Another time-consuming, difficult, yet critical task for FLMs in the business manager role is aligning sales territories. Sometimes, territories need to be realigned in response to events, such as the expansion, downsizing, or restructuring of a sales force. Other triggers for realignment are less apparent for example, evolving product lines, changing customer demographics, or a new sales process that impacts workload distribution across territories. Companies can provide easy-to-use mapping tools, coupled with structured processes, which help FLMs with realignments. FLMs can use these tools, but more often, an analyst at headquarters who is expert in using the tools acts as a resource to whom FLMs can turn for help with realignments. The tools allow FLMs to easily evaluate “what if” alignment scenarios and recommend salesperson-account assignment changes to sales leaders. Leaders can approve changes that adhere to company guidelines for metrics such as territory workload, potential, and travel requirements