Thinking of investing in Sage CRM?
If you are reading this now you have probably already researched Sage CRM and found that it’s an important component for effectively managing your business from its workflow automation (insert link to workflow automation blog) to unique system features. However, one question that seems to frequent customers minds when selecting Sage CRM is whether to invest in on-premise or cloud-based software. In this article we will help you understand the differences between the two solutions so you can make an educated decision when choosing the best solution for your specific business.
What do on-premise and cloud-based solutions both offer?
First, let’s take a look at what both Sage CRM solutions offer as standard software capabilities. Sage CRM as a whole provides its users the ability to manage the customer lifecycle journey from marketing/selling activities to post-sales support. The core features provided by both include simplistic usability, workflow automation, social CRM, mobility, department specific capabilities (Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service), easy configuration, and executive reporting.
Simplistic Usability - With interactive dashboards, configurable reports, and how-to guides embedded in each screen Sage CRM is designed to be easy to use no matter what version you choose.
Workflow Automation - Through workflow automation, sales and marketing teams are able to collaborate more effectively resulting in consistent campaigns and messages to your customers.
Social CRM- Your business will be interconnected through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more!
Mobility - With mobility capabilities your employees will have access to important business information from any location via tablet, browser, or smartphone. Allowing employees to easily address customer problems, update information, and schedule immediate follow-up appointments from anywhere on any mobile device.
Department specific Capabilities- Both solutions offer features like MailChimp to offer your marketing team an innovative email marketing tool, in addition to automating all business processes so that your sales team will have the ability to better manage their pipeline processes (i.e. better document follow-up protocol, provide quotes/discounts at a faster rate, etc.). Both solutions also allow for all employees to have access to one interactive dashboard that provides useful and up-to-date information on important customer information. This enables employees to stay on top of customer issues and improves your businesses customer services capabilities.
Easy Configuration –Sage offers simplistic configuration options for both CRM solutions. You will be able to create graphical workflows to easily map out your business processes and be equipped with menu-driven wizards to configure your business activities.
Executive Reporting - Some additional features offered are executive reporting (where you can track how KPI’s and determine business productivity), sales management (with features like automating quotes, forecasting and reporting of customer purchases, etc.), and flexible monthly pricing.
Now what are the differences between On-Premise and Cloud-based solutions?
Sage CRM (On-Premise)
On-premise Sage CRM software was meant for businesses that want more control and advanced options for their CRM business management solution. With on-premise software you get many features offered in Sage CRM on-premise that aren’t included in the cloud-based option. Some of these features include:
Advanced email management and e-marketing
Microsoft Exchange and Sage 100 integration
Customer self-service web portal
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
Advanced customization
By purchasing the on-premise verison of Sage CRM you are given a variety of additional capabilities first internally and then externally.
Internally Sage CRM on-premise provides advanced options for managing emails, calls, and customer information. Although MailChimp is included with both CRM solutions, the on-premise solution offers users additional capabilities. With the on-premise CRM solution users are able to track results on each email sent out, such as who’s opened the email and what they interacted with. Not only that, but on-premise users are also granted advanced email management capabilities. Users have the option to capture emails in CRM communication-tracking, which allows them to track and record email communication with each client in one centralized location. Additionally, on-premise users have the ability to synchronize and integrate all other software platforms within their company, such as Sage 100 and Microsoft Office. By integrating Microsoft Office users are able to gain a real-time view of tasks, appointments, contact updates, and much more. By integrating Sage 100 users are able to gain a centralized view of customer information, connect workflow activities, and create quotes all right within their CRM software.
Users are also able to manage calls with Computer Telephony Integration (CTI). CTI enables users to track and record all calls made to and from the business, increasing employee productivity. Lastly, Sage CRM on-premise offers advanced customization options. To better familiarize employees with the new CRM solution, Sage gives users the ability to create custom themes that incorporate company style sheets to create consistent, browser-like experiences for all employees. Additionally, if the current configurations that Sage CRM offers aren’t enough or don’t quite fit a user’s business requirements, they have the ability to customize CRM to fit their unique business needs.
CRM on premise also provides users with more capabilities in managing their external company environment by providing more options for managing customer cases, specifically for their customers. With CRM on-premise software, users are able to provide their customers with a customer self-service portal. The customer self-service portal enriches the customer experience by enabling them to cater to their own needs and allowing them to independently track and update their cases online.
Sage CRM (Cloud-Based)
Sage CRM (Cloud) or CRM Professional is a solution meant for businesses who want a quick and affordable CRM solution, without the headache of managing the software on their own server. Cloud-based CRM software offers less of an initial investment with an easy monthly payment, allowing users to keep their costs low, while maintaining all the great benefits of a strong CRM solution. Eliminating any worry involved in purchasing or running a server for those users who are not setup in a suitable environment. Some users, who may have the capability to run their Sage CRM software on premise but aren’t ready to make the decision to purchase CRM software may also purchase CRM cloud based software as more of a trial period. Then once they see all it can do for their business purchase the more robust on-premise solution.
So, which Sage CRM solution is right for you?
There are many factors to consider when deciding on which solution best fits your business needs. It could depend on the money and resources you have to spend at the moment, or whether you want to take on the responsibility of maintaining software/hardware, or if you just want a quick and easy fix for a CRM solution. Whatever factors you may be bringing into consideration, make sure to speak your reseller to get the best information about which solution could work best for you. Whichever CRM solution your business decides to adopt though, you can be sure your business, and your customers, will be taken care of with Sage.
Still Have Questions?
For more information about Sage software and how it can help your specific business needs, contact us at Crescent SCS by calling (562) 981-0125 or by sending an email to dhensen@crescentsw.net. You can also visit us online at http://crescentsw.net
