Loading ...Not all CRM software packages are the same. They will greatly range in price and capabilities. A thorough evaluation should be done when comparing multiple CRM software packages. The first question you should ask yourself is do you want "hosted" or "on-premise" CRM?
Traditional CRM software (on-premise) is becomming a thing of the past and "on-demand" hosted CRM is changing the way companies are now doing business. Do you own a power plant or do you rent electricity? The same theory holds true for CRM; why spend thousands if not millions of dollars for hardware and data centers when you can just rent CRM? Companies such as salesforce.com have led the way in subscription-based CRM.
Here are a couple key components you should consider when evaluating a CRM solution. Your requirements may vary but most of these I see as core elements.
CRM Software Sales and Marketing Analysis
- Sales & Quota Analyses - view forecasted sales, closed sales, and comparisons between sales and quota
- Leads Analysis - track responses to identify effective campaigns
History and Trend Management
- History Tracking - get instant perspective into all customer interactions
- Trend Management- see the status of all pending sales and potential revenue of entire pipeline
CRM Software Automated Processes
- Remote Web Synchronization- automatically follow-up with leads generated from your site
- Automated Process Management - allows consistent communication with customer based on user-defined criteria
CRM software Database Information
- Centralized Information - centralize, manage and simplify access to critical business information
- Industry Templates and Form s- allows access to a database of industry specific CRM forms
CRM Software Mobile Technology Capabilities
- Synchronization Wizard - keep calendar and contact information up-to-date on your PDA or laptop while you travel
- Remote Access Capabilities - access your CRM software through the internet.
In summary, make sure you know what you want before you begin your search. CRM can be overwhelming at first especially if you don’t have a game plan. In my opinion, hosted CRM is the way to go. Why waste a ton of money on "on-premise" CRM which has historically had high rates of failure?
Our newly promoted product does all of the above, but adds a few integral twists to the CRM architectural success framework. All data can be managed and maintained in an online and offline manner. This is what we call working in a “semi-disconnected state”. This allows staff to wonder away from the office while still having the ability to access and update their “centralized” information. This is key for work at home outfits, on the road sales staff and many other applications.
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