Technical Consultant Review : An Introduction to CRM Implementation - Part 3

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 a Technical Consultant Helps Ensure Your CRM Solution Fits Your Business

When you're getting ready to implement a new CRM system, it’s not just about picking the right software. You need to ensure the software works with your business, current systems, and long-term goals. One important step in making sure everything fits together is the GAP analysis, which identifies the difference between where your business is now and where you want it to be. But completing this analysis is only half the story. After it’s finished, the next crucial step is for a technical consultant to take a closer look.

What Does a Technical Consultant Do?

Once the GAP analysis is done, it’s handed over to a technical consultant. This is where things start to get into the nuts and bolts of how your CRM will work. The consultant’s job is to carefully review your business needs and the solutions suggested in the GAP analysis to make sure everything is technically feasible.

Making Sure It Will Work

The technical consultant takes the time to understand your business requirements and how the CRM can meet them. They think about things like:

• System Compatibility: Will the CRM work well with the systems you already use?
• Scalability: Can the CRM grow with your business over time?
• Architecture: Does the CRM’s design match what your business needs now and in the future?

This ensures that the CRM you choose won’t just work today, but will keep working as your business evolves.

Estimating Effort and Time

The technical consultant also helps figure out how much time and effort the implementation will take. They break down the tasks involved, including things like:

• Configuration: How much will the system need to be customised to fit your needs?
• Data Migration: How tricky will it be to move data from your old system to the new CRM?
• Integrations: How well will the CRM work with other software you’re using?

This helps create a clear picture of how long the project will take and what resources you’ll need.

Teamwork for a Complete Solution

The technical consultant doesn’t work alone. They team up with the functional consultant, who focuses on your business needs. Together, they make sure the CRM solution is both practical for your business and technically sound. This teamwork ensures nothing gets overlooked, and everything works together smoothly.

Creating a Clear Roadmap for the Project

After the technical consultant has done their review, all of their findings are documented in a report. This report combines the insights from both the GAP analysis and the technical review. It gives you a clear plan for moving forward with the project, including:

• What the CRM will need to do from a technical standpoint.
• How long things will take and what resources are needed.
• What the biggest challenges might be and how to address them.

With this information, everyone involved can make informed decisions about next steps, like allocating resources and setting realistic timelines.

Why the Technical Consultant’s Review Matters

The technical consultant’s role is crucial because they help make sure that the CRM solution you’re considering is not just a good fit for your business on paper, but also practical to implement. They assess the technical feasibility, help estimate the required effort, and work closely with the functional consultant to make sure the CRM solution will truly meet your needs.

By carefully evaluating these details, the technical consultant ensures that the CRM you choose will be able to grow with your business, integrate with your existing systems, and ultimately help you achieve your long-term goals.

In the end, this detailed review helps provide you with a CRM solution that’s not only tailored to your business but also set up for success.