Typically, CRM, eCommerce and accounting systems operate in silos. This can often lead to information gaps that can disrupt order processes, blight communications and compromise the customer journey. Cloud-based accounts-integrated CRM and eCommerce solutions can fix these gaps assuring the continuity and consistency of exemplary customer service.
A fully integrated CRM solution has the ability to unlock a wide range of untapped benefits for businesses, especially where cloud technology is involved.
Andrew Ardron, CEO, ProspectSoft, reveals the six benefits attainable from a fully integrated cloud-based CRM system.
End-to-end visibility and flexibility
Modern business culture promotes and requires more flexible ways of working. Cloud-based CRM solutions are accessible anytime, anywhere. Users can log in from any compatible device, and as long as they have an internet connection, they will always be able to view the CRM system – giving out-of-hours workers, home workers and mobile workers the ultimate access and flexibility that’s crucial for businesses today.
Cloud-based CRM solutions are easily scalable, as cloud capacity can be altered to match business size and growth, especially in circumstances where the number of staff changes frequently.
Enhanced CRM capabilities
A fully integrated Cloud-based CRM solution provides access to many capabilities, such as: automating emails based on sales activity; creating dynamic sales lists; and tracking cross-channel marketing.
The Cloud instantly makes invaluable information accessible, streamlining operations into one process. Take for example, sales technique updates, these can be reflected across all devices, to all relevant users, allowing for quick adaptions to business strategies; rather than an email thread being sent round that may not be read, or a meeting which some remote workers may be unable to attend.
Cost Savings
A Cloud-based CRM solution removes previously necessary IT installation and maintenance, which businesses may have to pay someone else to carry out. The need to have digital storage on the premise is also removed saving space, cost and the need for ongoing maintenance.
The cloud manages it all! Typically, whilst also being more flexible in its offering, allowing different capacities that sit in different subscription brackets, suited to all business sizes and needs.
Security
Security is becoming an ever-increasing concern for organisations. With on premise solutions, businesses rely heavily on the security and firewalls of the routers and connected equipment, and on the building itself, making it a costly worry.
However, with cloud-based solutions, security is in the provider’s best interest and taken care of by them. Security updates are typically rolled out regularly to ensure your data has the highest level of protection, while automated back-ups can be run just as often. For additional security, data recovery plans can be implemented and the data itself is often encrypted. After all, without proper security, the providers would soon find themselves without any business.
Collaboration across teams
The ability to work collaboratively is crucial for many businesses, and Cloud-based CRM means that data can easily be synced and backed up constantly. This enables seamless collaboration amongst and across teams via file sharing, whereby information is uploaded from one device and is then instantly available for other users.
Not only does this create a smoothly functioning workplace, it also greatly improves the efficiencies gained by businesses, increasing the speed with which people can collaborate and work towards core business aims.
Always up-to-date with new features & functionality
Cloud CRM exists as an online platform and is able to provide automated, real-time upgrades and updates. The ability to upgrade the entire system this way completely eliminates time consuming manual updates and/or potentially damaging downtime caused by lengthy download times or entire re-installations. The system will always be up-to-date with the latest features and functionality; updates can be applied at the time they’re released, not days or weeks later.
This list is by no means exhaustive and there is a multitude of invaluable functionality and capability that can be accessed through use of the Cloud. Perhaps, most importantly, when a more holistic view is taken and integration with eCommerce, ERP and accounts is implemented, the business benefits can be far-reaching.
The operational and strategic benefits of Cloud-based CRM are abundant, from cutting costs to saving time and empowering employees and customers alike. It is almost impossible to achieve unparalleled integration without moving CRM data and processes into the cloud. In order to stay competitive organisations must leverage Cloud technology, now is the time for SMEs to take the steps required to deploy integrated eCommerce, accounts and CRM solutions. Once a business has experienced the wonders of a cloud-based CRM they won’t look back.
Further reading on CRM solutions
