Did you know that the benefits of integration can be taken a step further when you add SharePoint to the mix?  A recent article by Linda Rosencrance, posted on MSDynamicsWorld.com explores this topic in detail, you can read it here.

 Among other things, the MSDynamicsWorld.com article discusses several benefits of integrating SharePoint with Dynamics GP and CRM, these include:

• Improved time management—Integrating these three systems provides users with a single place in which they can view all the information that’s important to them.  That way, they can stay focused on the task at hand, without stopping to log in and out of different systems.  
• Enhanced document management— Especially when it comes to Dynamics CRM, the ability to store documents associated with processes and entities is fairly limited.  But, document management is one of the things SharePoint does best.  Connecting Microsoft Dynamics CRM to SharePoint brings version management, approval capabilities and more to an already powerful customer relationship management system.
• Streamlined interdepartmental communication—Oftentimes, users in one department may need to share information from the ERP or CRM systems with their colleagues in another department, but it’s fairly unlikely that all employees will have access to both of these systems.  However, when Dynamics GP and CRM are connected to SharePoint, information can more easily be shared among various departments, thus, allowing the teams to view the business from each other’s perspective, and as a result make better informed decisions.

Want to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP, CRM, or integration with SharePoint?  Contact us.  We’re happy to help.

By: Laura Heinbockel, Intelligent Technologies, Inc., a NC Microsoft Dynamics Partner

www.inteltech.com

Microsoft SharePoint Takes Your Dynamics GP and CRM Integration to the Next Level is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Whatever the reason, a company that wants the full value of Microsoft CRM needs to have the expertise of a partner, starting with the set-up. For this reason, Intellitec Solutions is offering Fixed Fee Implementations of Microsoft CRM. We offer 3 different plans, with services ranging from account set-up and basic training and modifications, up to plans that include needs analysis and higher end configuration and support. These plans are perfect for businesses that need to be up and running quickly on Microsoft CRM, and need to do so with cost certainty.

For more information on our fixed fee plans and for general information on Microsoft CRM, please visit us at www.intellitecsolutions.com, or call us at 866-504-4357

By Intellitec Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner serving Delaware

Fixed Fee Implementation of Microsoft CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Any user can access personal customizations by clicking "Options" on the File tab. In Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for Outlook, click "CRM" in the Navigation Pane of the File tab, and then click "Options." The Set Personal Options window opens.

There are many options for personal customizations found here. You can set your own time zone, language for the user interface and Help, default currency, and format for the display of numbers, time, and/or date. You can set your own default start page and tab. You can select the number of records to show per page in lists of records, which is a performance customization: smaller sets of records display more quickly.

You can also select custom e-mail templates, and select whether or not you want to track your e-mail messages in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online (http://mig.com/Software-Solutions/Customer-Relationship-Management-CRM/Microsoft-Dynamics-CRM). There is much more, and you might want to explore the many customizations found in the Set Personal Options window yourself. You may find beneficial personal customizations that hadn't even previously occurred to you.

You can also tailor Dynamics CRM to your own needs by creating a personal view. To do so, first click "Advanced Find." Specify the search criteria and the columns to include in search results. You can also reorder and remove columns, or change the width of any column. Click "OK," then specify the sort order. Save the search as a saved view, and it will now be listed in the Saved Views tab of the Advanced Find form.

All of these personal customization options are what make Microsoft CRM the perfect tool for every particular user's needs.

MIG & Co. is a professional consulting firm that specializes in the implementation of business management software solutions, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, SL, and CRM. We automate business processes to ensure that our customers work efficiently. MIG is a New York City based Microsoft Dynamics Gold Certified Partner, primarily serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

A CRM that Can Be Personalized to Its User is a post from: CRM Software Blog

For organizations grappling with a bloated CRM environment, complaints of “confusing,” “hard to navigate,” or “too many fields” may be familiar. For those considering implementing CRM, an overly complex environment risks hurting adoption, negatively impacting data quality, and limiting the ability to leverage the analytic capabilities of the system.

The solution?

Condense or rationalize CRM functionality to what is really important to your business, even when it comes to defining your CRM goals. This will sound counter-intuitive, especially for those investing in a new CRM system, but a lean and streamlined environment will increase adoption, improve data quality, and deliver efficiencies. Follow these 4 steps:

Define

• Begin by understanding what data you really need today. Avoid getting bogged down in theoretical discussions about what data you will need to support future-oriented analysis, you can cross that bridge later. Define the criteria you will use to segment leads, contact and accounts. Consider how you want to categorize Opportunities, Cases, or Products for reporting or management purposes.  If you are using phrases like “may want” or “could”, when defining data requirements, then you really don’t need the data; it’s just nice to have.

Refine

• Once you’ve identified what data is needed, then it’s a relatively straightforward process to audit the system, and streamline CRM interfaces so that business-critical data is front and centre. Remove or hide fields that are not needed. Ensure that fields that are likely to be updated (address, phone, email, etc.) are noticeable to users when they open a record.
• Be mindful of who will be creating and / or updating records, and how. An interface that has too many fields, or requires navigation, may make it challenging for users to quickly enter records, especially when using a mobile device. Avoid the temptation to apply restrictive business logic or validation rules, such as requiring that a company’s website address be entered before saving an account record. When users have the ability to save and continue, and complete data entry at a later time, better software adoption practices are reinforced.

Standardize

• Develop a common data language within your organization and share it with your end users.  This often takes the form of data standards or a data governance plan and may require embarking on a data cleansing initiative.
• Think that’s overkill for your company? Not so. Imagine how frustrating it would be if you tried grouping contacts by province when users have been entering Alberta as: ‘Alta’, ‘AB’, ‘Alberta’…or forgetting it altogether! Data standards ensure that users create and manage data in a consistent fashion.  Identify ‘Data Stewards’ who will own aspects of your organization’s data and be champions of data quality.

Monitor

• Empower your Data Stewards to monitor the data they are responsible for, so they can correct erroneous data in a timely fashion. Ask them to track and measure the frequency and nature of the errors. Analyzing the logs will give you insights as to where users make errors or miss entering critical data.
• Only then, based on behavioural evidence, should you develop business rules or add restrictive validation logic to prevent errors and enforce data standards.
• As users become more comfortable with CRM, they may ask for fields to be added that were previously hidden. Rather than arriving at these conclusions due to speculation and hypothetical requirements, these requests will be based on real or new business needs. Reintroducing these fields and functions will be simple as you have introduced an incremental improvement rather than an overwhelming change.

Remember, simplicity is a virtue!

To learn more about how a lean approach to CRM can help your business achieve its goals, get in touch with Marcus Hooper: marcus@catapulterp.com

by Catapult ERP

Keep it Simple with CRM to Increase Adoption and Improve Data Quality is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Is your Sales team performing at top capacity?

According to a recent sales performance optimization study from CSO Insights, over 50% of companies need to increase the effectiveness of their sales teams.  Each business has its own definition of improved sales performance, but generally the metrics related to the goals can include:

* Increasing the number of qualified leads that are contacted by each salesperson,
* Reducing the prospect-to-customer conversion cycle,
* Raising the average sale per customer,
* Growing the overall number of customers served (read more about the "High Value of Customers in Today's Market"),
* Increasing the successful achievement of sales revenue goals
* And more

In order to meet or exceed your company’s sales effectiveness, there are a number of different strategies that can be used.  Arguably, the number one approach is to deploy AND USE a customer relationship management (CRM) solution.  The following are the top five strategies that can help you to achieve your sales performance expectations with a CRM:

1. Make your CRM your primary performance metric tool - set up all of your routine sales reports to utilize your CRM based on the sales metrics your particular business utilizes.  Then expose these reports to your Sales team as well as upper management to use in meetings, presentations, and evaluations.

2. Tie at least a portion of Sales team compensation to your performance metrics - sales people inherently will perform according to their specific compensation goals.  Using your CRM to measure some or all compensation goals will drive results.

3. Managers and sales team leads must use the CRM system - as upper and middle management use and understand the advantages of a CRM the adoption will grow with the entire sales group.  Routinely ask managers or leads to give a report on their group using the CRM data.

4. Communicate the benefits of a CRM - many salespeople can be skeptical about how a piece of software can actually help them to achieve results.  Help them to see CRM benefits from easier contact or lead management, more timely sales data, or more efficient customer management through reminders and follow up prompts.

5. Share CRM results across departments - Marketing, Customer Service and particularly the executive level departments should have an opportunity to review and analyze your CRM reports and metrics.  This transparency will breed opportunities for other departments to see the benefits.  For example marketing can now see how leads are processed and how campaigns impact the sales department.

Your business sales performance has a direct effect on your overall business success.  As your Sales teams become more productive you will realize a higher level of performance and goal achievements.  

Every business is unique in how they motivate their Sales force and utilize their CRM solution.  Do you have a unique strategy for your sales group?  How did you turn the corner for sales performance?  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read about CRM best practices if you're considering a CRM solution for the first time, or if you're an experienced user that's evaluating migrating to a new CRM solution. 

by Green Beacon Solutions

The Top Five Strategies for Improving Sales Performance is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Barton Goldenberg, ISM’s founder and president, is a respected author, columnist, speaker and industry leader, including being one of the first three inductees in the CRM Hall of Fame.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, Goldenberg’s ISM released its 2013 Top 15 CRM Software Awards based on rigorous testing of CRM software programs from around the world that are sold in the North American marketplace. For those of you unaware, both Axonom's Powertrak and Microsoft Dynamics CRM made the Top 15 CRM list.

In the report, Goldenberg forecasts the following CRM Trends: Data/Business Analytics, Social CRM, Mobile Functionality & Gamification. These trends are identified from vendor surveys and intensive testing at the ISM Software Lab in Bethesda, MD.

The following are several business application and the latest technology trends in today's CRM software:

• Integration with Social Media Applications: CRM vendors are now beginning to offer integration with third-party, comprehensive social media applications that is adding a new social element in traditional CRM processes. These new ‘Social CRM’ applications enable a business to connect customer conversations and relationships from social networking websites into the CRM process. ISM sees Social CRM becoming integrated in CRM platforms and applications for a more complete view of customers through the use of feeds from social media channels.

• Increased Availability of Social Media Functionality: CRM vendors are now providing direct access to social media functionality. Social media can also refer to web-based services that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users. Computers and other technologies have shifted from one-way static communication to platforms for interaction and community building. In addition, ISM forecasts that the monitoring, filtering and analyzing of relevant social media posts for sentiment and other organizational purposes will be an increasing focus for the CRM industry over the next 3-5 years.

• Increased Social Media Customer Assistance Options: Many CRM vendors see Social Media as a cost-effective method to improve their customer assistance options. Customers are no longer calling the help line when they have a problem — they are Tweeting about their problems, posting and finding the appropriate solutions within online forums or discussing problems on Facebook with their contacts. ISM sees more and more organizations building online communities (requiring components such as dialogues, forums, ideation, media sharing and blogs) for customer assistance, which increasingly come with tight integration into other CRM processes.

• Increased Use of Big Data Analytical Tools in CRM Solutions: Big Data Analytical tools, which include predictive modeling, can now foretell the monetary value and profitability of a particular customer. These tools take into account profiling customers based on their behavior, segmenting markets and predicting customer purchases based on past purchase information and psychographic/demographic data, as well as determining cross-sell opportunities. The expansion of Internet traffic, social networking, mobile devices and cloud applications will generate a tremendous increase in unstructured data, leading to an increased demand for business analytics software that combines text analytics, sentiment extraction and related technologies to find patterns and trends among social network, mobile device and cloud application users.

• Increased Number of Mobile CRM Offerings and a Move Towards Real-Time CRM: CRM vendors continue to develop and release mobile CRM application modules, especially those that are bundled with or work on a large variety of handheld and/or wireless devices. ISM foresees mobile apps extending its influence on the CRM marketplace as CRM applications will look and behave more like apps that are accessible on mobile devices. Consequently, CRM applications accessed on mobile devices will streamline their user interface and make their applications simple to use. Wireless components will increasingly allow users to make business decisions in real-time while simultaneously creating analytics in real-time—all of which support a growing movement toward Real-Time CRM.

• Increased CRM Offerings via the SaaS Model: CRM software vendors are increasingly offering CRM software solutions via the SaaS model, which is also referred to as an on-demand solution and is part of the growing cloud computing movement. While not applicable for all organizations, the SaaS model is attractive because it can circumvent traditional problems with the CRM client-server model including initially high prices, time-consuming deployments and the need to perform software upgrades. The two major drivers of accelerated adoption of SaaS in organizations include initial cost advantages and increased proof of data security.

• Increased in Gamification applications in CRM Software: There is a growing importance of Gamification, which utilizes game design techniques and mechanics to enhance user adoption of CRM applications. Business leaders are increasingly conducting trials on CRM programs which leverage game elements that provide a clear sense of progress, instant feedback loop and reward incentives—and which directly accelerate the accomplishment of measurable performance objectives.

To find out more about the Top 15 reviews, or to purchase, go to: www.ismguide.com/ism-products/top-15-crm-software-reviews.

By Axonom, a B2B solutions provider for Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers around the world. Find out more about Powertrak software for Microsoft CRM at www.axonom.com.

Business Application and Technology Trends in CRM Software is a post from: CRM Software Blog

I am happy to announce that both Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Powertrak have been named to ISM's 2013 Top 15 CRM Awards list. These products serve as the standard for comprehensive Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. ISM's Top 15 awards are divided into two categories—Enterprise (Upper Mid-Sized to Large companies) and Small & Medium Business (SMB - Small to Mid-Sized companies) - to reflect the changes and growth in the CRM marketplace.

“The winners of the 2013 Top 15 are the influencers in the CRM community as they make significant advancements in both functionality and connectivity for sales and marketing professionals, offer better decision making tools for executives, and provide more intimate connectivity with today’s Digital Clients,” said Barton Goldenberg, president, ISM.

Each CRM software program undergoes intensive testing at the ISM Software Lab based in Bethesda, Md. Each software program ISM tests is rated according to 208 selection criteria, including 99 business functions, 48 technical features, 34 implementation capabilities, 10 real time criteria and 17 user-support features. With no ownership in or by a vendor, ISM's software analysis is 100 percent vendor neutral and bias free.

Powertrak Wins ISM 2013 Top 15 CRM Enterprise Software Award

Axonom’s Powertrak solution suite automates revenue generating business processes for high-tech, manufacturing, and service organizations. Highlighted by its award-winning Product Configurator and Time and Billing modules, customers utilize these solutions to manage their quote-to-cash cycle, automate time entry and billing management processes, and streamline transactions.

Axonom’s commitment to Customer Relationship Management does not end with the Top 15 CRM Award. The company has a Gold CRM Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network and Powertrak achieved Certified for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (CfMD) status.

"The ISM and Microsoft awards and certifications directly reflect our commitment to the CRM marketplace by developing and delivering industry-specific software, services, and support," said Mike Belongie, COO at Axonom.

CRM Features and Trends

Barton Goldenberg found that as businesses seek a higher return and increased effectiveness on marketing, sales and service program investments, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software market is seeing dramatic growth and enhanced offerings including Data Analytics and Social CRM applications, mobile functionality as well as Gamification features, reports premier CRM consulting firm ISM.

He also identifies that mobile CRM, Social CRM, and SaaS offerings continue to be popular CRM software features. In addition, Big Data Analytics/Insight and Gamification applications are the new, hot new trends in the industry.

Download Software Reviews

More than 35 software reviews are available to use in your search for the CRM software solution that best matches your company's business processes and meets the unique needs of your sales, customer service and marketing functions. Wireless, Web and Hosted are among the options to consider.

The Top 15 winners for each category are featured in ISM’s 19th edition of User and Vendor electronic versions of The Guide to Mobile and Social CRM and are available for purchase in CD and downloadable format at www.ismguide.com/top-15-reviews. For more information, call 301-656-8448 or email John Chan at jchan@ismguide.com.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Powertrak Named to ISM's Top 15 CRM Award List.

By Axonom, a B2B solutions provider for Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers around the world. Find out more about Powertrak software for Microsoft CRM at www.axonom.com.

ISM Releases Top 15 CRM Software Awards is a post from: CRM Software Blog

“Companies embarking on large transformation projects want to be sure they deliver both value and sustainable change to their organizations,” PwC Global Advisory Alliance Leader Jonathan Tate said. “Using PwC's transformation skills, industry sector insights and knowledge of technology platforms and applications in combination with tools like Microsoft's suite of solutions can help companies maximize the return on their investment.”

The Microsoft Dynamics line of products (CRM, CRM, Business Intelligence) are powerful and robust, potentially providing any company with the breadth and depth of business solutions needed to truly harness today’s technology. However, as with any technology, it must be configured and adapted to the situation at hand. PwC consultants provide that service, guidance and experience to help companies get the most out of their deployment of Microsoft Dynamics.

“Microsoft Dynamics business solutions help enterprises become 'Dynamic Businesses' and PwC has a proven track record in facilitating business transformation for enterprise customers,” Microsoft Business Solutions CVP Sales and Operations Neil Holloway said. "Our combined strengths from product to industry offerings will enable many regional and global companies to successfully modernize their business applications."

When it comes to configuring and deploying enterprise-level technology, you really only get one shot to do it right. Once a system is in place, businesses often have to work around critical oversights in design for years, causing a lack of efficiency and decreased return on investment. With a tool as potentially powerful as Microsoft Dynamics, businesses will want to ensure all major needs are met the first time.

As with anything in business, it’s not about getting the job done fast but getting it done right. If your business is considering a Microsoft Dynamics product deployment soon, or even if you’re in the middle of a deployment, consulting with deployment experts will guarantee you the best tools for your investment.

The combined strengths of PwC and Microsoft, from product to industry offerings, will enable many regional and global companies to successfully modernize their business applications and help them become Dynamic Businesses.

The complete press release issued by PwC can be found at on the PwC website.

By CRM Software Blog Editors, www.crmsoftwareblog.com

Pricewaterhouse Cooper Announces Microsoft Dynamics Alliance is a post from: CRM Software Blog

To deliver this more personalized experience, marketers must let consumer behavior be their guide and they must embrace marketing automation in order to do so efficiently.

Join us on May 23 for a live webinar to learn more about marketing automation for Microsoft Dynamics CRM and how it can help you increase marketing effectiveness, generate more leads and drive ROI.

Learn how marketing automation can:

• Give your sales and marketing teams visibility into prospect behavior, and the ability to target them with relevant messaging and track responses.
• Capture customer and prospect data from email campaigns and website activity directly into CRM.
• Automatically score and route leads to sales based on demographic and behavioral information.

Date: Thursday, May 23^rd, 2013

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

Featured Partner: CoreMotives

Register Now for our Webinar!

By MIG & Co.

Webinar: Have You Heard the Buzz Around Marketing Automation? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

But, when combined together these two systems create a complete business solution that streamlines operations and makes your team more productive.  Specifically, the benefits of integrating Dynamics GP and CRM include:

1. Improved customer insight— Combining the data stored in Dynamics GP and CRM offers a 360 degree view of your customers and their preferences.  Armed with this level of detail you can easily tailor your marketing message to the needs of specific groups, which in turn will improve your conversion rate and subsequently sales.
2. Increased activity tracking—Integrating Dynamics GP and CRM makes it simple to keep track of all the key performance indicators, such as customer satisfaction and inventory levels that provide vital clues about the overall health of your company.
3. Enhanced productivity—Connecting Microsoft Dynamics GP and CRM systems helps keep your customer data up to date. You only need to make a change once and it will be automatically carried through the system; no more duplicate data entry.  Not only is this a time saver, it also reduces the risk of human error.
4. Real time decision making—Integrating Dynamics GP and CRM means you no longer have to waste time running multiple reports in separate systems. Instead, you can get all the information you need from a single report and react in a timely manner.

These are just a few examples of the many ways companies benefit from integrating Dynamics GP and CRM.  Sign up for a free 30 day trial and see how it can help you.  Simply fill out the brief form below to get started.

Interested in learning more about the powerful combination of Dynamics GP and CRM?  Contact us or view the Virtual Convergence session, “Integrating Your ERP System with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.”  Once logged in to Virtual Convergence 2013, go to “Sessions”--> “Microsoft Dynamics CRM” then scroll down in the list of sessions on the left hand side of the screen until you find the one you’re looking for, and click the play symbol.

By: Laura Heinbockel, Intelligent Technologies, Inc., a NC Microsoft Dynamics GP and CRM reseller

www.inteltech.com

Together Microsoft Dynamics CRM and GP Deliver Improved Insight and Productivity: Try it FREE for 30 Days is a post from: CRM Software Blog