Is it possible to implement an on-demand CRM in 1 month? 

We’re always being asked "how long does it take to implement a CRM?" "Can we implement this CRM in a month?".  To answer, you need to look at several factors both with the CRM software you intend using and the extent of implementation in your organisation.

In fact, CRM encompasses your whole organisation: sales, marketing, support.  It can be used to improve internal workflow and also link to some extent to other departments like HR and Accounts or at least improve communications with them through automatic workflow and alerts. Once you embark on a CRM project you will notice many areas, some that you did not foresee before you started, where a CRM can be used to improve organisational efficiency; thus prompting the question, “is a CRM project ever finished?”  The point being, unlike the traditional projects which have defined start and end dates, a CRM project is constantly evolving, constantly improving, and while you can say to the most part that “the project is 'over'”, many companies employ CRM consultants on a retainer/support basis to implement changes as they see more and more areas for improvement, possible due to the tool’s high degree of customisation.

With this in mind it is important to understand the concepts of on-demand CRM, also known as ‘Software as a Service’. Rather like subscribing to cable TV, whereby you rent the equipment and software required to run the service, the same applies to on-demand CRM: you rent the software and the service.  The hardware infrastructure, software, security infrastructure, support etc., are all set up and are ready to be used. You do not pay for these up front, but you do not own them either should you wish to change CRM vendors.  You simply rent the software (and hardware) as a service and own your data.

Nowadays, on-demand CRMs offer a complex suite of highly customisable functions covering many areas of your business.  The highly customisable nature and huge user base of on-demand CRM has resulted in very robust, tried-and-tested applications which are in theory ready to go as soon as you create an account.  Indeed, CRM vendors like Zoho CRM, and world leaders Salesforce.com offer solutions that can be set up in a matter of a few days! 

Obviously this does not include full customisation, but CRM Asia Solutions have deployed CRMs for small businesses in as little as a couple of weeks including customisation and training.  On the other end of the scale, a full blown CRM implementation can take up to a year or more in larger, more complex organisations with large teams and complex business models.  Again though, especially when considering the flexible nature of on-demand CRMs, this also depends on one’s definition of the project being ‘over’.

There are definitely strong reasons to use on-demand CRM if timeframe is a factor in your CRM implementation project:

• No hardware set up
• No software set up, configuration or testing
• Fewer budgetary barriers at the start of the project – much cheaper to get up and running
• No extended timeframes for customisations
• No on site patch updates or software upgrades required
• No need to involve your IT team which may result in bottlenecks (indeed, in our opinion Sales/Marketing/Support should own a CRM project)

Major factors that will affect the all-important 1 month timeframe are:

• Complexity of your business – will there be a significant amount of customisation required? Will you need to implement complex add on functionality such as Salesforce.com Appex?
• Resources – will you hire a CRM project consultant to manage the implementation?
• Have you outlined priority areas which will give you main benefits first
• Readiness of your organisation with regards to process change, user buy-in (essential for success) and also training needs
• Integration with existing systems such as Accounting/ERP system (SAP etc.)

To conclude: yes, a small or medium-size business (SMB) looking to introduce an on-demand CRM tool to improve basic sales, marketing and/or support processes should be able to implement a CRM within a one-month timeframe provided they consider the above variables, try to structure their approach and do not need to integrate the CRM with legacy systems.

If your requirements are more complex, it's best to speak to a CRM consultant or with the on-demand CRM vendor themselves or even people you know who have been through the experience to make sure your timelines are realistic.

If you would like to contact CRM Asia Solutions about a CRM implementation in your organisation, click here, or email us on info@crmasiasolutions.com

Good Luck!

CRM Asia Solutions
www.crmasiasolutions.com