Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Dynamics CRM 365

Microsoft Dynamics CRM differentiates itself from the competition as the best platform for your business with both on-premise and cloud-based options (and the ability to move between them), tight integration with Microsoft Office and Outlook, and unlimited customization flexibility.

As an International CRM expert, AAT SOL Technologies designs and delivers custom-tailored Microsoft Dynamics CRM systems for companies across United States of America and throughout Canada.

Our engagements begin with evaluating your business needs through a Business Requirements Analysis. Services include business requirements analysis and consultation, system design, implementation and data migration. We also perform version upgrades, assist with failed project restarts, and offer comprehensive customization services.

AAT SOL Technologies remains committed after the project is completed, providing training, support, on-going management and customer events in Canada and across North America to ensure long-term satisfaction with your Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution.

Here are 11 steps that will help put you on the path to success with your CRM implementation.

  1. Success starts with the right CRM

There are a lot of CRM options on the market today.  Make sure to do all your research, demo multiple CRM products, involve key team members who will be using CRM and consult your industry peers.

Is a cloud-based solution best for your company or an on premise product? Is there an industry ready solution available so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel? What is your budget, internal resources you have available, and time frame to go-live?

Making sure you pick a product that fits your company culture and goals is key.

  1. Partner with an experienced CRM Consultant

Can you buy CRM and deploy it without the guidance of a third party vendor? Of course you can. But, if you want to have the greatest chance at success and get the highest value from your CRM investment it is wise to not go it alone. Select a CRM consulting company (like Ledgeview Partners) you are comfortable with to guide you. Request industry experience and references and talk to peers who have utilized them. If they tell you that your involvement in the process is minimal – run away (remember, it is hard work – for everyone).

  1. Select and form a dedicated project team

It will take weeks or even months before you are ready to go live with your CRM.  It is easy for people to get off track so it is critical your project team is dedicated and you have a project champion – someone to “own” CRM and lead the charge.

  1. Conduct a project kick-off meeting

While this may seem obvious and a minor detail it is one of the most important parts of the project. This is the time to get your team excited about CRM. Create a plan. Assign tasks. Set expectations and schedule weekly status meetings to help keep you on track.

  1. Determine what you want CRM to do for you in the design phase

CRM has evolved over the years to essentially become a solution for businesses with endless possibilities. But how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.  Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your CRM. In the design phase your project team needs to determine what you want CRM to do for you “big picture”, but set a manageable scope for phase 1.

Don’t try to do everything at once.

  1. Migrate and integrate your data

Unless you started your company this morning you have valuable data that should not be discarded, but migrated and integrated with your new CRM. Do not underestimate the effort to accomplish this or the value it will provide. Don’t live in a disconnected world – giving CRM users access to information will gain efficiency and time savings.

  1. Use the right tools for the right job

Don’t cut corners. Are you really going to invest all this time, money and effort into a new CRM just to have old antiquated equipment that won’t run it efficiently? Users need to have a good experience or it will affect user adoption (use of CRM) negatively. In addition, make sure you have the correct people with the right knowledge doing your CRM install. This isn’t like hooking up a new printer.

  1. Focus on user adoption

Share your vision with your users! It should be no secret why you are implementing CRM and the specific product (like Salesforce.com or Microsoft Dynamics CRM). How does CRM fit into the overall direction and strategy of the organization? Users and managers need to understand their roles and expectations for CRM.  This is an on-going focus. You can have the best CRM in the world but if no one is using it, what value is it producing?

  1. Go Mobile

Smartphones and tablets have taken over our lives. Many users are in and out of the office all day long and out on the road. Whether you are on a train, waiting for your next sales meeting to start or at a conference we are glued to our devices. Giving your employee’s access to CRM via the web or an app will increase adoption, improve productivity and allow them to access information anywhere, anytime.

  1. Training is not a 1-time thing

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” …Confucius.

Dedicate the time to training users not only how to use CRM but how to get the most from CRM. It will be worth it. Before you go live formulate and execute your hands-on training program and have a continual training and support program established.

You have a new employee start. What is the training program for them? Think beyond your freshman class. Collect feedback and continue to improve your training each time you do it. When new updates or features are rolled out, communicate and train on those new features ahead of time. Pre-recorded videos work great for training!

  1. A successful implementation doesn’t stop at go-live

CRM is an ongoing effort that never stops and neither should you. To be successful you need to continually coach users, re-state expectations and introduce new features. Offer a “suggestion box” within CRM that users can request new features and then give them credit when those new features are rolled out.

You may have heard the mantra – “If it is not in CRM it doesn’t exist”. Many companies say this, but they don’t “live it” – never give up, the possibilities that CRM can provide your company is all worth it.

Follow these 11 steps and you will soon be on the path to CRM success!