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

CRM Knowledge Base

Have you looked at the Concentrix CRM knowledge base recently? The latest post is the top ten do’s and don’ts for CRM success, and we’re adding articles of interest all the time.

All articles in the knowledge base are original – they’re written by experienced and qualified Concentrix consultants or our partners. CRM technology itself is rapidly developing and changing. The advent of ‘Social CRM’, the growth of hosted CRM, cloud computing, integrated solutions and ‘xRM’ (where the ‘x’ means ‘Anything’ - it’s not just about customers anymore) and increased computing power all mean CRM projects can become even more far-reaching and complex. That’s why the knowledge base is steadily growing. As well as this blog, we hope the knowledge base will help keep you up to date and informed about latest developments in CRM.

Concentrix also has a variety of whitepapers and pdf downloads. Most of these are available on request; however some are also available for download direct. For example, the CRM knowledge base includes Security for your Finance and CRM Software - A non-technical introduction on how to ensure your systems are protected from the ever prominent security threats, and Sage CRM – Standard and Advanced licences compared. The smaller accounts and ERP solutions knowledge base includesthe popular Concentrix whitepaper “Integrated Finance and CRM Software: How Sage 200 Improves Business Efficiency by combining Finance and CRM Solutions”.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for articles or whitepapers you would like Concentrix to develop, or any other questions or queries about CRM, accounting, business management or ERP solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Sage 200, much more than an accounting solution!

If you currently use Sage 200, you will be aware that it comes with two foundation modules:

- Sage 200 Financials

- Sage 200 CRM

The majority of companies are aware of the financial module and use it on a daily basis. However, the CRM is often not given a second thought. However, a CRM solution properly deployed will significantly improve a company’s efficiency, effectiveness and overall profitability.

- Sage 200 CRM will bring a number of benefits to your organisation including:

- Reduced duplication of effort through storing all data in a centralised location

- Decreased errors through reduced data import

- A more consistent customer service experience

- Improved management effectiveness through powerful measurement and reporting tools

Concentrix is currently offering existing Sage 200 customers half a day of free training on Sage 200 CRM, to get you up and running.

For more information about Sage 200 CRM, or to arrange your free training, please contact us on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]

Free Seminar: Getting CRM Right

Just a quick reminder about the free seminar 'Getting CRM Right' on 24th November. To register* please click here, email [email protected], or call 01509 410500.

Packed with tips and practical advice, the seminar is the ideal opportunity to find out how you can improve your organisation with the latest CRM technologies. The venue is easy to get to (just a few minutes from the M5 and M4 motorways), and refreshments and a buffet lunch will be included.

Seminar Title: Getting CRM Right

Date: 24^th November 2009

Time : 10.00 am to 13.00 pm (Registration 09.30)

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

For more information about the event, please click here or don't hesitate to get in touch!

Sage 200 User Group

The next Sage 200 User Group for existing Concentrix Customers will be held at our head office in Mountsorrel, Loughborough on Tuesday 1^st December.

The User Group will include special guests Michael Crampsey from Sage UK as well as Elliot Stevens from Aspidistra.

The user group will provide the perfect opportunity for existing Concentrix Customers to:

- Ask questions about any aspect of Sage 200

- Meet and network with other Sage users and Concentrix Customers

- Get an introduction to Ecommerce for Sage from Aspidistra Software

- Find out about Sage 200 CRM integration with Sage 200

Date: Tuesday 1^st December 2009

Time: 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. (Registration 9.30 a.m.)        

Venue: 20 Granite Way Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7TZ

To register or for further information, please email [email protected] or call 01509 410500.

 

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.