Successful CRM Implementation Starts with Planning
Posted by Sid Lejfer on Wed, Jan 06, 2010
Over the past 20 years, the Harvest Solutions consulting staff has implemented over a thousand CRM systems. One of the questions that I often get from prospects is what is the most important element in having a successful CRM implementation that results in a reasonable return on investment for our clients?
There have been an abundance of articles and books written on ow to successfully implement a CRM system that include key factors like executive management buy-in and end-user acceptance. Based on our experience, a successful CRM system starts right at the beginning of the process - planning.
Unless you have a thorough understanding of what you organization needs from a CRM system, how it will be deployed, and a way to measure the results, you will fall short of maximizing the benefits of having a CRM system in place.
We are deploying widely used systems like Salesforce CRM. The software works and it works well. Technical issues are resolved quickly and enhancements are added often. Configuring and customizing CRM systems can be done by properly trained and experienced resources.
The question is how should a CRM system be configured to address your business requirements. This is done through a thorough planning process. Our methodology includes a series of interviews run by our senior consultants and the completion of business process review documents by our clients to give us additional information.
The area that a consulting firm like ours adds real and tangible value is in the area of planning. We have the experience to know what questions to ask and based on the response from our clients, configure a system that will address the pain points and business requirements in a timely and cost effective manner.
Our consultants also know how to work with a client in prioritizing a wish list and coming up with a phased approach to address critical issues first and spread the financial and human resource investment over a reasonable period of time. Trying to do everything at once is not the right approach.
And the planning process is never really over. Once you deploy your CRM system, your business continues to change and your system needs to change with it. This ongoing cycle is healthy and important to the success of your business.
Harvest Solutions
We understand the importance of quality customer relationship management. We can perform a needs assessment for your business, followed by planning, customization, implementation and data integration services of your next CRM system. Our continued training and support ensures your business successfully implements the plan we create together. Request a consultation from Harvest Solutions today. Then, stay up-to-date by finding us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more industry insights by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following our blog. Also, please give us a call now to schedule your free consultation! (877) 683-3313