CRM System Required - Please Advice

Looking at adopting a CRM system within the company. Don't know where to start, please advice what I'm looking for and which system is the best?

If you go to business talk you will see a current topic on this subject. Here is the link http://www.4networking.biz/Forum/ViewTopic/119273.

Essentially, you have to decide whether you want a desk top system or a Cloud based system. You also have to decide whether you want to "own" the software e.g. Microsoft Business Contact Manager (comes with some versions of Microsoft Office) or rent it e.g. Microsoft Dynamics.

Most of all, you should know what you want to achieve, how your business will use it and whether you want to develop the skills to run with it (or outsource it).

Gary

Hi Steve,

We get you quotes from 4 qualified CRM system suppliers, fast & free.  Fill in 1 short form http://www.businessbuyguide.co.uk/quote/crmsystem/businessbuyguideAnaliza?osadcampaign=bbgcrm and take a break (on us)

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Analiza

Thank you Gary.

Steve,

I'm no expert but it depends on the size of your organisation and how many users you want and their permissions etc.  Act is quite good, Goldmine is very good, both are suitable for small businesses.  Then of  ourse you can look at bigger enterprise solutions like Saleslogix or Salesforce.  If you're only a few users you should consider a Cloud based solution and there are several out there that you can trial for free for a month or two to see how you like them andthen if you sign up they can be very reasonable.  They all have synchronisation capabilities to accounting packages and email marketing solutions etc, as well as iCal calendars and Google calendar.  The importing of contacts from Outlook (if that's what you use) is straightforward enough by exporting as a csv file and then mapping the fields appropriately.

I have been using Capsule www.capsulecrm.com (cloud based) on a paid subscription (£9 a month for just me) for about 3 months now and find it to be perfect for my needs.  If I ever get to the point when I want to migrate, I can take my data and store it iin a different system.

Hope this helps, happy hunting.

Being a die-hard open source advocate, I'm going to recommend SugarCRM CE, which is free and has 85% of the features of the commerical versions. You will need a server (or at least a computer! ^_-) to put it on, but there are guides on the website I linked to that guide you through it. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.

Might as well give the free option a go before plonking down any cash.

Fundamental question that you need to consider is what exactly you want to do with the CRM.  Different CRM's have different strengths and complexity.

Another one to consider is www.callprocrm.co.uk CallPro CRM is very affordable, feature rich including built in Email Marketing that surpasses other vendors, but included in the monthly cost.

If you would like to look at CallPro CRM further just let me know.

Can't recomend CallProCRM highly enough, by far the best system on the market, anywhere. So much functionality for your money, you'll never need another system or upgrades as you grow as everything is included, plus its a hosted system so you can access it anywhere.

Hi Steve

Depending on the number of users required. I've developed a CRM using Excel and Visual Basic for Applications. It's a one off cost, and you can change how the system works to suit how you work. It avoids being overly elaborate, but still covers of the essential functionality that you require from a CRM.

Also I'm just down the other end of the Dronfield bypass, so could pop over and give you a demo if you're interested.

Thanks

Francis

Hi Steve,

It depends on what you 'need' the system for, to which one will be best for you. They are a lot to choose from and they all 'specialise' in area (or a few nowadays), I would recommend PPD Computing - give Nathan a call on 01422 20 00 00 he should be able to help

You really need to think carefully about what you want the system to do now, and in the short/medium future at least.  I write regular blogs about CRM in general - one you might find particularly useful is this one - http://www.crmessentialsltd.co.uk/finding-the-right-crm-system

I can provide you with more information about ACT!, GoldMine and FuseMetrix (a UK based hosted solution) - if any of these are of interest to you. 

Hi Steve,

You should speak to Tim Josse @ TechWare Group.  They are experts in various CRM systems including off the shelf or bespoke design. (0) 845 475 0808

Good Luck!

Darren

We also use SugarCRM...

Hi Steve, 

This is probably the most asked "can you help" questions, there are tons of threads created around this subject previously, most of which I've participated in. 

In terms of options, and in my experience, you are looking at: 

• Microsoft Dynamics. 

That's all :P 

*I'm only saying this because it's perfect for my business, it may not be as suitable for others - I personally love the Outlook integration.