After you have planned your CRM strategy and now in a position to choose a system there are some points to consider:
- Are you going to “buy an on premise or use an on demand system? (check out our previous show “Buy vs. Rent with Yankee Group’s Sheryl Kingstone for more information)
- Are you going to seek CRM Consulting assistance? If you are reading this you are interested in assistance right?
When looking at the different components, Marketing, Sales and Service use a chart such as the one below when making your decision. The chart is broken down in three components to assist you in getting what you need today and your future needs.
A phased approach is also suggested by focusing on your strongest need for the 1st phase and progressing to phase 2 or higher later. You will see many different options/features based on the vendor but this list encompasses an overall view and a good place to start.
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Feature |
Gotta have today |
Nice to have but not needed today |
Will definitely need in the future |
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Lead Tracking |
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Web-to-lead capability |
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Marketing integration capability (with 3rd party e-mail marketing provider) |
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Mass e-mail |
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Pipeline/Opportunity Management |
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Case Management |
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Auto Response/ workflow |
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Reporting/ Dashboards |
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Accounting Integration |
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Mobile access (Blackberry, Windows Mobile) |
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Outlook Integration with calendaring, events and tasks
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You will find that many solutions will have the majority of these features out of the box or available as an add on. Please make sure you are paying for what you need today and if you get more so be it as long as you are not paying for something you do not need now.
Happy shopping and do not forget your list!