One of the welcome new features in CRM 2011 comes from the Data Import Wizard.  The new wizard can help you cut out wasted hours of tedious work prepping to import data into CRM and allow to you complete data importing on your own time, rather than needing consulting help.

The initial phases of the Data Import Wizard appear to be very similar to prior versions, as choosing your data source and data settings hasn’t changed much.  As you move through the wizard, you’ll see two key changes that will take a lot of frustration out of data imports – Data Mapping Identification and Field Mapping.

1. The first area you will notice a difference is when you select a data map.  Along with pre-built data maps created by the organization, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 now features data maps that will assist imports coming from other CRM products (Salesforce and Business Contact Manager).  Once you have selected a data map, your source and destination fields will automatically match up.   If you’re importing other information that is not from one of these products, choosing Default will allow you to do the mapping yourself.
2. The second feature to help out with the import process is the new Map Fields section.  The changes here help you on multiple levels.  First, rather than being forced to determine CRM column heading names and modify your data source to use these proper column headings before starting the import wizard, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 allows you to do the mapping during the import process.  You simply pick the column from your data source and then match that up with a field on the CRM record.

A second change in the Field Mappings helps match up values in Option Sets.  If you are attempting to input information into an Option Set, the Wizard will read all the different options that you have listed and allow you to match them up with the Option Set choices.  This feature helps cut down on errors during the import and doesn’t force you to sift through every record to ensure the spelling is correct.  As with previous versions, CRM 2011 allows you to save this newly created custom mapping for future data import usage.

These changes may seem simple, but they represent the types of features that were added in CRM 2011 to make the product more user friendly and to allow every single user to be more productive through his/her own efforts.

If you have any questions about the new data import wizard, please give us a call.  As a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certified Gold Partner we have helped over 100 customers successfully implement CRM and CRM enhancements for their organizations.   You can read about their CRM customer success stories on our website.

By Ledgeview Partners – Wisconsin based Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner serving the Midwest and Heartland regions

Data Importing Made Easy with Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

In some instances, marketing can be as effective as throwing darts – you toss a lot of darts in hopes of hitting the bull’s-eye eventually.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a powerful software solution that provides greater accuracy for marketing efforts.  You can draw prospect and customer data from other sources and create specific target lists that can be linked to tailored marketing campaigns.  Easily export these lists for bulk mail or email contacts, or share with the marketing team.  Having current contact data in a single platform will enable the entire marketing team to respond to prospects and customers from any web-enabled device whether in the office or on the road.

Easily create catalogs, special pricing, or discounts for offers using reusable templates or further tailor messages for specific target lists within Microsoft Dynamics CRM.  You can share marketing assignments and assign leads or create actionable rules that will generate an automatic response based on customer interest.  Every marketing activity, task, and budget can be tracked and monitored so that you can measure results.  Having each action item tracked in Microsoft Dynamics CRM will also ensure that marketing staff are using current data and know which offers were suggested to prospects, eliminating the embarrassing second phone call or following up on the wrong promotion or worse yet, letting a prospect fall through the cracks.

Streamlining marketing efforts will improve productivity and give the marketing team extra time to reach more prospects.  Measuring marketing efforts will help you identify trends and determine what works and which efforts yield less desirable results.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM can help you fine tune marketing campaigns so that you spend less time throwing darts and more time hitting bull’s-eyes.

By Jonathan Taub, Rimrock Corporation Toronto Ontario Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Targeted Marketing with Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

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

Related Posts

No related posts.

			Pete Petersen, CIO of LexJet, will discuss how his compay identified over 750 new leads using SalesFUSION integrated with Microsoft Dynamics.
			Jason Schleweis, Interactive Marketing Specialist at Baxa, will discuss how he saved marketing budget by eliminating under-performing campaigns using marketing data from SalesFUSION combined with opportunity data from Dynamics CRM.
			Meghan Palacios – Marketing Director at CSG,  will discuss how she collaborated with the sales team to develop a lead scoring program to improve the flow of leads from marketing to sales.

Session agenda

• Marketing automation defined and demystified
• B2B marketing trends that are here to stay
• Keys to integrating marketing technology to Dynamic CRM
• How to build a lead to revenue management model for your company
• Live case studies from our expert panel
• Live Q&A

Attendees to this session will be registered to win a new Amazon Kindle Fire and a $25 Gift Card.  All attendees will receive printed copies of the 3 end-user case studiesLike Us on Facebook and you could win an iPad.

We hope you will join us for this event!

Kind Regards,
The SalesFUSION Team
www.salesfusion.com

SalesFUSION to Host B2B Marketing to CRM Integration Webinar with Expert Panel is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

If you’d like to find out if Cloud Computing solutions from Microsoft are a fit for your organization, contact us today at (860) 426-8029, or sign up for a free 30-day Trial at http://www.tryoffice365.com/.

by P2 Automation, Connecticut Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

P2 Automation Joins Microsoft Cloud Champions Program is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

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

Related Posts

No related posts.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is an easy-to-use, yet robust Customer Relationship Management solution that provides your sales professionals the ability to manage their leads, opportunities, pipeline, customer accounts, and contacts.  With the familiar look and feel of Microsoft Office and the convenience of using it within either a browser or directly within Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Dynamics CRM also provides useful functionality for your sales managers, such as goals, metrics, dashboards, and powerful reporting capability.

Beyond being a fantastic CRM system, Microsoft Dynamics CRM also fully integrates with Microsoft Dynamics GP & AX, eliminating the need to perform double-entry for such things as contact or account address changes.  In addition, if you use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to generate quotes and orders, you can also automatically create invoices in Microsoft Dynamics GP & AX, saving time and the need for entering sales into two systems.

Whether you are a distributor or manufacturer for medical devices or any other industry, I hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

Todd Bowlsby, , MCP, MCTS | Account Executive ERP/CRM & Senior Dynamics Consultant
InterDyn – Remington Consulting, Oregon Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

CRM and ERP Integration – Really?! is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

It has been a year since the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and while last year’s conference expo was home to multiple CRM solution exhibits, this year will no doubt have more.  Just like the newest release of MS CRM 2011, partner solutions have had another year to grow, test and become tighter and more efficient.

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the InterDyn AKA Booth 252 to see a live demo of DynamicsADvantage for CRM – a fully integrated ad sales management system that works within Microsoft Dynamics to improve the sales, marketing and customer services processes for media, broadcast, and publishing companies. DynamicsADvantage for CRM provides the ability to track advertiser-agency relationships, sales automation within Outlook, opportunity to proposal and order creation, as well as integration into Dynamics and other financial systems. DynamicsADvantage makes Microsoft Dynamics CRM relevant for an ad sales department of a media company, while leveraging the power of existing Microsoft products including Outlook. 

Booking your travel and setting a schedule of product sessions and hands-on labs to attend are all great ways to prepare for a successful conference but don’t forget to check out the list of updated and new exhibitors who offer products and services that will add to your existing solution. We hope to see you there!

by InterDyn AKA, New York Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Come See a Demo of DynamicsADvantage for CRM at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence in Houston Texas! is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.

1.        Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 vs. Salesforce.com: Why Microsoft is the better investment

23,147 views | 21 Comments | May 17, 2010 by Ryan Plourde, AbleBridge

With the advent of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 right around the corner, the choice between Salesforce.com and Microsoft Dynamics CRM just got a lot easier.  If you are a business that utilizes Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Outlook, choosing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 over Salesforce.com makes a lot of sense.

2.        CRM 2011 and SharePoint 2010 – A Match Made in Document Management Heaven

7,602 views | 3 Comments | October 15, 2010 by Intelligent Technologies, Inc.

SharePoint 2010 and CRM 2011 are a match made in document management heaven. With SharePoint 2010 installed along with a special SharePoint list part and a few configuration items set in CRM 2011 you can have document folders set up automatically in SharePoint when you create entities in CRM.

3.        Microsoft Dynamics CRM vs. SalesForce.com

6,483 views | 10 Comments | March 3, 2010 by xRM

When it comes to sales force automation (SFA) and customer relationship management software (CRM), most offices will find the Microsoft Dynamics CRM a superior product to the SalesForce.com CRM. Why? Take a look below to understand why most offices will prefer Microsoft Dynamics over SalesForce.

4.        Salesforce.com’s Inability to Integrate Their Service with Microsoft Outlook 2010

4,830 views | 5 Comments | August 25, 2010 by xRM

Whenever I read a news story about a horrific event or a devastating natural disaster, my heart goes out to the victims of the tragedy. At the same time, deep down, I’m thinking “Whew! At least it didn’t happen to me.” Although there were no bombings or earthquakes involved, I had a somewhat similar experience today as I perused the client discussion forums on the Salesforce.com website.  Being a user of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, I have no firsthand understanding of the dissatisfaction that plagues these Salesforce.com customers, but I can most certainly sympathize with their distress.

5.        Microsoft Dynamics CRM used by IT Help Desk for Case Management

4,324 views | 1 Comment | June 29, 2010 by RSM McGladrey Inc.

When your organization is contacted – whether it’s by telephone, e-mail, or handwritten letter – and this is the type of activity which needs to be tracked, Microsoft Dynamics CRM has out of the box Customer Service functionality to manage these activities. Case Management is a tool for your customer service agents which provides transparency to the issues and resolutions and with automation, helps reduce the handling times to the resolution.

6.        Can You Use Microsoft Dynamics CRM on the iPad?

4,117 views | 1 Comment | August 31, 2010 by Anya Ciecierski, CAL Business Solutions, Inc.

According to an email I received today from a company called Axonom  the answer is yes – you can use Microsoft Dynamics CRM on the iPad.  I admit that I don’t have firsthand experience, the iPad is still on my “wish list”.  But for those of you lucky iPad users out there, now you can access your Microsoft CRM data and check sales reports as you sip a latte at the local Starbucks.

7.        SugarCRM vs. Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Which On-Premise Solution Provides The Most Value?

4,016 views | 7 Comments | March 10, 2010 by Frank Nisenboum, Socius

Lately, I have been seeing more and more of SugarCRM in the marketplace.  It makes sense.  After all, when money is tight, many organizations look for the lowest upfront cost instead of the product with the greatest long-term ROI.  It’s true that SugarCRM Professional and Enterprise have one of the lowest per user licenses costs of any on-premise CRM software solution for mid-market businesses, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM. 

8.        New Out-of-the-Box CRM 2011 Integration with SharePoint 2010 – Simple, Slick, and Easy

3,973 views | 3 Comments | February 7, 2011 by Andree Dolan, The TM Group

Documents are a part of doing business and at times there are far too many to keep track of. For example, you may have just turned a lead into a sales opportunity and already have an RFP response, pricing chart specific to that client, and notes from your meeting. How do you keep track of these vital documents and ensure the version you’re working on is the correct one?

9.         Microsoft Dynamics CRM vs. Business Contact Manager

3,885 views | 2 Comments | August 12, 2010 by JourneyTEAM

In our Microsoft Dynamics CRM sales efforts, we often get asked “What about Business Contact Manager?  Why can’t we just use that?”  The frequency with which we are asked this question convinced me that this would make a good blog topic. Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Business Contact Manager each have their strengths and weaknesses and will fit the needs of a company differently. Below I will give a brief overview of the two products and some of the main points I recommend considering when trying to evaluate Dynamics CRM vs. Business Contact Manager.

10.     Connector for Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM integration available now

3,688 views | 4 Comments | February 8, 2011 by Sandeep Walia, Ignify

I’m very pleased to see that the standard out of the box Connector for Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM is available. The connector integrates Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 or 2011 with Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV. The connector provides out of the box bi-directional integration between the ERP entities and the CRM entities such as customers, invoices, sales orders and items. For example, the screen shot below shows the integration between Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM entities.

By CRM Software Blog Editors, Find a Dynamics CRM Expert

Top Ten CRM Software Blog Posts for 2011 is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

1. Top Ten CRM Software Blog Posts for 2010
2. CRM Software Blog 8 Most Popular Posts
3. Third-Party ResearchReveals That Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online 2011 Continues to Emerge as a Leader in the CRM Software Field

Go vertical: Most companies want a CRM system that has some degree of industry-specific “verticalization”. The example used is of a real estate agency that wants to track not only client contact info but data specific to the real estate transaction.  The benefits of buying an industry specific CRM software package are that you don’t have to pay for customization. It has industry best practices and processes built it. The vendor who wrote the software is intimately familiar with your industry and “speaks your language”. Your users are likely to adopt it quicker since they are familiar with the terms used. But the article points out a major disadvantage too, “Vertical solutions often don’t have a large enough market—and therefore enough revenue—to support the level of continuous technical innovation that a Salesforce.com, Oracle, or Microsoft offers.”

Another risk is that the vertical solution will be “over-verticalized” and not give you enough freedom to customize. After all, not all vertical businesses are 100% alike. That leads us to option #2.

Customize: The article points out, “arguably the biggest benefit of going with a customized solution is that you can make it look, feel, and act exactly how you want. The system can be tweaked to mirror your business processes and support the way your company works. And with features like point-and-click customization, many tweaks and customizations can be made instantaneously.

But if you don’t know what you want, or need, these customizations can also give you too much freedom and run up the budget. 

Build-Your-Own: New tools make it easier than ever before to build a CRM system from scratch. And you can host them at secure data centers to make it even easier.  But you have to find the right talent to do it for you, and this can take a lot of trial and error.  After building their own CRM system from scratch the author admits:  ”The BYO approach can give you precisely what you want, but it is never the fastest path to implementation.” And when you build your own system you have nobody else to rely on for upgrades, updates, and maintenance. It is all on you.

What do I think is the best option? A combination of Go Vertical and Customize. I feel you can achieve this with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. You start with the core system then work with a Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner with experience in your specific industry to do minimal customization. Or perhaps there is already an add on product for Dynamics CRM that fits your industry.  You get a solid core system with vertical specifications. And a solid vendor behind it to make sure the system is constantly being improved. Plus, you can easily integrate it to a strong core financial system like Microsoft Dynamics GP!

Get free automated cost estimates for Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

By CAL Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics partner serving Connecticut

CRM Software: Go Vertical, Customize, or Build Your Own? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Related Posts

No related posts.