CRM UK - the official blog of the CRM specialists at TSG

News from Microsoft Convergence Conference 2009

Customers use Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM to capitalize on trends, market shifts

Yesterday at Convergence 2009 Europe Microsoft showcased how it is enabling customers and partners to use modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) products such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV and customer relationship management (CRM) software such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM for competitive advantage.

In his keynote address, Kirill Tatarinov, corporate vice president of Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS), reinforced that businesses can implement Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM to help their people be more productive, get better insight and control over their business processes, and embrace connections with others in their ecosystem.

“Microsoft Dynamics delivers the value, simplicity, innovation and choice that allow businesses worldwide to endure, prevail and increase their competitiveness during these challenging economic times,” Tatarinov said. He also announced that all Microsoft Dynamics products are certified to run on Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 as of Oct. 22, 2009, the official launch date for Windows 7.

At the event, customers learned about how Microsoft Dynamics embraces trends such as environmental sustainability and social media as well as technology features such as Windows Touch to help address market challenges, regulations and compliance.

For example, companies going green are seeing value in Microsoft Dynamics vertically oriented partners as they look to IT for help in meeting and surpassing industry standards. For example, one partner is helping companies reduce risks associated with hazardous materials and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the product life cycle in response to catalyst legislation such as REACH and GHS. Another partner is focused on integrating sustainable development solutions to measure, manage and monitor initiatives.

Microsoft also highlighted the continued success of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. With more than 1 million users, and industry recognition for the value it is offering to customers globally, Microsoft Dynamics CRM continues to deliver rapid innovation through regular on-demand service updates and CRM Accelerators provided at no additional cost to customers. As further reinforcement of the power of choice, and supported by healthy growth of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offering in North America, the company announced that the on-demand solution will also be coming to international markets in the second half of 2010.

Examples of dynamic businesses that are using the power of technology to sharpen their competitive edge were highlighted throughout the keynote address, including Portuguese consumer bank Credifin and Spanish Hospital de Torrevieja.

Working with a regional partner, Credifin used Microsoft Dynamics CRM to enable a supermarket chain customer to reach a goal of issuing 1,000 customer loyalty cards in just 12 days. The Hospital de Torrevieja used a Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution to go paperless and send text alerts to reduce patient waiting time by 50 percent compared with other Spanish hospitals, and facilitated faster access to patient records for doctors, which resulted in shorter hospital stays.

Many customers attending the event had switched from competitive solutions to Microsoft Dynamics to better align with the new realities of their businesses.

Sage 50 and Sage 200 - Further Information

Sage 50 is probably the most popular accounting and business management software used by small businesses in the UK. However, if you're finding Sage 50 slow, limited in functionality, just not doing what you need it to do, or you can see your business growing, it could well be time to look into Sage 200. There's a guide on our website to help you decide: Comparing Sage 50 and Sage 200: 10 Reasons to Move (or Not to Move) 

Sage 200 is a fully integrated suite of business management software. As well as powerful accounting and finance functions, Sage 200 improves work flow and efficiency in nearly all areas of a business. Sage 200 has streamlined business processes and delivered real gains to hundreds of organisations, large and small, throughout the UK. So, whether you use Sage 50 or not, Sage 200 is well worth looking into.

To find more about Sage 200:

- Download the free whitepaper “Integrated Finance and CRM Software”

- Take a look at our Sage 200 2009 factsheet

- Click here to visit the Sage 200 section of our website

Windows 7 Compatibility: Microsoft Dynamics, Sage Software, GoldMine CRM and other applications

Microsoft Windows 7 is officially launched in the UK today! We've been testing what looks to be an incredible release of the hugely successful operating system for workstations and laptops.

If you're thinking of changing your organisation's operating system to Windows 7, and if you’re using CRM, Business Management, Accounting and Finance software, add-on applications or other solutions supplied by Concentrix, we strongly recommend you check the compatibility with Windows 7 before upgrading to the new system.

What Works With Windows 7?

As a guide, here’s a list of software applications supplied by Concentrix which the manufacturers have said are supported on Windows 7:

- Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

- Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009

- Spindle Professional 2009 SP2

- Credit Hound v326

- Credit Guardian 1.01.2

- AVG Free 8.5

- Sophos Endpoint Security & Control 9.0

What Isn't Supported?

The following software applications supplied by Concentrix are not currently (as of 22nd October 2009) supported by their respective manufacturers on Windows 7:

- Sage CRM (All versions – version 7.0 will be supported on release)

- Sage Line 100 (All versions)

- Sage MMS (All versions)

- Sage 200 (All versions)

- Sage 50 (All lines)

- GoldMine Standard Edition (All versions)

- GoldMine Corporate Edition (All versions)

- GoldMine Premium Edition (All versions)

Can I Use Non-Supported Software on Windows 7?

Items not currently supported may work with Windows 7. However, because the manufacturer states that an item is unsupported, we can’t guarantee it. We will of course try and help but, if there's a related problem, we'll unfortunately be unable to progress any issue with the manufacturer until Windows 7 is supported by them.

With that in mind, we have been able to successfully run the following unsupported applications on a Windows 7 test environment:

- Sage CRM 6.1, 6.2

- Sage 200 CRM

- Sage 200 2009

- GoldMine Premium Edition 8.0.3, 8.5

- GoldMine Standard Edition 6.7

Need Further Information about Windows 7 compatibility?

If you’re a Concentrix customer using any of the CRM software, CRM add-on applications, business management or ERP software supplied by us, and are thinking about changing to Windows 7 and are in any doubt about compatibility, please don’t hesitate to contact the Concentrix support desk.

Free CRM Seminar: “Getting CRM Right” at Concentrix Bristol office

To celebrate the recent opening of the new Concentrix regional office in the South-West, Concentrix is inviting businesses to a free CRM seminar at our Bristol offices on the 24th November 2009.

Concentrix is one of the UK’s leading independent CRM specialists and the seminar, entitled ‘Getting CRM Right’ will:

• Identify the key factors you need to take into account when selecting CRM software

• Explain the phases, activities and tasks you need to undertake to successfully manage a CRM project

• Look at the latest developments in CRM, including hosted CRM software, CRM 'in the cloud', Social CRM and ‘xRM’

• Provide practical demonstrations of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the business management solution Microsoft Dynamics NAV

• Demonstrate the benefits of implementing a properly configured CRM system

• Give you the opportunity to talk to experts from Concentrix, Star Technologies and Microsoft

The seminar is open to all – Concentrix customers and non-customers alike. Packed with tips and practical advice, “Getting CRM Right” is the ideal opportunity to find out how you can improve your organisation with the latest CRM technologies.

The seminar venue is easy to get to (just a few minutes from the M5 and M4 motorways), and refreshments and a buffet lunch are included.

To register online please click here, email [email protected], or call 01509 410500. Please note that for free entry to the seminar, parking and refreshments, we need you to register for this event before 16th November 2009.

Seminar Title: Getting CRM Right

Date: 24th November 2009

Time : 10.00 am to 13.00 pm (Registration 09.30)

Venue: Concentrix Ltd, 130 Aztec West, Bristol BS32 4UB, UK

And of course for any further information about this seminar or other Concentrix CRM events, please don’t hesitate to contact Concentrix

How to Get Started with CRM, Free Webinar: 12th November 2009

Concentrix,  in association with B2B Marketing is delivering a free webinar called "How to Get Started with CRM”, on 12th November 2009 at 3.30pm.

At Concentrix we know that often the hardest part of implementing a CRM system is getting the project started. So, “How to Get Started with CRM” will provide practical advice, tips and guidance for anyone considering implementing a CRM system.

The webinar will discuss the key factors you need to take into account when planning a CRM project and will include everything from setting objectives, developing KPI’s, performing a business assessment and choosing the right software, to managing the project, deployment and potential pitfalls.

The webinar will be presented by our senior CRM consultant John Odell and once the seminar is finished you’ll have the opportunity to ask John questions about any aspect of CRM.

To register for the webinar, please click here, or for further information, please contact us on 01509 410500 or email [email protected].

Concentrix Wins Major Public Sector Contract for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Concentrix has been awarded a contract to develop a CRM system for the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) – the body charged with accelerating and supporting the drive for excellence and innovation in the further education sector in England.   The contract involves combining separate CRM systems which were used by two separate sector bodies, to improve productivity, procedures and processes throughout the organisation.

Concentrix has an excellent track record of successfully delivering major CRM projects and has been awarded several high-profile contracts in the past. However, the new LSIS system, which will use Microsoft Dynamics CRM, is the company’s largest so far in the public sector. The project will include merging data, re-engineering business processes, and realigning the system to a new set of objectives.

John Odell, Senior CRM Consultant at Concentrix, commented “We’re really excited about the LSIS project. It’s not just about implementing a new CRM system; we’re combining two Microsoft Dynamics CRM systems where the original aims, the way they were set up and the way they currently work are very different”.

Asked why he believed Concentrix was chosen to deliver this ambitious project, Odell replies “Concentrix is very good at the technical stuff, but on top of this, and I think what sets us apart, are our soft-skills and partnership approach. For example, we’ll be providing practical support for LSIS at every stage of the project.  We’ll have Concentrix staff on-site and we’ll be taking steps to drive user adoption throughout the deployment”.

The new CRM system is a transformational project for LSIS which will have far-reaching benefits throughout the organisation. As well as realising the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality and their current data, the system will help LSIS become fully responsive to developing and changing requirements, increase productivity through process automation and support ongoing process improvement.

Commenting on the award of the contract to Concentrix, Barry Kruger, LSIS Director, Knowledge & Intelligence said “We had excellent response to the ITT for this work. Concentrix were selected based on their technical expertise in delivering CRM projects across various technologies including Microsoft Dynamics CRM. They have a robust project methodology which I am sure will deliver the project on time and on budget”.

A high number of businesses applied for the tender, including consultancies, solutions manufacturers and resellers. Concentrix won the contract through the strength and depth of their experience, their project management skills (for example, they use their own highly-regarded project methodology), their capabilities, and because they clearly demonstrated that they could provide a solution to fully meet the requirements of the tender. 

The contract was awarded following a formal tender process in accordance with EU procurement procedures and regulations, which included publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The total final value of the contract, which was awarded on 17^th August, is £109K GBP excluding VAT.

Concentrix will deliver the project in its entirety, and will not be sub-contracting any of the work.

Sage Software - Sales, Deals and Discounts!

Chris Smith is a Senior Sales Consultant for Sage Software at Concentrix. If you're looking to buy Sage software, or have ever considered doing so, here's Chris's view from the other side of the process.....

You may or may not be aware that September 30^th is Sage’s fiscal year end. If you sold Sage software for a living, you definitely would be more than aware as Sage are very good at passing the importance of the date to them onto their partner channel and subsequently to any end user customers or prospects.  

I’ve personally been selling Sage’s mid market products (line 100, MMS and now Sage 200) for around 6 years and each year September has been a frenzy of activity. Typically the fun starts around July as we enter Sage’s Quarter 4). Those pipeline update calls start to get a bit more regular and your account manager starts to offer help on deals without you asking for it.

By the time we get to August, any deal that’s not going to close in September may as well be lost in Sage’s eyes and the partner channel are concluding all demo’s with a strap line around Sage year end and the great deals that are to be had. This immediately puts the customer is discount mode but does, in fairness, add some urgency to the discussions.

Once we are into September itself, it all royally kicks off. Pipeline updates are daily and sometime twice daily as the month closes, educated buyers are hitting google to play partners off against each other and deals that were previously 20% discounted become 30%, 40% and maybe more on the bigger bids. The pressure builds and builds right up to 17.00 on 30^th September. Then it stops.

If you take the metaphor of the January sales, it’s the 1^st February, the Sales signs are in a big pile in the corner, there’s a few bits of tat left on a rail at the back of the shop but basically we’re dealing with new season full price stock. In short all deals are off.

This of course is nonsense. For the right project with the right customer, Concentrix can do a deal as easily in October as we can in September (I did one this week!). We can still discuss deals with Sage, we can still look at our own bottom line and we can agree sensible, mutually beneficial payment plans. We can put timeframes on it if you want, but there should be no point if the software’s a good fit.  

So if you are interested in Sage 200 or are growing out of Sage Line 50, contact Concentrix now and rest assured you don’t have to wait 11 months for a deal!   

Concentrix CRM Solution helps CrossCountry Trains Nomination for Customer Service Excellence Award

We're really pleased that one of our customers, CrossCountry Trains, who we developed a new customer service system for based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, has been nominated for the UK 2009 National Customer Service Awards. Congratulations to Matt and his team! Here's the press release:

Concentrix customer CrossCountry Trains has been nominated for the 2009 National Customer Service Awards.

The nomination, achieved after a rigorous entry and selection process, sees CrossCountry Trains shortlisted in the ‘Contact Centre Team of the Year’ and ‘Customer Services Manager of Year’ categories.  The company has also been ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Complaints Team of the Year Category’.

CrossCountry Trains crosses more of the UK than any other train operator. In 2008 they chose Concentrix to develop a new customer services system. Based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Concentrix replaced a bespoke legacy system that was expensive, difficult to use and had severe limitations.

Concentrix created a CRM-based customer service system tailored specifically to the needs of CrossCountry Trains. Through extensive configuration and customisation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the Concentrix solution integrates with trackside train performance systems, calculates refunds, speeds up response times and lets CrossCountry Train’s staff focus on delivering excellent, personalised service to their customers.

Matt Foster, Customer Service Manager for CrossCountry Trains and nominee for Manager of the Year said “We’re really happy that the customer service solution developed by Concentrix, along with the dedication of our staff and other changes we’ve made to our business, has helped CrossCountry Trains through to the finals of two categories at the National Customer Service Awards 2009 and achieve ‘Highly Commended’ in another.”

John Odell, Senior CRM Consultant at Concentrix commented “Congratulations to Matt and the team.  We’ve developed a productive and close working relationship with CrossCountry Trains throughout their customer service project. From initial scoping right through to training and support, CrossCountry Train’s professionalism and knowledge helped us deliver a highly successful solution”.

The winners of the National Customer Service Awards will be announced at an “Oscar’s style” awards evening on 9^th December 2009.

Background Information

Concentrix is a leading UK independent customer relationship management (CRM) specialist and IT solutions provider. Founded in 1999, Concentrix helps companies increase competitiveness, profitability and customer satisfaction by improving business processes, systems and IT.

Concentrix solutions are based on recognised, 'best-of-breed' software products. As well as providing Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Concentrix also supplies Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the Sage 200 suite, Sage CRM, Sage SalesLogix, and FrontRange's GoldMine software. Concentrix has also developed a number of complementary, add-on CRM software modules, and has a dedicated team of software programmers and developers.

As well as CRM systems, the company also supplies leading brand hardware, a comprehensive range of support, training, courses, upgrades, advice and consultancy. In other words, Concentrix provides complete IT solutions: software, hardware and supporting services.

Concentrix is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a fully Accredited Sage Business Partner and a FrontRange Premier Partner.

Concentrix is based near Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK, has a regional office in the South-West (Bristol) and a satellite office in central London.

 

Concentrix is Exhibiting at Technology for Marketing and Advertising 2010

After the success of last year’s event, Concentrix is exhibiting at Technology for Marketing and Advertising (TFM&A) again this year.

The exhibition is at Earls Court, London from 23^rd February to 24^th February 2010

We’ll be showing our full range of products and services, including Sage CRM and Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as well as FrontRange’s GoldMine.

Concentrix has many years experience with a wide range of CRM products and different CRM environments. As independent CRM specialists, we provide the best in breed CRM software and as a result we are able to take a product agnostic approach to supplying software. This enables us to ensure you get the solution which is right for your company. We’ll be more than happy to discuss any aspect of CRM, business management software, or any related issues you may be having. Above all, we’ll provide you with free, unbiased, high-quality advice.

If you can make it to Technology for Marketing and Advertising this year, it’s well worth a visit. And of course, please drop by our stand and have a chat!

If you’re not able to attend TFM&A, and would help, advice or more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Sage CRM or FrontRange’s GoldMine, contact Concentrix on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]. You can also use our website to book a live, one-to-one online demo with one of our CRM experts.

To register for free entry to the exhibition please click here

We look forward to talking to you at TFM&A!

Concentrix expands into the South-West

Concentrix is delighted to have opened a new office in the South-West. The office is conveniently located just off the M5/M4 interchange at Aztec Business Park, Bristol and will enable us to provide businesses throughout the region with access to expert advice, consultancy and a range of products and services for their CRM, Business Management and IT projects.

Our Regional Manager for the new Concentrix South West branch is Andy Parry. As Concentrix already had a number of customers in the South-West and we get a lot of enquiries from the region, it made sense to open an office here.

The opening of the new office is very exciting for all concerned as it extends the company’s physical presence significantly. The South-West addition takes the total number of Concentrix offices to three, with our head office in Leicestershire and our satellite office in London.

The new facility means Concentrix can provide businesses in the South-West of England with a  local “one-stop-shop” for CRM, business management and IT projects.  So if you're base in the region and need help or advice about CRM solutions such as Microsoft CRM, Sage CRM and FrontRange’s GoldMine, or business management solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV and the Sage 200 Suite - please get in touch!.

For more information about our new office or any of the products and services we supply, please contact us on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]