Book Image

Implementing SugarCRM 5.x

Book Image

Implementing SugarCRM 5.x

Overview of this book

SugarCRM is a popular customer relationship management system. It is an ideal way for small-medium business to try out a CRM system without committing large sums of money. Although SugarCRM is carefully designed for ease of use, attaining measurable business gains requires careful planning and research. This book will give you all the information you need to start using this powerful CRM system. It is the definitive guide to implementing SugarCRM. Whether you are wondering exactly what benefits CRM can bring or you have already learned about CRM systems but have yet to implement one or you're working with SugarCRM already, this book will show you how to get maximum benefit from this exciting product. It demonstrates how to install SugarCRM and also how to get the most out of it by customizing it and integrating CRM into your organization as per your needs. Focused on the needs of the enterprise, this book provides a solution-driven approach for both business and IT specialists to get the most from this powerful and popular Open Source application. It begins with a general discussion about CRM. You will then learn the benefits of such systems, and then explore SugarCRM and its unique value. You will then go through the guidelines for installing and making deployment selections that are set out alongside information for identifying, planning, and applying customizations. Training guidelines and ongoing administrative tasks will be discussed as you progress further into the book. A brief overview of SugarCRM 6.0 is provided at the end of the book.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Implementing SugarCRM 5.x
Credits
About the Authors
About the Reviewer
Preface

Key steps to a successful CRM implementation


Before we get too deep into the specifics, you should understand that there is one overriding attribute to any successful CRM implementation: open and frequent communication and collaboration.

The typical groups that are going to be significantly affected by a new CRM system, and therefore, should be involved in its selection, development, and delivery, are the following:

  • Executive sponsor

  • Project manager

  • Implementation team

  • Lead trainer

  • Internal or external network administration and IT staff

  • Finance management

  • Sales management

  • Sales general staff

  • Administration management

  • Administration general staff

This group will be your CRM implementation team.

Successful CRM implementations share another important factor. The implementation team should manage the project relatively conservatively—set realistic goals, phase the implementation in modest steps, and view the entire process as one of continual improvement and not as a one-time event. To quote Clint Oram...