Approximately 70% of the success of any CRM system’s operation depends on proper preparation and professional implementation. To minimize risks, conduct a comprehensive analysis of your business processes and be sure to use this CRM implementation checklist. As a result, the installed customer relationship management system will become a tool for company growth, not an additional burden.
Task №1. Define CRM implementation goals, understand why it is needed
- What business objectives are you facing? Increasing revenue, shortening the sales cycle, developing a new sales funnel, customer retention.
- What operational tasks need to be completed? Creating a unified customer database, automating document flow, identifying and eliminating errors.
- What strategic goals are being pursued? Implementing end-to-end analytics, changing the management approach, business scaling.
We have covered these issues in more detail in the article “What problems does CRM solve?”. A clear understanding of what CRM implementation brings will allow you to achieve maximum KPI, initially abandon unnecessary functions, and motivate employees to work with the system more effectively.
Task №2. Analyze current business processes
- What path does your customer take? Sources of information about the company, ways of entering the sales funnel, reasons for decision-making.
- How do you work with customers and are there any problem areas? The business checklist covers all possible areas: marketing, sales, support, and also allows you to identify the reasons why customers leave.
- The main requirements for a CRM system: it should not interfere with the company’s usual work; its task is optimization, not deterioration.
Task №3. Work through aspects related to data
- Where does the system get information from? There must be interaction with Excel spreadsheets, email services, and messengers.
- How is database cleaning performed? Correcting existing errors, removing duplicates and outdated information, unifying formats.
- Is data migration possible? Preparation for CRM should initially consider the need to transfer data to another system, for example, when changing the company’s direction or expanding its activities.
Data preparation, structuring, and cleaning is a critically important and resource-intensive process, which is why it receives special attention in universal and industry-specific business solutions.
Task №4. Formulate your own requirements for the CRM system
- What are the mandatory functional requirements? Common examples of CRM system requirements: customer segmentation, sales funnel, task automation, marketing capabilities.
- Is integration with other services and systems acceptable? Compatibility with websites, telephony, messengers, analytics tools, ERP.
- Is the interface of the chosen CRM convenient? Accessibility and clarity, adaptation to different roles and tasks, employee training speed.
- How secure is the system? Encryption, access levels, compliance with the country’s legislation.
A CRM checklist allows for a thoughtful, not impulsive, choice, which eliminates difficulties and misunderstandings in the future. Also, before implementing a CRM, you must understand why such an investment is needed and what it consists of (direct, indirect, and ongoing expenses), how much time employee preparation takes, and what your future plans are: regular updates, training of new employees, system evolution.
Is there a need for professional CRM implementation services or would you like to consult on the provided step-by-step guide? Leave a request and a Frigat Net manager will contact you.
