Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted CRM knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: Hearing confusing messages from your customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors? You may be dealing with dozens of software vendors and system integrators, each one praising the benefits of his solution. Among these proposals, one claims not only to efficiently manage the entire customer life cycle, but also to take full advantage of your previous technology investments. Your incumbent ERP system vendor also has a CRM solution, and praises the benefits of the tight integration of both systems. The question then is, how do you know whether this solution is the best for you? Request your copy of Integrating CRM with ERP compliments of Baseline Consulting. The report gives you the criteria to use when formulating your strategy of integrating CRM with ERP, best practices of CRM implementation, dealing with ERP integration, and how to integrate CRM with ERP impacts the value chain.

Abstract: To accurately assess the impact that requirements have on businesses, IAG surveyed over 100 companies. What they found was that less than one-third were properly equipped to define their software requirements, and that suboptimal requirements consumed around 41.5 percent of the IT development budget. Find out what it takes to ensure your organization doesn’t fall on the wrong side of this business requirements equation.

Abstract: Why do some customer relationship management (CRM) implementations fail? The answer: companies’ lack of understanding of their current CRM environments, and of what areas need modification or improvement. Companies with a clear understanding of what they need from a CRM solution—as well as of what CRM means to their business—are more likely to succeed. To clinch that success, some key elements should be assessed first.

Abstract: Microsoft's foray into the CRM arena has not been a bed of roses, despite its indisputably large marketing muscle and R&D investment, its strong channel, traditionally attractive pricing policies, and the aura and experience within the market segment. Microsoft CRM remains both a threat and an opportunity for the most nimble mid-market CRM vendors. Microsoft’s entry with CRM evangelism through an array of seminars nationwide has bolstered the market’s awareness of the need for CRM applications.

Abstract: Since the last recession in 2001, customer relationship management (CRM) systems have gained greater acceptance. Though CRM systems haven’t been widely tested under adverse business conditions, results achieved by CRM strategies indicate that businesses with an effective CRM approach will have a vital competitive advantage in recessionary conditions. Discover three key strategies to using CRM as a tool against a recession.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) solutions can help you achieve success by managing your company’s customer-facing processes and implementing a customer-centric vision. But to make the most of CRM’s benefits, you should weigh and consider the options by answering key questions about your processes and CRM solutions’ capabilities. Find out key CRM principles, and how to best mitigate the cost of CRM implementation.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) is rapidly morphing from a customer management model to one of customer engagement. Social networks, podcasts, blogs, and wikis are enabling customers to become advocates, and not simply the targets they were in the traditional CRM process. The same techniques are also being used within the CRM industry itself to create a content-rich, social media environment for CRM professionals. Find out what these sweeping changes mean to businesses and CRM professionals alike, as TEC's director of research Wayne Thompson sits down with Paul Greenberg and Bruce Culbert of BPT Partners, a leading CRM consulting firm.

Abstract: Two of the greatest challenges IT decision makers face when selecting a CRM package is first, having a comprehensive understanding of their functional and technical requirements and second, identifying the vendors that best match their requirements. This article will focus on determining the functionality and technology required to enable business processes, and how to compare vendor offerings once those requirements have been documented.

Abstract: Requirements management (RM) is about bringing products to market faster, improving team efficiency, and catching requirements defects earlier. But you need to dig deeper into the return on investment (ROI). What’s the tangible cost savings an RM solution can deliver to your company? What’s the difference if you just use spreadsheets to manage requirements? Get answers to these and other questions with this ROI analysis.

Abstract: According to an IAG survey, 70 percent of companies lack the fundamental competencies within business requirements discovery to consistently bring in projects on time and on budget. Why do so many fall short in properly diagnosing their requirements failures? Discover how placing a greater focus on the combined aspects of business requirements—people, process, and tools—can provide better project outcomes.

Abstract: When considering a customer relationship management (CRM) solution, it’s critical to understand the needs of your sales team. All too often, CRM applications have too much depth and complexity—and as a result, they fall into disuse. Some features may actually increase the effort of your sales people to close a sale. However, you can implement a CRM implementation that fits the needs of your sales team. Find out how.

Abstract: Since there are multiple vendors offering hosted customer relationship management (CRM) applications, the buyer’s toughest decision is finding a vendor that offers the many benefits that come from a workflow engine similar to those used in multimillion-dollar CRM deployments. Truth be told, CRM alone is not enough, as not all providers have a workflow engine which enables full process automation.

Abstract: There are many articles on customer relationship management (CRM) and its benefits. These articles are usually targeted towards large organizations, and don’t focus on the needs and objectives of small business owners. However, it’s essential for small business owners to know what CRM really is, and why and how CRM can help retain existing customers and help their business grow.

Abstract: The concept of getting business requirements right sounds straightforward. However, flawed requirements trigger 70 percent of project failures. The larger the number of stakeholder groups involved, and the more complex the processes, the more likely a project will fail. Success in large projects is not just about completeness, but also about getting complete requirements information early in the development process.

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) vendor Consona is determined to establish a CRM “kingdom” based on Consona Enterprise CRM. Read this comprehensive analysis of Consona Enterprise CRM to find out what lies ahead for this flagship product.

Abstract: Finding out the true facts about what makes CRM tick and how fast it circles the ROI clock—if it indeed reaches ROI-has long frustrated potential CRM implementers looking for answers. And getting good answers really matters, because their only alternative to being forewarned may be leaping into enterprise-wide, mega-bucks, change management-laden CRM implementations—and testing the depth of the water with both feet. For the first time, there are statistically-based, substantive answers to many questions about CRM.

Abstract: CRM. C.R.M. itself is an acronym, standing for Customer Relationship Management. This is part three of a three-part article to provide explanation and meaning for most of the common CRM phraseology. Here, in alphabetical order, we continue the Lexicon of CRM

Abstract: While marketing automation modules have begun to attract a new wave of companies to customer relationship management (CRM) software, CRM’s long-term benefits can help businesses make the most effective use of advertising and sales resources. According to leading industry experts, companies can leverage CRM applications in five specific ways. For one, CRM systems help you identify where to place ad dollars. Find out more.