Haven’t We Met Before? Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Extends Outlook Function, Offers Familiar Platform

Among the CRM 2011 advancements is one that will extend the familiar use of Microsoft Outlook toward new business-tracking capabilities:  the newest version of CRM 2011 from Microsoft Dynamics. If you’re a mid-sized organization, you can now analyze and manage your clients either as a hosted deployment or as an on-premise deployment.

CRM 2011 Gives You More From Outlook

This CRM 2011 product from Microsoft is hot on the heels of news that Microsoft has also begun offering a CRM product that’s hosted by its own servers. Both innovations strengthen the Microsoft Dynamics lineup, including options for enterprise resource planning and CRM, called Dynamics CRM. What’s different in the new rollout of the CRM 2011 software is that you get more streamlined functionality within Microsoft Outlook.

One Happy Family of 150,000 Users

Specifically, the Dynamics CRM 2011 version lets you connect with as many as 150,000 users simultaneously, with less-than-a-second responses. Advanced capacity for reporting is also a feature to note, as well as a generally improved synchronization with Outlook. You can boost agent CRM service with an interface that feels familiar and personal, and give your team members specific roles across your different divisions. Role-based access to account data is also offered in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 version.

Automated Processes Can Be Very Customized with CRM 2011

When Plante Moran, a large and top-rated financial services organization, wanted to automate their business development strategies, they decided to change out their IBM Lotus Notes system and decided on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Like your organization, they needed something that was fast to integrate, flexible and intuitive. Like this organization, you can customize the applications in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 version to suit your client expansion goals, such as the unique way you seek and receive new clients. Do you have some multi-step processes in place for turning leads into sales? You can integrate those into your Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 platform as well.

Quicker Team Adoption, Because the Interface is Familiar

If you have data on multiple platforms, you may experience some slowdowns and inefficiencies as you attempt to maximize your CRM data. Tools like Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 can combine client records and sales information into one system, utilizing the best of Outlook to build team-based collaboration. The result? Easier, faster reporting on results across your organization.

For Plante Moran, one of the top benefits of using Microsoft Dynamics as their CRM solution is coming by way of team member enthusiasm and high adoption rates – directly linked to the ease of use of the system. Your team may also benefit from another element Plante Moran is talking about – the ability to send email communications or make spreadsheet updates regarding CRM information without having to utilize more than one program or pop open a separate module.

One-Place Data Means Not Over-Reaching with Clients

CRM 2011 features to look for also include one-search options so you don’t risk repeat-asking clients or sending them promotional information more than once. Instead, CRM tools from Microsoft mean you can explore and analyze your marketing efforts from one central location, and know immediately if a prospect has already been reached and in what formats. You can also know which marketing efforts are working the best.

We’re All In This Together

Plante Moran is doing something else with their CRM software – enhanced tracking of the relationships and contacts made by their partners and staff members. Because the firm has more than 1,600 contacts, there’s a tremendous opportunity to manage and maximize thousands of relationships, especially those that can lead to new revenue sources. If you, too, can relate, you also know you’ll need to be able to carefully track the connections among these relationships. CRM 2011 tools should do that for you, boosting your business development efforts and your overall ROI on your CRM investment.

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