30 Jul

SugarCRM Releases Sugar-6

SugarCRM has just announced the release of their latest version, Sugar 6. With the release of this version, SugarCRM tries to make the CRM system easier and more flexible for their users. In fact, many users do not understand how to operate this system. The main reason lies in the complexity and the least experience of the users themselves. This release will give priority to enhancing the user experience by offering a cleaner system, equipped with new larger buttons and symbols that allow users to more operate this system easier and obtain the required information. Basically, this release is more aimed for CRM to be more flexible and comfortable fit with the needs of users than if the user spends a lot of time to understand the complexity of UI and everything in it. They have achieved this by focusing on a menu option that is easier to use. This new release also enables Sugar users can easily access the information through such social networking site Twitter, LindkedIn and other data sources through CRM. This makes SugarCRM more social than ever before. According to Clint Oram, deputy assistant director of production and the founder of SugarCRM, the focus of Sugar 6 located on the experience of its users. Among the changes to the latest version, there is a simpler design where the menu has been moved to the top. Menus located at the top of the page including a frequently used, and specific to SugarCRM Professional and Enterprise versions are supported by AJAX, that provides the user with a drop-down menu interface. All this reduces the number of clicks or keystrokes on Sugar 6. For example, in the previous version of Sugar 5.5, which was launched last year, doing a search is a complicated process. Now, Oram said, rather than bringing users to a separate screen as a whole, the system contained in the Global Search Sugar 6 offers an overlay with the search results. With this system, users can remain on screen that they're doing, and still can do a search to see other information without having to get out of the navigation system. The performance of search systems have also been optimized by Sugar 6 so that search results can be displayed more quickly.
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7 Jul

Why Open Source CRM?

Although Open Source CRM (Customer Relationship Management) has existed since a few years ago, but still many companies are hesitant to try to use them. This is mostly due to the wrong perception of open source, such as that the open source systems are less powerful or less reliable than proprietary systems, also that open source does not provide support to the users. But Martin Schneider, Senior Director SugarCRM (one of Open Source CRM service provider) give different perspective, open source CRM now, is as reliable as proprietary systems, and price could be less expensive and give better results.

So what are the considerations for your company to use open source CRM? Here are some reasons.

Do More with Less . We exclude Community Edition from our , including SugarCRM Community Edition. Paid editions of Such as Professional SugarCRM and Enterprise Edition when compared to proprietary systems like Salesforce.com, SugarCRM Enterprise Edition is still less expensive significantly. Price $ 600 per user/year compared to $ 1,500 per user/year. With the same features, functions and support.

Professional Service Support. Commercial open source CRM, has the same support compared to proprietary systems, both online and by phone, depending on which services who you buy. There are also many online forums and message board where users can obtain free help and advice. For open source CRM Community Edition, there many vendors who provide support services.

Control and Modification. Because the open source CRM solutions using open standard, where the program code can be obtained by anyone, of course it'seasier to modify than proprietary CRM program. You can do the modifications by yourself without having to pay to another party.

User Friendly. Generally, internet users say that open source CRM is easier to use, this was due to more familiar interface. Open source CRM is generally put on a web-based interface, while proprietary use non web-based interface. The learning process will be faster and less time for training.

Better Integration. In general, the commercial open source CRM, can be integrates with Microsoft Outlook and other applications.

Highly Scalable. Unlike the proprietary solutions, you change scale/number of users in commercial open source CRM easily. Suppose we want to increase the number of users into several hundred more users will be more effective if we use open source CRM. To be more specific if this application operate in the cloud-based environment, where the cloud-based general use open source so the change/increase in scale to some degree canbe carried out without adding significant cost, because the price of hardware and storage media is relatively cheap and the software infrastructure is basically Free.

Run on any platform. Basically, open-source can work on platform or any application, meaning no hardware investment required nor new software.

Run on any devices. open source CRM solution can be accessed via PC, laptops or other mobile device with a connection to the internet. Freedom device usage is important, because it means the company can access their CRM programs on any device, without additional hardware or restrict usage only to multiple types of devices, Schneider reviewed.

Mobility Support. While in general CRM applications can be run on mobile devices, SugarCRM mobility with a higher priority launched the "Sugar 6" this summer. Sugar mobile applications can be obtained free for iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Microsoft Windows Mobile, even for any type of mobile phone. Why is this so important? Say for example you're a small businessman who has eight salesmen, eg Salesman A wearing the iPhone, B and C use the Blackberry, and others use HTC or even Motorola, with open source CRM they can remain use the same application with the same functionality, can access same database, without needing to change anything on their mobile phones. This means that employers do not need to purchase additional costs new cellular phone device, Ugrade programs, services or otherwise.

Rapid Fix and Patch . Provider of open source solutions in general can be more quickly in providing updates/patches from proprietary software company. So that error correction program and new features, can be more quickly released, and updates system can be done through the web simultaneously without disturbing the business process.

Reference: http://www.ecrmguide.com/article.php/3886511
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5 Jul

Softbless Releases Bahasa Indonesia Language Pack for SugarCRM

Softbless
Release Indonesian Language Pack for SugarCRM
. It's tested with the latest stable version 5.5.4 SugarCRM
Community Edition. Please download and try it on your SugarCRM. This translation project can be viewed at http://www.sugarforge.org/projects/bhs-indonesia If you find bugs or want to give improvement to this translation please contact us at info@softbless.com or here
. Your contribution would be very appreciated.
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15 May

CRM, for me or for the customers?

The salespersons and marketers often have different views on the CRM(Customer Relationship Management) system .

There are groups who say that the primary function of the CRM system is to help them manage marketing daily activities.

But there are other groups who argue that the system's main function is more to how we build relationships with customers/clients.

If we look at the text book on CRM, the core of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is to leverage relationships with customers/clients.

For example : regarding customer data sharing. For salespersons and marketers, customer data is a sensitive issue that they do not want to share to their other colleagues. Their reason: competition.

But on the other hand, the sharing of customer data to other sales and marketers, will increase enterprise service to customer/client.

If considered as a mere tool to help employee productivity, the concept of CRM is only limited to: 'Serving the customer is mine, do not need to bother the other customers in this company that is not my responsibility'.

Imagine if customer data can only be seen by one salesperson only. When the salesperson is absent, maybe because of illness, vacation, etc., and at that time his/her customer/client has some issues that can not be postponed, there will be a plenty of time wasted for customer to explain the issue from beginning, it also can reduce employee productivity .

So what to do?

First, the core spirit of CRM must be instilled to sales and marketers in the company. That the main goal to be achieved from the Customer Relationship Management is to improve the quality of relationships with the customers/clienst.

Second, to avoid unhealthy competition among salespersons or a marketers, company need to have right access settings for each user. For example each user can see the detail the customer, but to edit it or add an opportunity, must obtain approval of the user that 'owns' that customer/client. This right access setting is facilitated by SugarCRM
.

In SugarCRM , we can set the permissions level for each module for each user. Permission level varies from: see general information, edit, import, export, etc.
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27 Mar

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Principles

When it came the time to select the right Customer Relationshop Management (CRM)
for your business, it is important to understand all the benefits of an integrated CRM
system before starting the selection process.

CRM is more than just a product, CRM is a philosophy.

When your company decides to implement a CRM system, there are dramatic change related to customer commitment.

In CRM's main philosophy, customer is the main focus. When your business is viewed from the perspective of customer transactions at every level, you do not have other choice except to deliver a better experience for customers - which in turn increase their loyalty to your company.

Customers can be anywhere: customer / client, marketers, sales person, employees, and partners.

The word "customer" used to be defined easily. Understanding of the "customer" has now expanded include internal employees, and partners.

CRM is more than just a relationship management

Many companies have successfully used some form of CRM system and those CRM
systems may initially seem not much different from one another.

However, the CRM's ability is not just contact management. CRM
system contains more information about your customers. With CRM, marketers and sales persons have immediate access to all the information they need about the customer. Your sales persons can find more information other than contact information before they reach the customers, they can also evaluate the history of past sales, credit information and other financial data. They can even see the information about another company office and send a report to find out what you've orderedm the special price or previous agreements.

Overall, choose CRM if the marketers, sales person, and support department need  a complete and comprehensive picture and information of your customers to achieve success in their work. On the other hand, if your business only requires a glimpse information of its customers, and only has a low total cost of ownership, a contact management software may be a more appropriate choice.

Choice CRM solution that suit your needs

Some companies that sell CRM software might make you believe that you need to buy what they call the company's solutions include all the functionality required by the largest global companies. But for small companies or medium, this may mean paying more than necessary. In fact, the price of these systems are often too high that could not be reached by small and medium companies.

Another benefit of CRM solutions designed for growing companies to medium-sized is that the solutions are more easily implemented and can be directly used. Larger companies may have the time and resources spent to customize the system and integrate with their company. However, medium-sized companies want a CRM solution that they can get and run with ease, speed, and low cost.

SugarCRM is the perfect solution for companies of all sizes from small companies, medium, or large. With the flexibility of SugarCRM owned, existing functionality can be customized to fit the needs of companies with a larger scale.

Reference: http://www.bagooes.com/crm/76-crmrules.html

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27 Mar

The Benefits from CRM System

Benefits Using CRM Software

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has become very popular over the past few years. This is due to many people have better understanding what exactly the CRM software, its benefits and how to use it.

The Use of CRM software provides many benefits for the company. Managers can use this software to monitor customers, marketers and their salesperson. Companies can manage customers, marketers and the salesperson is in a wide variety of ways. CRM software, of course, controlling these functions. However, this software has been able to do something more than that. Maybe there is something that not many person realize this when they are faced with CRM software. This CRM software can be used to record the names and important dates. However, this software can also monitor the sales, returns, important dates such as birth dates and anniversaries. In addition, this software can help remind you of the early commitment of people in sales. This avoids them from past deadlines, meetings, and return phone calls, or other matters that may affect perceptions about their customers.

By monitoring the business activities with clients, marketer or sales person, CRM software can help a client feel as an important part of the company. When a client feel important and valued, repeat business transactions will increasingly occur. This is very good for the company and also good for the client. This is because each party benefits from the efficiency created by the CRM software. Without CRM software, chances of a problem occur in interaction between the client and the employee will be even greater.

CRM gives the opportunity to return phone calls right away, send a birthday greeting cards, and promotional offers in accordance with customer agreements. CRM also store customer information in the database so that it would be easier to open again by anyone who has the authority to access it. The most important benefit of CRM software is the ability in letting our customers know that they are important to the company.

CRM software is a powerful tool for end users in the marketing, sales and support department. This software helps them to prepare themselves for what should be done every day. Those who worked in the sales department are always spent a lot of time every day to ensure that they are ready for the next day. They are also always worried about forgetting their customers or appointments. With CRM software, the chances of these problems become lesser.

For many companies, CRM software is a good way to build a business. Sales person will have better interactions with their customers better. Individuals who need to be convinced that they are important to the company can also get these feelings. When they get it, they want to come back in doing business with the company. They also felt that the ideas and their opinions, as well as their business, valued by the company.
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27 Mar

Software CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

There is a common misconception that CRM software is an application that simply recording customer names, other personal data, and phone numbers. This assumption is not correct. CRM software has more benefits than just to store contacts and remember people's names and numbers only.

Customer names, phone and fax numbers, email addresses and home addresses can also be stored in the CRM software. Additional information such as birth dates, anniversaries and important dates can be stored also in this software. Other valuable information such as customer habits such as : retun information, purchase, purchasing information, reporting, long-term plans are also included in the CRM software. Such information is crucial to improving business efficiency. Many small companies do not feel the need to have this software. However, small companies can have many customer and customer-customer habits can be identified by using CRM software, so companies can predict and anticipate customer orders and correspondence in the future.

Customers who regularly conduct business transactions with companies and often repeat business orders, they want to be treated as someone who is important to the company. This customer will appreciate when their birthdays remembered, when they were asked to follow the survey and give their opinions. CRM software is very helpful in giving an opportunity for business people to identify their customers with just clicks on a button. Because the conversations and phone calls can be recorded easily, sales person who spoke to the customer, in the future can look back more easily on what has been done in the past.

CRM software is basically designed to manage everything so that all customer information can be easily recorded. CRM software can also be used to store information on sales and other individuals because they are also important for business. A company can still be the leader and keep their  happy customer using CRM software to keep monitoring customers, marketers and their sales person.

SugarCRM is CRM software that has full functionality for company to accommodate the needs of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). SugarCRM's functionalities include: account management, contact management, reporting (optional), case management, activities management, etc. SugarCRM's Ability, flexibility and reliability can also be seen from the various awards achieved, some of them: 2009 CODiE Awards, ISM Top 15 SMB CRM Award, Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Reference: http://www.bagooes.com/crmsoftware/72-crmsoftware.html
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27 Mar

CRM, Keeping Customers Loyal

Currently, customers/clients is very powerful. Thanks to the growth of the Internet, comparing the company and move from one company to another becomes easier with just one mouse click. However, research has found that customers expect something more reliable than ever.

Relationship with customers is the company's most valuable asset -more valuable than anything. Or we could say : there are no customers = no business. Obtain and retain more customers in the long run is essential. If your customers loyal to your company, they probably would prefer you over your competitors. Loyal customer may tell their friends about your company. Loyal customers that buy in higher numbers and bring more new customers for you. Loyalty is precious. Research has shown that about 5 per cent increase in the level of customer ownership generates about 25-95 percent increase in profits.

It's easy to say that the customer is our most important asset. However, implementing the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) strategy, in essence requires hard work. This means that win the hearts and minds of customers every day with each touch point of every interaction with each customer. Lasting relationship just grew from the belief that obtained from many transactions and the customer confidence that the company hoped to maintain them than let them go.

To create a customer for life, the customer will be a lawyer with the perception (and do not forget that perception is reality), they need to be sure that you do the best for the customer, not just the best for your advantage.

To do this, you will need:
  • Finding out what customers want and know that what you have is already in accordance with those wishes. Do not start by calculating the profit and loss. Profit and cash flow is the result of attention to the needs and desires of your customer. Of course, profit is something important. However, cash flow and profits in the long term comes from the loyal customer.

  • Be honest and stick to simplicity, listen to your customers, communicate openly with them, and keep your promise. Deliver what you say you will do. So far, too many businesses that focus on maintaining customer, ignoring the fact that their product or service is not as it should be. Make sure that the core of what you do is get the long-term customer loyalty, and then find ways to maintain it. Make it easy for them to do business with you.

  • Treat your customers like you want to be treated and then even further, such as the classic adage: exceed their expectations. Give your customers reasons to stay. Good service or good products, never hurt to attract customers in a long time. How about a discount to customers stay? Customer loyalty should be valued and rewarded accordingly.

  • Know your value from your customer, segment, and the group. Find out who has the potential to be faithful. Some customers may be more troublesome than valuable. Monitor what is able to satisfy customers. If it is too expensive or require too much hard work, it is not correct to say that every person should be a customer for life.

  • Use an effective CRM system, do not let the system take advantage of you. Do not be controlled by a salesman or a consultant - make the most of them. They may know the technology better than you. However, let its customers and all things in the lead you to take advantage of technology. CRM system that could be considered is SugarCRM, CRM solutions have won numerous awards and rated as the best solution in its class.


Reference: Richard DS Hill
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