we have a canned Crm software system
My company is currently struggling with the idea of software integration.
Currently, we have a canned Crm software system that is an accounting
system/business application. Our business is unique and we have customized
software apps that we build in house. Right now our system process is not
very efficient in the fact we have data entry duplication because our
applications are not integrated. The problem is we are struggling against
the idea of the cost of integration. The maintence issues and the overall
design issues. Especially since we have this canned business software which
is somewhat flexible however we would have to adventure outside the support
for this product. Of coarse we could write our own business software
however we rather not reinvent the wheel. My question is what are other
companies doing with this same problem!
Does your accountancy system use something like SQL Server? Perhaps that
could tie in with the Time Management systems (like Carpe Deim) or the
Contact Management Systems (such as InterAction) and also the Document
Management Systems.
Sometimes a lot of applications can be brought together. Which canned
applications are you talking about?
I'm going to back up and say that it really does not matter what other
businesses are doing. What works for one company may not work for another.
I would look at what your needs are.
Does the current system meet those needs.
Look at the associated costs (both tangible and intangible) would be if you
did not choose an alternate path. E.g..,
1) What are the costs resulting from duplicate data entry.
2) What are the costs associated to maintain the current software.
a) Personnel
b) Equipment
c) Software, etc
Look at what costs you would incur or would eliminate if you chose a
different path. E.g.., write it yourself, choose an integrated package that
is customizable by your company, training, etc. in addition to
1) Reduction of lost margin because of errors.
2) Personnel costs as a direct result of eliminating duplication efforts.
3) Ability to customize the code yourself, etc., etc.
Once you have the costs and savings from each of the models, choose a path
that is most profitable for the company that meets the business needs.
There are far too many possible solutions to offer you one here, just
guidance.