, and after sales transactions between a supplier and multiple customers?

The most appropriate choice for portals designed to automate business processes before, during, and after sales transactions between suppliers and multiple customers is customer portals. Customer portals are platforms that facilitate direct interaction between a business and its customers, allowing customers to access information, place orders, manage their accounts, and view transactional history. These portals enhance the customer experience by streamlining communication and improving access to services, ultimately supporting sales processes from initiation to completion.

Customer portals often integrate various business processes, making it easier for customers to navigate their transactions, manage inquiries, and access support. In a sales context, they can automate order processing, provide real-time updates, and facilitate post-sales support, which enhances overall efficiency and satisfaction.

Sourcing portals focus more on the procurement side of business, connecting companies to suppliers for sourcing goods and services. Reference portals typically serve as knowledge bases or information repositories rather than transaction-focused platforms. Supplier portals are designed for suppliers to manage their interactions with a business, but they do not cater directly to the multi-customer aspect inherent in the question.

In summary, the function of customer portals aligns most closely with automating business processes related to sales transactions with multiple customers, supporting both pre-sale and post-sale activities effectively.