The connector is a free tool that will integrate your systems allowing you to move pricing information along with customer information between your two solutions. Not only is the connector free, but it is extremely easy to customize based on how you do business.

Your employees will be able to improve customer satisfaction by having all information at their fingertips.  The customer will no longer be transferred from one customer representative to another in order to find out the progress of their order.

Sales employees can improve their sales by having an accurate count of the various products available and increase demand for those that have been sitting in inventory.  On the other hand, if your warehouse needs more supply, they will be able to see how many orders have been placed.  This will allow them to predict the demand and be prepared for any customer’s future orders.

In short, the Dynamics ERP and CRM Connector:

•   Is easy to install, use, and customize.

•   Increases sales, service, and customer satisfaction.

•   Supports your unique business processes.

•   Helps you realize more from your ERP and CRM systems.

Want more information about the Microsoft Dynamics ERP & Microsoft Dynamics CRM connector? Check out our webinar on Integrating your Dynamics ERP & Dynamics CRM.

MIG & Co. – MIG is a Professional Consulting Firm that specializes in the implementation of business management software solutions including Customer Relationship Management. We automate business processes to ensure our customers work efficiently. A New York City based Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner, primarily serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

by MIG & Co., New York Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Integrate Your Solutions: Connector for Microsoft Dynamics ERP & Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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We were impressed with the November 2011 Service Update (R7) but we wanted to call out some of the anticipated highlights for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Q2 2012 Service Update (R8) release, dubbed “CRM Anywhere”

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobility

This update includes a welcome, but rather surprising announcement, for Microsoft’s answer to a more robust mobile solution.  Interestingly, Microsoft has partnered with CWR Mobility to take advantage of its 3^rd party product and bring its mobility strategy to market much faster than it could on its own.  It seems as though Microsoft is licensing certain aspects of CWR but will be building off the platform – which is great news.  Security role integration and native language localization seems to be Microsoft’s first priorities.  AbleBridge is a CWR Mobility Partner and we do like their solution so we’re excited to see where it goes from here.

Cross Browser Support

Today Microsoft Dynamics CRM is only supported on Internet Explorer.  This update will provide cross browser and cross platform capability for its web client.  Safari running on PC, Mac, or iPad, Firefox running on PC or Mac, Chrome running on PC – this is BIG.   We’re keenly interested to see how well this strategy will play with 1) Outlook integration – will it just work, or what disclaimers need to be considered? And 2) Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution development – will this be a build once deploy anywhere or build twice for cross browser supportability?

Along with a new mobility option and cross browser support, which we feel are the two biggest announcements; this update also includes enhanced Enterprise Scalability, Enhanced Social Capabilities and some other Enhancements around industry templates, business intelligence and an improved portal framework.

We’re going to see a lot more information come out about the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Q2 2012 Service Update but the announcement alone illustrates Microsoft’s continued commitment to their CRM mobility strategy.

AbleBridge is 100% focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and we’ve witnessed the evolution of the product for almost a decade.  The latest release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to a long term strategic vision for CRM and we couldn’t be more excited as a Microsoft Partner. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you realize the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

by AbleBridge, Massachusetts Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Microsoft Dynamics CRM – “CRM Anywhere”, Q2 2012 Update Announced is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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Here are a few best practice steps to completing this chore:

1. Involve the CEO and CFO: CRM software will have a huge effect on the big picture of your business. Involving the CEO and CFO of a company will ensure your objectives align accordingly, and most times speed up the implementation process once that gets rolling. This will set the stage from the get-go.
2. Define software budget: There are a lot of factors that come up in regard to budget. In addition to implementing CRM, you need to allocate budget for maintenance, updates, and training. Don’t forget these essential components when deciding on what will work for you. A CRM solution is not a one-time only purchase; it needs to grow and scale with you as your business changes.
3. Ask around: CRM software should be relevant to everyone at your organization. If only one department can understand or leverage what you’ve put in place, then your ROI will not be as high as expected. Ask all departments what they wish a CRM solution could do and add it to an all-up list.

Even though this chore can seem like an overwhelming one, it may make or break your business. We would rather it made your business. Contact us at Cargas if you have any questions about Microsoft Dynamics® CRM and how it may just be the right CRM software for you.

By Memie Whiteside with Cargas Systems, Pennsylvania Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Determining the Right CRM Software Can Be a Chore: One Your Company Depends On is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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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

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CRM for Associations is a new concept that’s taking hold within the NFP marketplace.  It’s CRM, but CRM that is tailored to meet the requirements and speak the language of today’s associations.  As a membership-based organization, you have members, events, campaigns, sponsors, and other sources of revenue.  Your challenge is to manage and interact with all of your constituencies and audiences more effectively.   A CRM for Associations solution helps you do that while also boosting revenue.

Most AMS systems are lacking in sales, marketing, and service automation.  They do just fine with operational management such as event registrations and dues management, but many of the sales and marketing features and functions they offer are either afterthoughts, bolt-ons, or poorly integrated into the overall AMS system.  They fall well short for organizations with more sophisticated requirements.

With a CRM system that is designed and built for associations, you can break out of the limitations imposed by traditional AMS.  A CRM solution offers many sales, marketing, and service best practices:

• Constructing your membership team more like a traditional sales team.
• Developing ongoing nurture marketing programs to capture new revenue.
• Establishing a measureable lead management process.
• Utilizing integrated case management to establish a high-end membership service program.

Where a CRM for Associations solution shines is in centralizing your sales, marketing, and service efforts for your membership.  You can manage the details of recruiting and retaining sponsors, donors, supporters, and members.  Plan and manage marketing campaigns of any size and complexity including direct mail and email marketing.  When a revenue opportunity is identified, you can track and manage it through the revenue capture process.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the foundation for our CRM for Associations offering.  We have taken the base functionality and customized it to meet the specific needs of membership-based organizations.  It retains all of the extensive features found in the base product but is extended and tailored to work for associations.   Here is just a brief list of its features:

• Access the system from within Microsoft Outlook or use it from a web-browser.
• Use the solution as a stand-alone application or as an integrated component to your current AMS solution.
• Create and automate marketing campaigns.
• Deliver personalized campaigns for specific members.
• Develop nurture email marketing campaigns for training, newsletters, and events.
• Track and report on marketing and revenue generation activities.
• Manage comprehensive buying and demographic profiles for all important constituencies.
• Provide top-flight service to members through integrated case management.
• Easily deploy the solution either on premise or “in the cloud”.

A CRM for Associations solution is a great alternative for any membership-based organization looking to grow its revenue. This new concept is being adopted by many leading organizations today and forms the foundation for better, more effective sales, marketing, and service management.  And the best part is that organizations are seeing improved success in generating non-dues revenue.  You can too.

Contact Steve Kane (skane@broadpoint.net and 301-634-2404) at BroadPoint Technologies, the mid-Atlantic’s largest Dynamics reseller, for more information on our CRM offerings.

by BroadPoint

CRM for Associations: A New Era in Member Engagement and Revenue Generation is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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For only $2,500, clients receive power-user training for Dynamics CRM Sales and Marketing. This  “power” user will receive a day of user setup and security configuration, two days of classroom training for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Sales & Marketing Application course and one day of classroom training for Customer Service Application course. There are also group discounts if you have more than one “power” user you would like to get trained.

If you have data to migrate to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, for and estimated $1,200 to $1,700 we will migrate 10,000 leads, accounts, and contact records utilizing the CRM migration tool.

ReadySetGO for Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps companies get up and running in 6 weeks or less with standard Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality for sales, marketing, and customer management. For more information about low cost and rapid deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, download this fact sheet. And as always, let us know if you have any questions along the way by contacting us at andreed@tmgroupinc.com or 888.482.2864.

By The TM Group, Michigan  Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Partner for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and SharePoint

Get Ahead of the Curve in 2012: ReadySetGO for Do It Yourself Deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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1. Seek out the right executive sponsor. Having the right executive sponsor on your implementation project can help drive goals and adoption.
2. Define your current sales process, but don’t change it. We find that most companies don’t really follow a formal sales process and are unable to put what they do into an actual workflow. When implementing a new solution, they try to also push a new, standardized process into place although it hasn’t been communicated yet across their departments. This causes a lot of problems and ultimately leads to implementation failure. If you are trying to get a CRM solution up and running fast, you should stcik with the current sales process, and leave it as is. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a long term plan, but if your focus is on a rapid implementation and quick ROI than this is not the time to change your sales process.
3. Training. A new customer management solution is not effective unless your people know how to use it and actually do use it to streamline their daily tasks and increase productivity. The TM Group’s CRM Classroom and online training courses review the important aspects of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, such as customization & configuration, workflows, and extending CRM. We take training seriously because we know the key to adoption with  CRM solution is that everyone understands how to use it.
4. Get comfortable with the basics before the “WOW” features. CRM functionality can be pretty awesome and most people want the cool stuff right away before focusing on the basics. This can backfire quickly and we know that getting comfortable with CRM’s basic features helps increase user adoption rate and sets the stage to add “WOW” features later on.
5. Realistic expectations. Setting timelines that you can actually reach helps set the stage for a more successful implementation. It also keeps the morale high because you’re achieving progress, getting you to the final goal quickly. Decide if you want to hire a consulant to guide you through the implementation process, or if you’ll try a more do it yourself approach like our ReadySetGo for Microsoft Dynamics CRM approach.

These tips should help minimize the main issues during an implementation, such as resistance to change, lack of perceived benefit, and resistance to use technology. If you have any questions on how to successfully deploy CRM, please contact us at andreed@tmgroupinc.com or 888.482.2864.

By The TM Group, Michigan  Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Partner for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and SharePoint

Get Ahead of the Curve in 2012: 5 Tips for a Successful CRM Implementation is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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Whether you are looking for on-demand or on-premise, both solutions cater to your needs. Depending on the goals of your business, you will have to choose one or the other, but for these products this will not be a key decision point.

In terms of features within the CRM software solutions, you will also find very little differences.  For example, you can track sales activities and history for specific accounts in both and keep track of your campaigns to analyze in the future.  You may be thinking to yourself, so how do I choose SugarCRM or Microsoft Dynamics CRM?

Well, since Microsoft Dynamics CRM is part of the Microsoft line of products, the dashboards and functions are similar to products within the Microsoft Office line. The familiarity allows users to adapt quicker than those opting for SugarCRM.  Just with that you will be decreasing time & money spent on training.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM also integrates smoothly with other Microsoft products allowing you to move between Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Office, and even your Microsoft ERP solution.

One feature that SugarCRM has over Dynamics CRM is the ability to purchase SugarCRM directly from their website without any implementation. While you do gain instant results from this, all training and customization (if possible) then becomes your responsibility. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is sold, implemented, supported, and customized by Microsoft partners, like MIG.

Learn more about the various Microsoft CRM features available to your business! Make sure your Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service departments are working together to help grow your business.

MIG & Co. – MIG is a Professional Consulting Firm that specializes in the implementation of business management software solutions including Customer Relationship Management. We automate business processes to ensure our customers work efficiently. A New York City based Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner, primarily serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

by MIG & Co., New York Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Microsoft Dynamics CRM vs. SugarCRM: How To Know Which Option is Best for You? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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1) People and process first, software second

The best CRM software doesn’t overcome process or people shortfalls. I continue to be surprised by how many companies fail to understand the impact of getting the people / process / technology mix right. Invest the time upfront to make sure your people and processes are in alignment; then introduce technology to streamline those processes to realize a much higher return on your investment.

2) Executive Sponsorship

The best CRM system in the world will be shelf ware if you can’t secure executive sponsorship for the success of the project. Executive sponsorship is not to be confused with the people managing the project. Executive sponsorship is an individual or set of individuals that have responsibility for the strategic direction of the company and oversight of the people that will be using the CRM system. A CEO or Sales VP promoting CRM to the troops will go a lot further than the CIO or IT Manager.

3) Define CRM Success

Why are you implementing a CRM system? Define, document and communicate the value proposition for each pain point you are trying to address; then structure your CRM project to meet those goals. But remember, there are two levels of success; organizational and individual. The question you will want to ask at each level of the organization is “What’s in it for me?” Reducing burdensome administrative tasks might be very important for an individual; much like having visibility into the sales pipeline is for an organization.

4) Implement Gradually

Change is never easy and you don’t want to overwhelm people out of the gates. Define a project scope that will lay the groundwork for some immediate wins. This will help ensure user adoption and build momentum behind the CRM initiative. As people start using the system they will be able to provide the educated feedback necessary to take on the next phase of implementation. An iterative mindset will develop a culture of continuous improvement.

5) Actively Manage the Implementation

An internal team with a “go to” person(s) for the CRM users is very important. This is the team or individual that will continue the momentum of the CRM system. They will serve as data stewards, trainers / power users, and general overseers of the system to make sure there is continued alignment with business process. Companies who have strong internal CRM stewards will realize the highest return on their investment; and the rewards are great.

AbleBridge has been implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for over a decade and we understand the psychology, methodology and “key ingredients” necessary for a successful CRM implementation. Today, from a technology perspective we are solely focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM because we feel it’s the best CRM technology investment a company can make; however, our CRM implementation methodology has never wavered over the years and is agnostic of technology. Our people / process first, software second approach has been the keys to our customer’s success; and that’s how we measure our success.

Feel free to contact AbleBridge to learn more or request additional information.

5 Key Ingredients for a Successful CRM Implementation is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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1. Value When considering factors that affect total cost of ownership – such as licensing, services, training, deployment, administration, and maintenance – Microsoft Dynamics CRM is regarded by many customers and industry analysts as one of the best CRM values in the industry.
2. Familiarity Since Microsoft Dynamics CRM sits within Outlook there is a natural fit and familiarity customers appreciate. No other CRM tool out there will have tighter Outlook integration.
3. Leadership There is comfort and security in aligning your business investment with a vendor like Microsoft. With their strong balance sheet and long term commitment to business application innovation it makes Microsoft Dynamics CRM a solution that will return its initial investment many times over.
4. Choice Choose the best model for your organization. Host the software yourself or have Microsoft host it for you. License the software and pay for it upfront or over time.
5. Flexibility It’s really a big ball of clay. With point and click customizations, role based security and powerful development tools Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be easily adapted to any organization’s specific needs.
6. Insight Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides users with powerful business intelligence capabilities like real-time dashboards, inline data visualizations and flexible reporting. This allows for quick visibility into the performance metrics that matter most to your organization.  

AbleBridge is 100% focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and we’ve witnessed the evolution of the product for almost a decade. The latest release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to a long term strategic vision for CRM and we couldn’t be more excited as a Microsoft Partner. Contact us at AbleBridge to learn more about how we can help you realize the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

by AbleBridge, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner, Massachusetts

Why Organizations Choose Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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