Updated · Originally published
Are you still using a Rolodex?
Early CRM systems were really nothing more than computerized versions of a Rolodex. It was all based on contact records, which were basically just electronic business cards. Eventually, systems got better at account rollup, tracking opportunities, and reporting. But it was still just business contact management. What is available now is almost incomparable; we have full relationship management systems.
It pains me to see that many companies still use outdated CRM technology, unaware of the additional capabilities available to them. Here are 5 benefits of using a modern CRM system:
Mobile
This is a mobile world. Now, modern CRM systems give you the flexibility and freedom to access and enter information from whatever device you are using, wherever you are using it.
Social
Since the workforce is mobile, people need to be able to share and collaborate within their teams. CRM systems today allow for conversations and information sharing between users that was unthinkable in early systems.
Dashboards
Reporting is no longer just done on paper or even in outside Excel files. You can use dashboards right within the CRM system. The information is always synced and accessible.
Document Management
First, there were manila folders, then there were shared hard drives. Now you can store and manage documents within your CRM system. Everyone can see the most recent sales documents, proposals, contracts, and project plans.
Personalized Reporting
It used to be that a user had to ask an IT admin to customize and generate system reports. Now, any user can slice and dice the information based on the parameters that are important to them and create their own reports.
Are you ready to take advantage of the latest technology?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is truly the next generation of intelligent business applications, including the latest advancements in customer relationship management.
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By Ryan Plourde, ForgeXRM,
The CRM frameworks were truly simply modernized renditions of a Rolodex. It was altogether in light of contact records which were fundamentally recently electronic business cards. In the long run frameworks showed signs of improvement at record roll up, following open doors and revealing. In any case, it was still just business contact administration.