Simplesoft Solutions Blog

Sage SalesLogix Cloud Enhancements Now Available

January 25th, 2011 by Lisa

I am pleased to announce a couple of enhancements for Sage SalesLogix Cloud and the Sage SalesLogix Web client!


Sage KnowledgeSync for SalesLogix Cloud

Enhance the intelligence of your CRM system with proactive CRM Alerts.

  • Now, Sage SalesLogix Cloud customers can enjoy the proactive monitoring and alerts available with Sage SalesLogix KnowledgeSync. Customers can define alert criteria and dynamic business rules and sit back as Sage SalesLogix KnowledgeSync proactively monitors their CRM system, sending alerts or triggering an action in the system when business conditions are met.
  • Sage SalesLogix KnowledgeSync is available to Sage SalesLogix Cloud customers beginning at $350/mo for a system license. Please contact Simplesoft Solutions for additional pricing details and terms.

Customer Portal for Sage SalesLogix Cloud
Empower customers with convenient self-service options.

  • Now your customers can empower their clients to get the support they need 24×7 with Sage SalesLogix Customer Portal, improving the customer experience and reducing service and support costs.
  • The Sage SalesLogix Customer Portal is available to Sage SalesLogix Cloud customers beginning at $350 per month for a system license.

Sage SalesLogix Cloud is a next-generation Cloud-based CRM offering built upon the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud™ (EC2™) infrastructure. Sage SalesLogix Cloud customers enjoy the flexibility and rapid time to value of on-demand systems, combined with the security, control and data ownership associated with traditional on-premise solutions.

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

1 Comment - Click here to join the Discussion!

Do we need a CRM solution?

December 14th, 2010 by Lisa

I recently had a prospect ask me to help him make a case for CRM in his business. After learning more about his unique situation and giving it some thought, I came up with a list of questions that he should ask himself. I think this list could apply to many companies.

Do we need a CRM solution?

A full suite CRM solution like Sage SalesLogix can impact every area of your business. You don’t necessarily want to take on everything at once, but you should consider the impact that a full suite and fully integrated solution might have on the bottom line. Alternatively, what is the cost of the lost opportunity if you do nothing?

Ask yourself these questions:

1.   Can we do a better job with the information flowing to our customers?

  • A good CRM system will help you capture useful details about a customer including sales history, service records, responses to marketing campaigns, demographics, and not to mention, a complete picture of call history and email activity.
  • A good CRM system will allow your customers and prospects to interact with you through a web portal for sales or customer service functions.
  • A good CRM system will provide quick and easy grouping capability to create call lists for internal or external call handling.

2.    Could we benefit from the ability to analyze data more effectively using an integrated system?

  • A good CRM system will allow for integration with most accounting or ERP packages to push and pull data between systems and avoid double entry.
  • A good CRM system will offer integrated dashboards providing a view of important information and metrics in one click.
  • A good CRM system will offer integration with various E-Marketing programs for outbound marketing campaigns and tracking marketing metrics.
  • A good CRM system will be easily customized to fit your particular business needs rather than your business practices changing to fit the software.

3.   Can our customer service or internal processes be improved?

  • A good CRM system can transform your computer into a call center allowing your staff to have customer details on their screen as soon as the phone rings.
  • A good CRM system will play well with Outlook and other E-mail packages helping you automate replies and never again lose an important chain of E-mails.
  • A good CRM system will help you qualify and follow up on new leads without anyone falling through the cracks.
  • A good CRM system will track customer service issues and provide escalation rules to handle even the most complex processes.

4.   Are we managing our supply chain effectively?

  • A good CRM system will allow your supply chain to access your CRM data to collaborate and make informed decisions across the board.
  • A good CRM system will help your supply chain communicate through the use of web services improving the relationship between you and your supply chain.

How can you measure the benefits of CRM?

  • Is it the reduction of operating costs?
  • Could it be the 360 degree view of all your data?
  • Is it the higher percentage of cross-selling opportunities?
  • Maybe it is closing deals faster because of more efficient follow through with leads and customers.
  • Could it be a result of the more efficient marketing and sales processes provided by an increased understanding of your customer needs?
  • Or maybe it is because of the improved responsiveness to customer service that has led to higher customer loyalty.

If I had to guess….I think I would say ‘All of the above!’

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

1 Comment - Click here to join the Discussion!

Why SalesLogix?

October 18th, 2010 by Paul

7 Reasons to Choose Sage SalesLogix as Your CRM Tool

After deploying hundreds of Sage SalesLogix implementations at customer sites, I thought I would offer some insight into a few of the key elements  for companies selecting Sage SalesLogix.  To make it a challenge, I thought I would start each reason off with the letter “F” for fun! (Brought to you by the letter “F”)

1.) Flexible Sage SalesLogix fits your business. Sage SalesLogix Cloud offers the best of both worlds – the flexibility and rapid time-to-value of a traditional CRM SaaS solution, combined with the benefits of an on-premise solution like security and control.  With payment and subscription options, data ownership, greater data storage, and advanced customization, Sage SalesLogix Cloud is a great option for businesses that already leverage the Cloud or are looking to incorporate Cloud computing in their customer relationship management strategy. There is also remote, network, web clients, and mobility clients.

2.) Familiar Sage SalesLogix works in an intuitive way and that encourages user adoption. This helps you to minimize training and get up and running quickly.  This helps your sales team focus on what they do best…selling.  Time saving features such as the ability to update multiple Opportunities at once, quick list building capabilities, one-click access to important tasks and features, and customized views of information enable sales reps to be successful at what they do. User acceptance is critical with any CRM implementation. SalesLogix provides a true utility to get everyone on the same team, shortening the learning curve.

3.) Financially Rewarding Sage SalesLogix gets you more for your money. Does your CRM allow you to do more with less? Sage SalesLogix doesn’t require a “technology stack” investment or servers and software upfront investment.  Sage SalesLogix can be hosted in the Cloud or a third party hosting company, and can be brought on-premise when the time is right for a low upfront investment per user.  The ROI is topline results that have a positive impact on your customers, partners, and employees.  You can start with a free trial today!

4.) Functionality Sage SalesLogix delivers functionality that is unmatched at its price point and ROI that is hard to beat.   Here is a summary of the features that you get out of the box:

• Account, Contact, & Opportunity Management

• Calendar & Activity Management

• Microsoft Outlook and Office Integration

• Process & Workflow Automation

• Sales Forecasting & Territory Alignment

• Lead Qualification & Management

• Campaign Management & ROI

• Integrated E-mail Marketing

• Ticket Management

• Service Contract Management

• SpeedSearch KnowledgeBase

• Defect Tracking & Returns

• Customer Self-Service Web Portal

• Web, Windows, and Mobile Access Methods

• Disconnected Web Client

• On-premise or Cloud Deployment Options

• Back-Office Integration Capabilities

• Advanced Customization Capabilities

• Data Mashups Capabilities

5.)  Freedom Sage SalesLogix offers operational insight by delivering customizable reports, dashboards, spark line charts, and more that are intuitive and easy to use. Only Sage SalesLogix provides users the freedom to create their own dashboards using nearly any parameter to query data. The dashboards can also be customized to each individual users specific needs, and then shared with other users at any time. Nobody wants their sales team spending time building queries, generating reports and designing dashboards. But when it’s this easy, the value of the product becomes unique to each individual.  Sage SalesLogix provides users the ability to configure the system to help them work best.

6.)  Fusion Sage SalesLogix works with other applications and hundreds of add-on tools. This rich development platform can help you build a customer relationship management (CRM) ecosystem for incorporating closely related functions like bill management, quote management, order management, or contract management.

Sage SalesLogix is flexible

  

  

 

 

7.)  Fit Sage SalesLogix works the same either by premise or hosted. You can choose how your people work with the tools – through a Windows client, a web browser, a mobile device or a combination. You can even decide whether to buy it or to rent it. It’s easy to switch if your business needs move your deployment to the Cloud and then later back to your own facility. In so many words, it fits your specific business needs and infrastructure. ( You can’t place a square peg in a round hole and expect users to be happy with the results.)

So there you have it, my 7 reasons why Sage SalesLogix is a great CRM tool for most companies.  Hope you find some useful nuggets in this list.

Here is a quote from a Founding Father on his method for making decisions:

When confronted with two courses of action I jot down on a piece of paper all the arguments in favor of each one, then on the opposite side I write the arguments against each one. Then by weighing the arguments pro and con and cancelling them out, one against the other, I take the course indicated by what remains.

- Benjamin Franklin

 If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

2 Comments - Click here to join the Discussion!

Comtemplating the Sage Insights 2010 Conference and Sneak Peak the Future of Sage SalesLogix

May 28th, 2010 by Mike Pothast

Last week in Denver, Sage hosted its annual Insights partner conference. As always, Simplesoft Solutions was in attendance and this year was represented by President, Don Menrisky and I.   Traditionally, Insights provides many of the third party software solution vendors a way to showcase what’s new and exciting, and this year’s conference was no different. We saw some valuable tools and add-ons to help drive value for our customers and serve their customer’s better. However we felt the true excitement came from Sage and the company’s plans for the future of SalesLogix.  We are pleased with their roadmap and vision. 

Insights Conference 2010

Insights Conference 2010

 

I thought I would provide a “preview” of what’s coming over the next year in part.  Sage has several releases planned with the release of  Sage SalesLogix v7.5.3, due in the next 60 days, and version 8.0 in the first quarter of 2011.  And I’m sure you have heard about the new “cloud” offering as they partner with Amazon EC2 to offer a SaaS version of SalesLogix. What does this mean for you? It means  lot of really valuable functionality, which will continue to set SalesLogix apart as the leading innovative CRM tool in the marketplace and extend the capabilities of the tools.  Here’s a preview of what you can expect: 

Sage SalesLogix v7.5.3

  • Includes new web analytics and dashboard reporting tools designed to be easily created at the user level. Charts, graphs, and group lists are a few of the user-created options for user driven productivity.
  • Browser agnostic Desktop Integrations (Think SendSLX and Drag and Drop using FireFox etc.)  
  • Web administration – previously handled in the Application Administrator, a LAN based tool. Web administration will simplify the process of managing users, roles, teams & security and other vital features for SLX web users.  (Think remote administration without RDP access.)
  • v7.5.3 due to be released in the cloud in the June/July timeframe, and available to on-premise deployments in late July or August.

 Sage SalesLogix v8.0

  • New user interface for both the LAN and Web clients, more closely matched to each other.
  • Increased focus on easing critical usability functions, including:
    • Contextual menus
    • Activity and calendar management
    • Note recording and viewing (split form to match LAN client)
    • Inserting contacts and accounts
  • Quick editing of forms to add and edit forms, with no need to build and redeploy to users
  • v8.0 expected in Q1 2011

In addition to these client enhancements, a completely re-designed Mobile Client is expected by Q1 2011 as well. This new version has been designed to roll seamlessly across any mobile platform using an HTML 5 browser, including the iPhone, Android and most new Windows and BlackBerry devices. Sage provided a link during the conference to preview the new environment, and we are very excited about what we have tested. 

Finally, we are excited about the strategic direction Sage has taken to include more Connected Services, which we believe to be critical to the ongoing success of SalesLogix. The first release of this effort of this strategic plan has come in the form of Sage SalesLogix E-Marketing, released this month. In the near future, we can expect to see integrations to Hoovers, as well as other commonly used and valuable business resources extended through web services. 

As our relationship with Sage SalesLogix grows, so does our continued commitment to our customers.   I wanted to send the entire Sage team a big thanks for hosting another successful Insights conference.  We have so much to share with our customers back in Ohio.  The next Sage conference will be Sage Summit 2011 in Washington DC. 

If you’d like to preview Sage SalesLogix v7.5.3 in the cloud you can start a 30 day free trial. E-mail us at sales@simplesoft.net or call us today at 937-885-1204 x 3210.

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