In this Introduction to CRM implementation series, we'll be looking in more depth at the different stages we'll work through when helping you get started with your CRM system. Flowbird ensures a smooth transition and successful integration into your business, from planning to final implementation. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to maximise your CRM's potential, aligning it with your business objectives.
How to Make the Right Decisions During CRM Implementation: Approve, Reject, or Postpone
Once the technical consultant has reviewed the CRM implementation plan and provided feedback, it’s time for the next crucial step: discussing the recommendations with you. This is where the functional consultant plays a key role by leading a collaborative session to walk through the technical comments and estimated hours outlined in the review. This meeting gives you the opportunity to make important decisions about which tasks should move forward, ensuring everything aligns with your business goals and available resources.
During this session, you'll carefully consider each task identified in the GAP analysis and weigh its benefits against the costs and complexities involved. At this stage, you’ll typically make decisions based on three options: approve, reject, or postpone.
1. Approve: Move Forward with Essential Tasks
The tasks you choose to approve are those deemed critical to achieving your business objectives and feasible within your available resources. These might include key features or processes that will have a direct, positive impact on your business. Approving these tasks means you're ready to invest the time and resources necessary to implement them, knowing they’re vital to moving the project—and your business—forward.
2. Reject: Set Aside Less Valuable Tasks
Some tasks may not be worth the investment, either because they won’t provide enough return or aren’t aligned with your immediate priorities. If implementing a task is unlikely to provide sufficient value or disrupt your existing processes, you can reject it. This ensures that you avoid wasting time and resources on things that won’t help your business achieve its goals right now.
3. Postpone: Focus on What’s Urgent, but Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind
Not all tasks are urgent. Some may be important but not necessary to implement in the short term. These tasks can be postponed for later phases of the project, allowing you to focus on the most pressing needs first. By postponing less critical tasks, you can keep the project moving forward while maintaining the flexibility to revisit those items in the future. This phased approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that your CRM system evolves alongside your business needs.
The Functional Consultant’s Role in Guiding You
Throughout this decision-making process, the functional consultant acts as your trusted advisor. They help you evaluate each task from both a business and technical perspective, providing insights that allow you to make informed, well-rounded decisions. With their guidance, you can ensure that each choice aligns with your organization’s broader goals and contributes to the overall success of the CRM implementation.
Why This Matters
The approve, reject, or postpone approach helps you maintain control over the CRM implementation, ensuring that resources are focused on the most impactful tasks. By making thoughtful, strategic decisions, you can stay aligned with your objectives, minimize wasted effort, and keep the project on track.
Ultimately, this framework allows you to customize the implementation roadmap to fit your specific needs, ensuring that you’re investing your time, budget, and effort in the initiatives that will deliver the greatest value for your organization.