Small Business CRM Software Key Terms

Understand the CRM software terms to choose the best product

Customer relations management, or CRM software is a vital part of the success of your business. It's essential to keep track of your customers' data, which can include everything from simple contact data to sales history and a log of communications. However, when looking for the best software product for your business, you should take the time to make sure that you understand the key terms associated with the software. For example, you may need a product that's web-based or has role-based security. You may also want to look for a program that's won an ISM CRM Software Award. Whatever your needs, these terms will help you find the right software.

 

Web-based or hosted CRM software

A web-based CRM software program, sometimes called hosted CRM software is not a software program that you download on your computer. Instead, you access it by going to a website and entering your login information. This is ideal for companies that have employees who may need to access the CRM software remotely.
Try: Leopard CRM lists some reasons why you may want to choose web-based CRM software.

Role-based security

Role-based security means that only people with predefined roles can perform certain tasks with the software. For example, you may want to ensure that customer service representatives can add data to the software, but may want to limit their ability to modify certain fields. Role-based security allows you to do this.
Try: Zoho CRM describes how they use role-based security with their software program.

ISM CRM Software Awards

ISM specializes in CRM consulting. Every year, they review the available CRM software programs and issue awards to the best. It's a good idea to purchase a software program that's on this list.
Try: Learn more about ISM from their website and view an announcement about the ISM CRM Software Awards.

Table mapping

CRM software products are essentially database management programs. In a database management program, data is stored in tables. In order for the data to display correctly in the interface, the database designer uses table mapping.
Try: Learn more about table mapping from Well House Consultants.

Help desk software

Help desk software is a subset of CRM software. It allows companies to track customer problems until the situation is resolved. With some programs, customers can actually submit the help ticket by themselves. Many CRM software programs have a help desk or support ticket system integrated into the program.
Try: Kayako offers various help desk software solutions. You can learn about the different types available through their site.

Marketing automation

Some CRM software programs help with marketing automation. This means that the software can automatically identify potential leads within your current database of customers. It also can track when marketing materials were sent and when you should send again.
Try: Learn more about marketing automation from Marketo.

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