A CRM implementation can be a daunting task for an organization to undertake. Many CRM implementations fail because some organizations do not take the proper steps to ensure its success. Below are a few tips to help your organization keep your CRM implementation on the road to success. 1. Plan! – A CRM implementation must be thoroughly planned out in order for it to be successful. Identify key stakeholders and staff who will be responsible for leading the implementation. Your CRM consultant should deliver a project plan with tasks, timelines, and a budget if applicable. A well planned out CRM implementation will ensure that the project will be completed on time and under budget. 2. Clear Business Rules and Requirements – A CRM is just a mere computer program if it does not conform to your business rules and requirements. A clear roadmap of how your company operates can be very useful to a CRM consultant. Understanding your company’s business rules will ensure that every major use case is addressed during the implementation. This also makes training easier, as employees already understand how the organization works. 3. Don’t Skimp on Training – Training is one of the most important parts of your CRM implementation. Your CRM consultant should have a rigorous plan laid out for training staff members on how to use the system. Training should be conducted by Job role and also by function. If using an outside consultant , make sure to designate a person within the organization to master the system so that your organization is not reliant on costly consultants. 4. Choose a sustainable CRM solution – Your CRM consultant can be instrumental in choosing the CRM solution that is right for your organization. If your organization decides to go with an on premise solution, make sure your organization has the resources to allocate to the proper maintenance and upkeep of the system. If your organization decides to go with a cloud solution, make sure your organization has the financial resources to sustain the CRM features that are needed. 5. Check In – After your implementation is complete conduct periodic checki-ns with your staff to see how things are going with the system. During this process you can learn how to improve your CRM in future builds. This also a good time to verify that your users are using the system correctly and if not schedule more training time for your users. CRM implementations aren’t always easy but with proper planning and support a well planned CRM can transform your organization in no time. Links: Clientfit Salesforce CRM Consulting Salesforce CRM