Book Image

Implementing SugarCRM

By : Michael Whitehead
Book Image

Implementing SugarCRM

By: Michael Whitehead

Overview of this book

<p>SugarCRM is a popular customer relationship management system. It is available in both free open source and commercial versions, making it 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 distils hard won SugarCRM experienced into an easy to follow guide to implementing the full power of SugarCRM. SugarCRM is an extensive PHP/MySQL based application but with its rich administration interfaces no programming is required to get the most of it.</p> <p>This book will give you all the information you need to start using this powerful, free CRM system. Written by veteran SugarCRM expert and experienced documentation author, Michael J. Whitehead, this book 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 of this exciting product.</p>
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Implementing SugarCRM
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewer
Preface
Index

Key Steps to a Successful CRM Implementation


As you undertake your CRM implementation, before we get into a lot of specifics, you should understand that there is one overriding attribute to any successful CRM implementation. This common factor is open and frequent communication and collaboration.

The typical groups that are going to be significantly affected by a new CRM system, and therefore will need to 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 MIS

  • 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...