By Marcia Doron, Altico Advisors
CRM 101: How to select the right platform for your organization
Many organizations have spent millions of dollars selecting and over the past several years. Many of these solutions have become obsolete, acquired by larger software publishers who are not supporting older version, and are unable to take advantage of the latest technology.
Even more frustrating is that the annual support and maintenance for many older solutions can cost more than selecting and implementing a completely new system utilizing
And, the worst scenario of all . . . many organizations have spent millions of dollars and failed to successfully select and implement an organization wide CRM solution that meets the exacting demands of the Marketing and Sales functions. Clearly, and are two keys to the success of a CRM implementation.
Here is a short list of steps you should take before purchasing and implementing a new CRM system:
• Evaluate your current CRM environment and how well it meets your organizational goals (whether it’s an actual application or just a contact management system).
• Select the CRM approach that is best for your organization.
• Learn the techniques for developing a CRM solution today that will support future business growth and enhance your competitive position in the market.
• Understand the critical impact of the Internet and cloud enabled applications in the CRM arena.
• Develop a comprehensive evaluation checklist of the crucial CRM functional requirements.
• If you’re going to prepare Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for new CRM upgrades or replacements with related technology, seek guidance on how to efficiently manage the RFP process.
• Develop an internal guideline for CRM contract design and vendor negotiation strategy.
• Consider the long-term viability and integration capabilities of the products you’re evaluating.
• Find out how many installs each product has.
• Ask for references.
As a Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner in Massachusetts serving New England, I would hope that Dynamics CRM is one of the options you will explore. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes—from small businesses to large enterprises. Today, Microsoft Dynamics CRM is used by more than 1 million people, including some of the world's largest organizations, in financial services, professional services, manufacturing, and the public sector.
, one of the most popular applications that people use every day. This high level of comfort with Office Outlook can help to significantly drive user adoption and success.
There are dozens of in-depth case studies and glowing testimonials on the Microsoft Business Solutions Web site, but I would also invite you read about two Altico Advisors clients who implemented integrated Dynamics GP and CRM and have reaped the benefits of a fully integrated system. You can read about how , and about a .
Submitted by ,)
