One of the most exciting features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is its social capabilities added in an update that was released late last year. The social functionalities make it easy for users to communicate and collaborate with coworkers in real time, using an interface that is similar to the social networks we've all become familiar with. If you're new to and would like to learn more about these features and how they work, you may be interested in a post I wrote last September entitled ” Sneak Peek: Microsoft Plans Exciting Updates for Dynamics CRM.”
As I'm sure you've probably heard by now, Microsoft will soon release yet another update for Dynamics CRM. Among many other exciting changes, this new update will build on the system’s social capabilities, making it simpler for users to find and follow relevant conversations going on within the organization.
Some specific social features users can expect to see with the upcoming Dynamics CRM 2011 update include:
- A Like feature – Similar to Facebook, Dynamics CRM users will be able to quickly show colleagues that they have read their post and agree or disagree with it without having to send the author an e-mail or instant message.
- A @me filter – This will allow users to quickly view a timeline of posts that mention themselves. That way, you will be able to quickly see who is awaiting a response from you without having to wade through a long list of irrelevant posts.
- Filters based on the specific types of records you follow – By this I mean, users will now be able to filter activity feeds within Dynamics CRM to show only posts relevant to their position. For example, a salesperson could choose to filter their activity feed to only show posts that mention the accounts they manage.
- Filters based on data views configured within Dynamics CRM – This will give users the option to set up activity feeds that mirror the data views that you use in . For example, if you have a data view your CRM dashboard that shows data related to your direct reports, you will now be able to set up an activity feed in Microsoft Dynamics CRM that will show you only posts related to your direct reports, even if you don't follow each one of those people individually.
To learn more about the new features included in Microsoft Dynamics CRM's upcoming update read Microsoft Dynamics CRM Q2 2012 Service Update Release Preview Guide.
If you’re as excited as we are about the possibilities these new features provide and would like to purchase Dynamics CRM for your business contact Intelligent Technologies today!
By: Laura Heinbockel, Intelligent Technologies, Inc., a North Carolina Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner
I have yet to see how social media is going to help most B2B client. For example a die maker manufacturer and there are tons of them. Why would they use the social. There many out there but I think the social media crm is more suitable to companies that deal with consumers only. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you for comment. While I agree with you that the role of social media is still being defined for B2B organizations, especially for those that deal in commodities, there are ways in which social media tools can be quite useful. A few examples of this include, keeping up to date on industry news and happenings, monitoring the activity of competing firms and facilitating communication among team members when these tools are used internally as opposed to publicly. Please let us know if there’s anything we can help you with.