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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Being able to access your CRM system at almost any time and from almost anywhere has certainly changed from the ‘nice to have’ requirement it seemed to be a few years ago. Now it’s a fundamental requirement of the majority of CRM projects we come across. Looking at the notes from some of the most recent discussions between our CRM Consultants and people contacting us for the first time, the snippets include:

- “I have five users in different locations across the country, they all need to use the system”

- “All of us need to be able to get into the system when we’re out of the office”.

- “Our Marketing team are office based but most of our sales team will need to use the new CRM system when they’re out visiting customers”.

There are a wide range of considerations to take into account when you’re choosing a CRM solution. However, if remote access to your system and data is important, then that’s certainly a tick in the box for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. And because different organisations have different requirements, there are a number of ways to set the product up to provide remote access. Here are five ways to do it:

1) Internet facing deployment (IFD) of Microsoft Dynamics CRM on-premise (or partner hosted)

Traditionally, on-premise CRM software could only be accessed from an organisation’s internal network. Microsoft Dynamics CRM’s Internet Facing Deployment feature means your business partner or IT staff can set up the software so you can securely access it across the internet. It’s just like using the system from your office. Choosing on-premise with IFD is often the preferred choice for businesses that have a dedicated CRM server, a complex or highly customised system, or need a lot of memory (for example, they need to store a lot of multi-page documents, or larger scanned files or graphics). It can be set up so that it can be accessed internally only, internally and via the IFD, or just via IFD.

2) Use Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the cloud-based version of the product. You can access the software from just about anywhere you can get an internet connection. This is a popular choice for many businesses, because accessing Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online remotely is a fundamental feature of the product. It’s easy, straightforward and part of its design. It also delivers just about identical functionality to the on-premise version.

3) Access Microsoft Dynamics CRM using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) basically allows your individual users to securely connect to your company network (and therefore your Microsoft Dynamics CRM system) via the internet. Although internet facing deployment is generally the preferred option (using VPN can increase complexity and may limit bandwidth) there are times when you may want to use VPN. Note that VPN’s usually need to be set up by trained IT staff, so tend to be used within organisations that have their own IT department or are particularly IT savvy.

4) Set up Microsoft Dynamics CRM on Mobile devices

Microsoft has a mobile friendly version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM which means you can access it using a smartphone, tablet or similar device. It’s specially designed for mobile products so, like mobile web pages, offers ease of use and viewing. What’s more, in the next product update, due in the second quarter of 2012, there will be a new cloud based mobile CRM service called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile. This will include a new range of CRM applications (apps) for the most popular smartphones and tablets. A licensed mobile user will be able to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM from up to three different mobile devices.

5) Access Data Offline

Occasionally we’re asked the question “I work in remote areas where there’s not always an internet connection. Can I still access CRM?” The answer is again yes. It is possible to set up Microsoft Dynamics CRM to enable you to work with your data ‘offline’ and synchronise it later. So, even if you can’t get an internet connection, you can still work and use the features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, wherever you are. In the next release, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile will also have an offline mode for most devices.

Of the five options, using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online or using Internet Facing Deployment to access the system when out of the office are the most common. Mobile is also a popular choice (and is increasingly popular in line with the rise of smartphones), but VPN and offline data access are less common.

Every business is different, and there are various technical and other considerations you need to take into account before choosing how best to access your system remotely. We strongly recommend you talk to your Microsoft Dynamics CRM business partner (and if you have an IT department, talk to them as well) before deciding on which options are best for you.

For more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM software, its features, functions and deployment options, please contact Concentrix TSG.

By Concentrix TSG, independent UK CRM Specialists

Five Ways to Access Microsoft Dynamics CRM When You’re Out of the Office is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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This means it’s time to accept mobility into your current customer service management, if you haven’t already. Your employees are probably already using their smart phones in order to conduct business more efficiently and effectively; it’s somewhat crucial to staying ahead of the competition these days. The question you want to ask is can you and should you connect those devices with your CRM software? We say, “Yes!”

Mobile Express for Microsoft Dynamics® CRM brings mobile functionality to a whole new level for businesses. Your sales force can have access to real-time account information from any web enabled mobile device. With this valuable information at hand, they can effectively meet the needs of your customers and even optimize on up-sell and cross-sell opportunities. Even when they’re on the road, they can quickly respond to customer requests or questions, ensuring enhanced customer support throughout your organization. Notifications and alerts can even help remind sales and customer service reps of important appointments or service calls. All this information is available through a customized, easy to read and manage mobile format.

Mobile technology trends have brought about a new way of doing business - a new and improved way, in our opinion. Microsoft Dynamics CRM enables businesses like yours to take advantage of this trend and contributes to the success of your business. And things just keep getting better. Microsoft just announced in their next service update of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, a new cloud-based, cross-platform native mobile client for Windows Phone 7.5, iPad, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry devices called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile. Contact us at Sikich to learn more about the groundbreaking mobility functionality in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

By Jim Drumm with Sikich, Chicago IL Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner serving IL and MO

What Mobile Technology Trends Mean for Your CRM Software is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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The R8 service update is expected to be available Q2 2012 and is built on six broad themes: Mobility, Browser Flexibility, Social, Industry Templates, SQL Server 2012, Certifications.

Mobility
Microsoft will be launching a new product, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile, which will enable CRM Online, partner-hosted and on-premise customers with Internet-facing deployments to use CRM on up to three devices per user.

There will be native clients, which means offline support, on all the main mobile platforms: Windows Phone 7.5, iPhone & iPad, Android, BlackBerry. I haven’t seen any of the licensing details yet, but I understand that this is a subscription service (even for on-premise customers) for $30 per user per month.

Browser Flexibility
For years prospective customers have been crying out for multi-browser support and Microsoft has finally delivered! Once R8 hits your CRM server you’ll be able to access CRM using: Internet Explorer 7 or above on Windows 7, Vista and XP; Safari 5.1.1 or above on Mac OS-X or iOS5 ;Firefox 6 or above on Windows 7, Vista and XP or Mac OS-X or iOS5; Chrome 13 or above on Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Activity Feed Enhancements
In the Nov 2011 service update (codenamed “R7″) Microsoft released the new Activity Feeds feature which introduced some social enterprise features into CRM 2011. R8 introduces a series of enhancements to the Activity Feeds feature: like/dislike, enhanced filtering (e.g. @me, types of records I follow, record views), and an updated mobile activity feeds client for Windows Phone 7.5.

Industry Templates
Building on the work of Microsoft partners and its own consulting team, the Dynamics Labs will be releasing several industry templates into the Dynamics Marketplace. The first few templates will be: Wealth Management, Non-Profit, Health Sales Plans,,
Relationship Management for Health.

The templates will include data model customizations, dashboards, workflows and sample data. They’re designed to help customers in those industries visualise how Dynamics CRM can help their business, and speed up an implementation without necessarily being a fully-packaged vertical industry product.

SQL Server 2012
Microsoft’s own data centers have already been upgraded to SQL Server 2012 and the R8 service update brings official support for partners and customers wanting to upgrade their own deployments to SQL Server 2012. Additionally, there will be some new CRM features that make use of SQL Server 2012 new capabilities. For example: performance improvements, enhanced database recovery, next generation business intelligence (“Crescent”) such as pre-defined Power Pivot models, Power View reports, and time-animated reports.

Certifications
Certifications are critical to enterprise adoption and Microsoft has been working hard over the last year to ensure that its data centers and CRM Online service meets several important certification standards including: ISO27001, SAS 70 Type II, SOX, SSAE 16 SOC1, Safe Harbor, Data Processing Agreement, EU Model Clauses and HIPAA compliance (supported through Business Partner Agreements).

For More Information
Download the R8 Release Preview Guide from the Microsoft Dynamics CRM website: http://crmpublish.blob.core.windows.net/docs/ReleasePreviewGuide.pdf

Read the CRM Anywhere blog article by new CRM General Manager Dennis Michalis: https://community.dynamics.com/product/crm/crmnontechnical/b/crmconnection/archive/2012/02/06/crm-anywhere.aspx
By Marcia Nita Doron, Altico Advisors, Microsoft CRM partner serving Massachusetts (MA)

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Anywhere – Great New Features in the Next Service Update is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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So how do you get the most out of your CRM reporting? The first step is knowing you have the access to the information you need. In Microsoft Dynamics® CRM, it’s incredibly easy to get the knowledge out of your system and it’s also the first step to making better business decisions.

You may have previously relied on your IT department to receive sales reports. Now, you can directly access built in sales reporting features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, making it easier to align goals with company objectives.

There is also an intuitive report wizard that helps anyone on your team set up ad-hoc reports. You know that one report doesn’t cover the knowledge base needed by everyone in your organization. This feature in Microsoft Dynamics CRM makes it possible for each of your employees to access the information relevant to their role, without having to dig through a bunch of irrelevant information.

Dashboard and key performance indicators also make it easier to get the most out of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Once these are set up to meet the needs of each department, productivity can soar. The information streaming through these easy-to-read and understand charts paves the way for employees to be the best they can be.

In conclusion, CRM software should produce information that’s relevant to each team member so a company can make better decisions and become more productive. We hope these quick tips about Microsoft Dynamics CRM help you see just how great reporting features can be. If you have any questions, please contact us at Cargas Systems.

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

Get the Most Out of Your Microsoft Dynamics CRM Reporting is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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• Improvements to mobility through the launch of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile
• Accessibility from additional browsers
• Extended social features and additional developments to the activity feeds
• Out-of-the box industry templates
• Performance improvements due to SQL Server 2012
• Product certifications to keep your business compliant

Let’s take a deeper look at what each of these elements means for a company using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Mobility

This online service is available for an additional per user monthly subscription to users of either Dynamics CRM on-premise or CRM Online. Each Dynamics CRM Mobile user can roll out the solution on up to 3 devices and leverage 10 different languages.  Each user has administrative tools to personalize their own experience to see the most relevant data on their devices.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile will adopt the native capabilities of the device it is deployed on, meaning that it is optimized for touch and includes capabilities that you are accustomed to on your mobile devices, like auto-calling and one-click access to maps.

Additional Browsers

All Microsoft Dynamics solutions are developed to work the way that people work so that the users are empowered.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM is no exception.  With the Q2 2012 Update, you will be able to access the web client of Dynamics CRM on the following browsers:

Social Features

Building off of the social advancements made in the last release, Dynamics CRM will now include “Like/Dislike” buttons on Activity Feeds.  Additionally, Microsoft will be launching Social Customer Care within Dynamics CRM by the end of 2012.

Industry Templates

Continuing the theme of working the way you work, Dynamics CRM now provides out-of-the-box support of industry specific processes for the following niches:  Life Annuity Insurance Sales, Non-Profit, Health Plan Sales, and Wealth Management.  These templates will be available in the Microsoft MarketPlace which is accessible from within Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

SQL Server 2012

This update is developed on the emerging SQL Server 2012 technology, which will provide performance improvements and give users the ability to further leverage the Microsoft stack to get next generation business intelligence.

Certifications

By the time the Q2 2012 Update rolls out, Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be certified in the following areas:

• ISO 27001
• SAS70 Type II
• Sarbanes-Oxley

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Service

• Safe Harbor
• ISO 27001
• SSAE 16 SOCI (Type II)
• Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
• EU Model Clauses
• Business Associates Agreement – enables a company to be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant

This means that if your organization is required to comply with any of these regulations, your technical requirements have been met and you are free to focus on the business process elements of your certification.

Be poised to take advantage of all of these improvements by getting started with Microsoft Dynamics CRM today!  Start a free 30-day trial now and your business will be ready to start using these new features and functionality as soon as they are available!

By Socius, a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner in Ohio, Kansas City, and California

What’s Next for Microsoft Dynamics CRM? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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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

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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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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

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So I have made my case. But how do you even get started? First, you will want to figure out the capabilities of your current CRM software. Can you leverage it and the tools within to incorporate social media? Some CRM software solutions have advanced social media features while others are still waiting it out (to no avail, in my opinion).

Microsoft Dynamics® CRM, for example, is ahead of the game and paving the way for advanced social media management within CRM. Here are a few of our favorite features:

1. Monitored Activity: You can set it up so you have tracking abilities within social media sites to see who’s posting to your page or asking questions. Reactivity as well as proactivity is attained by having this insight. Notifications help companies stay on track and respond in a timely manner.
2. Basic Analytics: You can see the actual impact you’re having in the social media world, helping you analyze and adjust to create the most effective social media strategy possible.
3. Dashboard Management: All of this is possible through an easy-to-use and intuitive dashboard. Right next to all your other customer information and email.

Contact us at Sikich to learn more about adding social media features to your CRM. There’s no reason to delay the inevitable. Give us a call!

By Jim Drumm with Sikich, Chicago IL Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner serving IL and MO

Our 4 Favorite Ways to Add Social Media to your CRM Software is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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