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

Continuous feedback and enhancement


Just as a business does, every CRM system needs continuous evaluation and enhancement. As your business changes, so must your CRM system. Some of these changes may be the result of changes in your business environment. In response, your CRM must evolve and improve to maintain and advance your competitive standing in your industry.

Until the CRM system achieves a high-level of internal user satisfaction, it should be reviewed at least once every business quarter for usability improvements, in addition to any potential opportunities to automate additional business processes.

Once the system is popular internally, it should be reviewed at least once every six months for potential improvements and enhancements. In particular, opportunities should be sought for more advanced methods (typically involving external connectivity) of improving your customer relationships and satisfaction, such as the following:

  • Customer self-service portals

  • Automated website lead collection...