Converting Your Current CRM Solution to SalesForce

Customer Relationship Management software,systems into a new CRM program without the
such as SalesForce, has proven to be anneed for custom code.
invaluable asset to many companies. ThisStaying On Deadline
technology focuses on managing customerNew system implementations run against tight
relations through the ability to organize, automate,deadlines; startup problems have to be avoided at
and integrate business functions from sales,all costs. SalesForce automation requires the use
marketing, customer service, to technical support.of data solutions that leave a clear auditing trail to
The overall goal is to provide maximum customeridentify potential issues as they appear rather
satisfaction to retain clients and attract newthan noticing problems hours down the line.
business, all while reducing the cost of providingRegression testing methods can be used to find
such services.solutions to problems while strengthening the
It should come as no surprise that such aunderlying code. Ultimately, this means that over
powerful tool would come with a significantthe course of transferring hundreds of thousands
investment to set up, implement, and use.of data entries, the SalesForce import process will
Whether a company was first instituting a CRMsteadily improve.
program, or upgrading to a new system, gettingIf a new system runs over the conversion
past the barriers to entry at a lower cost makesdeadline, the amount of lost business opportunities
CRM programs create a return in investmentcan be staggering. Down time in many industries
much more quickly.can be crippling.
A Smooth SalesForce Import ProcessEfficient Data Entry
CRM software specializes in handling large amountOne of the best methods for migrating data to a
of disparate data, consolidating it, and thennew system is to use the standard data entry
distributing useful information. Client profiles areportal for the newly adopted CRM. A script would
created to aid in targeted sales opportunities,take the legacy data and input it through the data
manage customer histories, and pursue newentry interface. This method would be known as
clients while providing new services. A very largea front-end propagation of data. The end result is
amount of information is needed to build thesethat the data would be correctly entered in the
databases and to establish the history to createnew format. This avoids the problem of trying to
trends and predications, creating a natural hurdle.fill a database directly without the aid of the
A successful SalesForce import of client data isCRM's management capabilities.
the first priority in leveraging CRM software.Minimizing the inherit risk of new technology
Powerful scripts and data management softwareimplementations is the fastest method for
handles SalesForce automation by moving,achieving a quick return on investment. Through
managing, merging, and maintaining customer datathe use of automation and scripting, data can be
without the need for technical programmingmoved quickly and without a loss of integrity.
knowledge. Data is correctly mapped from legacy