A few years ago I wrote an article on cleaning dirty data in your CRM system, See link for details on Dirty Data cleaned Dirt Cheap.  http://community.saleslogix.com/t5/The-Saleslogix-Journal/Dirty-Data-Cleaned-Dirt-Cheap-Guest-Blog-by-Paul-Hansford/ba-p/9974. The gist of the article is that data management needs to be a sustained activity that is accomplished over time and not a one-time event.  CRM Data management is like technology compatibility in the sense that it is an ever moving target.

Data does not have to be perfect all the time, but does need to be fit for use in your sales operations cycles. Even if your CRM platform is backed up, updated, and managed on your behalf, your data management is an area that needs to be maintained and included in your CRM strategies.    A CRM tool is the central repository for the lifeblood of your business – sales.  When your business is using your CRM tools (Mobile, Web, Social etc) well then it becomes a tool where dashboards, data lists, reports, become a way to help your teams win the heart of your customers.

What is clean high quality data?

The top five characteristics of high quality data are:   Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Unique, and Timely. These items can all be addressed with a system usage guide (user policy document) to ensure that everyone knows what is expected.

Data are of high quality if “they are fit for their intended uses in operations, decision making and planning.” (J. M. Juran)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_quality

Practical Steps to help your situation

1. Establish usage guidelines for data entry (intelligent naming conventions)
2. Confirm your integrated system are not creating data issues (E-mail, Social, ERP/Accounting, web)
3. Confirm your imported data, is compared either before or after, and has not creating duplicates
4. Assign a Data Steward (DS) to help advocate and educate on data compliancy
5. Use the proper built in tools and 3^rd party tools to assist
6. Use experienced consultants to give you the jump start you need

We’re entering a new world in which data may be more important than software.   Tim O’Reilly

If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions.

Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.

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Tags: Administrators, CRM, CRM Data, Data Management, Data Tips, End Users, Infor CRM, Sage SalesLogix training, Sage SalesLogix Usage Tips, SalesLogix End Users, SalesLogix Usage, Saleslogix v8.1, Saleslogix v8.1.0, Simplesoft, Simplesoft Solutions

This entry was posted This entry was posted on Thursday, October 23rd, 2014 at 9:38 AM and is filed under Exploring CRM Strategy, Refining Data Management. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.