CRM Software Blog» Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants

Taking Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Mobile

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:56:13 +0000

Today’s workplace is made up of wireless devices and employees working remotely, so why should your CRM application make you feel tethered to your desk?

With CRM Mobility, a mobile application service for Microsoft Dynamics CRM provided by FMT Consultants, users can view and update Microsoft Dynamics CRM data on iOS, BlackBerry and Android devices including both phones and tablets. CRM Mobility enables users to work offline when no internet connection is available and provides a rich user experience tailored to the specific needs of the application.

Benefits of CRM Mobility:

Time and Cost to Solution – By leveraging tools like HTML5 and jQuery, FMT is able to deliver a functional solution within a short period of time suited for your exact needs at a cost lower than it would be to license a solution.
Control – Using open standard platforms we have ultimate control over the look and feel of the end product, allowing us to deliver a solution that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations.
One Set of Code – Because of the tools and technologies used, we can develop one set of code that works on various devices and form factors.
Support and Maintenance – Using non-proprietary technologies allows us to enhance, support, and maintain the application.

Example Mobile Screen Shots

Image 1. Example of a custom application home screen that provides buttons and displays announcements from CRM.

Image 2. Search accounts using specific filters.

Image 3. Display of account data and related entity informations like contacts and activities in a very specific layout and format.

Image 4. The data is synchronized with CRM when the user has a connection.

Image 5. Another example of a mobile CRM application with a different look and feel.

For more information about CRM Mobility from FMT Consultants visit our website

Posted by Nicole Kirkpatrick of FMT Consultants, LLC, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in Dynamics GP and CRM servicing clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

Taking Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Mobile is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 vs. Contact Managers (Outlook, Business Contact Manager, ACT!, etc.)

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:38:28 +0000

With a strong background in ACT!, I am often asked to compare the functionalities of Microsoft Dynamics CRM with a contact manager. My response is always the same, I reply with a simple automobile analogy that compares two well-known vehicles.

When comparing a Contact Manager to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, think of it as the Toyota Camry vs. a top of the line Lexus sedan. We know that Toyota and Lexus are the same company, but each vehicle is designed to fulfill the needs of its unique target market. While you have the option to get the cloth seats in the Toyota, this is not an option with the Lexus; leather seats are pretty much standard in luxury cars. The luxury car will have everything you want, need, and some features that you will never use. If you haven’t guessed by now, the Contact Manager is the Toyota and Dynamics CRM is the Lexus. With that said we can use the below chart to compare some features of Dynamics CRM to Contact managers:

Many companies choose to purchase the Contact manager and fill in the holes using Add-On solutions. For example, ACT! does not include a marketing module, so many companies purchase Swiftpage Email (now called ACT! E-Marketing) to handle their marketing needs. Outlook can be even more limiting. Contacts and activities are completely independent of each other. This means that there is no link between an activity and contact, which means you do not have the ability to report on the number of interactions you have had with any particular contact or group of contacts. There are many examples that we can go through, but I think you get the point.

Dynamics CRM is very much the Holy Grail when it comes to CRM. All of the outlined features are included and the user experience is very familiar when combining Dynamics CRM with Outlook. For a low monthly payment per user, each user can have a full CRM experience without suffering the limitations of a contact manager. As a matter of fact, Dynamics CRM is considered one of the most feature rich CRM products on the market. If you are a “bang for your buck” shopper, this product will be very appealing.

To learn more about the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Click Here

Please feel free to contact FMT Consultants today if you have any questions about how Microsoft Dynamics CRM can improve your business!
Contact Us
(760) 930-6487
info@fmtconsultants.com

FMT serves its clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

by FMT Consultants, California Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 vs. Contact Managers (Outlook, Business Contact Manager, ACT!, etc.) is a post from: CRM Software Blog

New Microsoft Promotion Provides Organizations with Clarity in a Cloudy Environment

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Get $150 for each Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online User Subscription

Today’s organizations are under more pressure than ever to make informed decision regarding their IT investments. With so many cloud computing products available on the market there is now an added layer of confusion involved with selecting the right solution for your company. Many organizations have learned the hard way that not all clouds are created equal, instead many are filled with hot air and empty promises. As a result, Microsoft would like to invite organizations to learn first-hand the value of their Cloud Offerings by taking advantage of their most recent promotion and making the switch to Dynamics CRM Online.

Now thru March 31,`2012, Microsoft will send qualified organizations USD $150 for each Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Subscription license. These funds can be applied to anything including accelerating your implementation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, data migration, and even solution customizations.

To view the complete promotion details visit the Microsoft website or contact FMT Consultants today and find out if you qualify!

FMT serves its clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

New Microsoft Promotion Provides Organizations with Clarity in a Cloudy Environment is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Need a Lift Getting Your Organization to the Cloud? Consider a CRM Online Starter Package

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:32:04 +0000

Are you a small business owner who needs sales force automation but are not sure how to get started? Maybe you experimented with the Dynamics CRM Online Free Trial, but realized you need some help understanding the basics of CRM and applying them to your organization’s needs? Well now you have affordable packages available to you.

FMT Consultants, a Microsoft gold Certified Partner, is now offering 3 Dynamics CRM Online starter packages. Each package varies in cost and services so you can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.

The 1-Day CRM Online Starter Package
The 1-Day CRM Online Starter Package includes a full day with one of our experienced CRM Consultants, they will visit you onsite and help you conquer the basics of Dynamics CRM Online. Beginning with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online 2011 Sign-Up, a consultant will assist you as you access your new system and provide you with CRM Administration Training including: User Set-Up, System Configuration, Security, Outlook Client Installation, and Reporting Functionalities.

The 3-Day CRM Online Starter Package
The 3-Day CRM Online Starter Package is a great option for companies with slightly more complex CRM needs or data they need to migrate. With this Starter Package you will spend 3 full days with an experienced CRM consultant as they train you on each CRM Module (Sales, Service, and Marketing), provide you with Data Migration Planning and Training, Custom Entity Design Planning and Training, as well as everything included in the 1-Day Starter Package.

The 5-Day CRM Online Starter Package
The 5-Day CRM Online Starter Package is a great option for organizations implementing a large-scale CRM project or having a complex data structure. During these 5 days with an experienced CRM consultant you will get everything from the 3-Day Starter Package plus a Phased Roadmap Design and a Detailed Scoping Workshop.

Click Here to View Pricing Details

Learn More about Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 by registering for one of FMT’s FREE reoccurring webinars!
View Complete Webinar Schedule

About FMT Consultants, LLC
FMT Consultants, LLC is Microsoft’s leading Southern California provider of integrated business solutions and information technology services. Since 1995, its experienced team of consultants has leveraged the Microsoft technology platform, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics CRM, SharePoint, Exchange, Office and Microsoft SQL, to provide companies with innovative solutions to their most challenging issues.

FMT serves its clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

by FMT Consultants, California Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Need a Lift Getting Your Organization to the Cloud? Consider a CRM Online Starter Package is a post from: CRM Software Blog

New CRM Online Customers Get $200 Cash per User

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:43:36 +0000

New CRM Online Customer Promotion

FMT Consultants is excited to announce “Cloud CRM for Less” – a Microsoft Dynamics promotion for new CRM Online Customers. This offer invites qualified CRM Online customers to receive $200 cash for every user license they purchase before May 28^th 2011. Now businesses have a great opportunity to save a tremendous amount of money on a world-class CRM solution.

Key Benefits of CRM Online:

Get started on your new CRM system instantly by signing up online
Reduce your IT burden with a Microsoft hosted solution
Customize your Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online with drag-and-drop configuration
Minimize new user learning curve with CRM’s familiar Microsoft interface

View Eligibility Requirements and Promotion Details

Offer Ends: May 28^th 2011

Dynamics CRM 2011 Webinars

Wednesday May 4, 2011

2:00 – 3:00 pm PST

Wednesday May 18, 2011

10:00 – 11:00 am PST

View Complete Schedule of Reoccurring CRM 2011 Webinar

Have Questions or Need Assistance

Contact FMT Consultants, a Microsoft Dynamics Gold Certified Partner, can help answer your questions and walk you through the entire registration process. Maybe you are looking for a little training on your new system, FMT Consultants is proud to offer 3 CRM Starter Packages designed to help you get the most of your new solutions.

View CRM Starter Packages

FMT Consultants, LLC
(760)930-6400
Email: mholden@fmtconsultants.com
About FMT Consultants, LLC

FMT Consultants, LLC is Microsoft’s leading Southern California provider of integrated business solutions and information technology services. Since 1995, its experienced team of consultants has leveraged the Microsoft technology platform, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics CRM, SharePoint, Exchange, Office and Microsoft SQL, to provide companies with innovative solutions to their most challenging issues.

FMT serves its clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

New CRM Online Customers Get $200 Cash per User is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Get Answers To All Of Your Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Questions

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:38:30 +0000

Attend a Live Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Launch Event in San Diego

Join Microsoft and FMT Consultants for a FREE Live Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Launch Event and be among the first to see how it can help you increase sales, improve marketing, strengthen customer service and accelerate line-of-business application development through xRM.

Available as a cloud-based or on-premise solution, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is designed to strengthen relationships for organizations of all sizes, while offering a familiar interface, intelligent analytics, and connectivity between your people, processes, and systems.

In addition to live product demonstrations you will learn more about:

On-Line vs. On-Premise? – Come learn which version is best for your company.
Already using Microsoft Dynamics GP or another ERP Solution? – Come learn about the benefits of integrating Microsoft Dynamics CRM with an ERP Package.
How do I get there from here? – Whether your organization is using a legacy CRM system, a collection of spreadsheets or nothing at all, we will discuss the ease of migrating to Microsoft CRM 2011.
Who uses it? – Hear real-life testimonials of Microsoft Dynamics CRM in use and how existing FMT Customers have already benefited from using it.
How do I…? – Speak with a Certified Dynamics CRM Consultant and ask the experts the difficult questions.
Are you ready?…Find out about current Microsoft and FMT promotions and sign up on the spot!

As an added bonus CRM 2011 Launch Event attendees will have a chance to win a Kinect (for Xbox 360.)

Title: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Launch Event in San Diego
Date: March 16, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Microsoft Corporation (San Diego)
9255 Town Centre Dr, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92121

Get Answers To All Of Your Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Questions is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Microsoft Pays SalesForce.com and Oracle Customers to Give Microsoft Dynamic CRM Online a Try

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:57:21 +0000

Microsoft announced its “Cloud CRM for less” offer to encourage users to make the switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and receive “the Power of Productivity”. This offer invites current Salesforce.com and Oracle customers to earn up to $200 for each user that moves to CRM Online now through June 30, 2011. Here are a few other reasons companies of all sizes are making the switch to CRM Online.

PRICE
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the affordable CRM product priced for this economy at just $34 per user. This online sales, marketing, customer relations suite can save companies thousands of dollars annually compared with Salesforce.com that is priced from $65 – $250 per user per month.

FAMILIARITY
Dynamics CRM Online utilizes the Microsoft Office ‘Look and Feel’ which includes a familiar user interface, reducing the learning curve for users switching from Salesforce.com or Oracle. Office users making the move to CRM Online will be pleased to see the CRM Ribbon, visual page flow, and easy ‘one-click’ customization options. Separating itself from Salesforce.com, CRM Online also contains advanced personalization options including personal views, a ‘Most-Recently Used’ lists, Navigation preferences, and the ability to pin favorite records/views.

FUNCTIONALITY
Dynamics CRM is strengthened by Microsoft’s extensive vertical research and Partner resources, one of the many advantages of being a Microsoft Dynamics product. Such research enables Microsoft Dynamics Partners to provide businesses with the most industry-specific CRM solution available.

For additional information on how to take advantage of this opportunity contact FMT Consultants a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in Dynamics GP and CRM servicing clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

Microsoft Pays SalesForce.com and Oracle Customers to Give Microsoft Dynamic CRM Online a Try is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Learn How to Create Your Own Dashboards in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011!

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:28:26 +0000

In previous versions of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, dashboards have been made possible through the creation of custom SRS reports made accessible straight from the Main Form’s Navigation bar. We could even tailor things with a little bit of javascript so that only certain sets of eyes could view the metrics, making it a handy tool for middle and upper management. This came at a hefty price though. Creation and updates to the SRS reports were pricy and often time consuming; after all, the more ‘tricked out’ the graphs and charts were, the more complicated it was to modify them. This is not to say that SRS reports don’t have tremendous value, because they absolutely do. However, we lacked the agility to quickly create a specific set of dashboards meant to be used by different functional areas of the business. Cost factors often prevent us from creating more than one or two dashboards, inevitably leaving many sets of users to fend for themselves in searching and querying for the data they need.

CRM 2011 Dashboards

This is all about to change with CRM 2011, and the huge step forward is being applauded by the CRM community. Microsoft gets you started with a handful of dashboards that come right out the box. These include:

Sales Activity, Sales Performance, Marketing, Customer Service – Operations, Customer Service – Performance, and Customer Service Representative. Below is a screen shot of the Sales Activity dashboard:

Figure 1: Sales Activity Dashboard

Users of CRM Online know that a simplified version of the dashboard concept already exists in the online version of Dynamics CRM 4.0. This screen has been carried over to CRM 2011, and is now called the “CRM Overview” dashboard:

Figure 2: CRM Overview Dashboard

Create your own Dashboard

This is certainly enough to get people started, but 2011 is made even better by a very intuitive and simple interface to create your own dashboards with no SRS Report needed. Choosing to create a dashboard of your own really has become a point-and-click operation. You may be wondering how much time this would actually take, or how complex the process would be. How does a 3-step process sound? Here they are:

Select a layout.
Select your CRM metrics.
Add views into web pages, other applications, or anywhere else you’d like.

Here are screen shots to go with these steps:

Select a layout:

Figure 3: Dashboard Layout

2. Select your CRM metrics:

Figure 4: Dashboard Components

3. Add views into web pages, other applications, or anywhere else you’d like:

Figure 5: Dashboard IFrame Element

For the remaining steps on how to create your very own Dashboards in CRM 2011 Click Here.

For more helpful CRM Tips and Tricks visit FMT Consultants, LLC.

Article written by Natasha M. Serrano, Senior xRM Consultant at FMT Consultants, LLC, California Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Posted by Nicole Kirkpatrick of FMT Consultants, LLC, Microsoft Dynamics GP and CRM Partner servicing clients nationwide with a regional focus on Southern California including San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

Learn How to Create Your Own Dashboards in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011! is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Top 5 Marketing Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:15:32 +0000

There are 5 reasons we feel you should use Microsoft Dynamics CRM for marketing management.

1) Effective Data Management

Reduce the time wasted digging through old data with Microsoft’s latest version of CRM. This software intelligently cleanses your data eliminating duplications and decreasing your cost per engagement.

2) Reporting and Analysis Tools

Intuitive business intelligence tools built on Microsoft SQL Server and the Microsoft Office Systems allows you to manage business performance; quickly create reports; and measure and forecast revenue, identify opportunities, and proactively manage service issues. Marketers can also track and record campaign performance all inside CRM.

3) Fully Utilize Customer Information

Provides instant access to complete customer information (including preferences, relationships, purchase history, and more) enabling your company to respond quickly to changing customer preferences, needs and emerging opportunities.

4) List and Segmentation Tools

Deliver the right message to the right audience using intelligent list and segmentation tools to segment customer data across multiple data points in CRM.

5) Familiar User Interface

CRM’s user interface is similar to several other Microsoft products which make it quick and easy to navigate. Its functionality is a natural extension of Microsoft Outlook that allows you to manage customer e-mail, appointments, tasks, and contacts from a single business application.

For additional information on the right CRM solution for your business contact FMT Consultants, LLC today.

Top 5 Marketing Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

GP Customers Get 60% of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:59:24 +0000

Microsoft Dynamics GP customers can now receive CRM Online at just $19 per user through September 30, 2010. CRM Online combines the power of online services with the productivity applications that sales, marketing, and service teams use every day. With the ability to integrate with Microsoft GP, CRM Online delivers complete, centralized customer information across all departments and is hosted directly by Microsoft enabling benefits such as immediate new feature upgrades and quick deployment.

This promotion is available for a limited time only. For more information contact FMT Consultants, LLC to learn how you can take advantage of this discount.

GP Customers Get 60% of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is a post from: CRM Software Blog

CRM Software Blog» Nicole Kirkpatrick, FMT Consultants

Taking Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Mobile

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