Every goal-focused business aims to attain a high-functioning CRM to set their business up for long-term success. But the truth is, realizing this feat is quite a challenge and very uncommon. This is well reflected in various industry statistics highlighting how successful CRM adoption is problematic for many:

• 49% of CRM projects fail (Forester Research)

• Per studies conducted in the past decade, 25%-60% of CRM projects never meet expectations (GetBase)

With our approach, we have proven a way that leads to overwhelming CRM satisfaction scores from our clients. We wanted to share the top three hurdles we continuously see and have to overcome in getting to a high-functioning CRM.

1. User Adoption

This is definitely the no. 1 reason why CRM implementations fall short and also the most difficult to overcome. Your organization can't reap the numerous benefits CRM offers unless its users adopt and commit to the system. But before we even get to the ways to boost adoption rates, let's first understand why users may not be fully engaged with your CRM system.

Why do Users not Want to Use Their CRM?

There are two primary reasons users may find it challenging to engage with your CRM solution:

The CRM is bought and left OOB

If your company has purchased an off-the-shelf CRM solution, the reality is it won’t line up with your business. It may have all the latest features, but when it comes to making it work for your team, it will look cumbersome, confusing, and overwhelming in how it should be used. If you want your CRM to work as expected, you'll need to invest in tailoring it to fit your business.

The users need to see value from the system

If you fail to customize your CRM system to match your business-specific processes, users may fail to see its value. In that case, they may perceive it as just an added data entry and frustration on top of their already tight schedule. Thankfully, there are a few ways to turn this around:

• Customize the system to help automate emails, interdepartmental communication, and task assignment. This will quickly add value to the users by clearing up their repetitive tasks, communication, and follow-up.

• Make the data entry seamless and logical. Nothing frustrates users more than having to add duplicate entries or finding it difficult to find the information they need.

• Turn your CRM into your master database, pulling in data from existing systems and setting up integrations where possible. That way the users can fully commit and live in one centralized system.

2. Underutilization of Business Processes

The second challenge is the underutilization of existing business processes. If you don't explore your CRM's full potential, you won't realize the benefits of automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflow, document automation, and improving customer service. But why do these processes get underutilized in the first place? Let's find out!

Why do Business Processes get Underutilized?

For starters, these processes are usually left to closely follow the OOB flow, which is very unlikely to reflect your organization's process. You need to make this process yours by ensuring the process stages and steps to progress match exactly what happens.

Efficient CRM business processes is one of the greatest benefits that a CRM can bring to your business but due to complexity it often gets left for users to use or not use at their own preference.

3. Quality Data

Without adequate user adoption and optimal utilization of business processes, you'll never reach this stage. The more accurate and timely information you have at your fingertips, the better decisions you'll make. And if you're able to make better decisions, you'll be positioned to grow your company faster than ever before. 

Unfortunately, most companies never realize this feat. Unless your data is 100% reliable, you can't and shouldn't use it to make critical business decisions. So, the question remains: How do we achieve this level of reliability? Well, the solution lies in how your CRM is built and managed. Here are two ways a well-optimized CRM system can help you achieve this goal.

First, CRM systems provide an easy way to collect and store all relevant data. With the right tools, you can easily capture any form of data, such as process efficiencies, employee performance, sales forecasting, customer activity levels, and conversion rates. By committing to CRM as your centralized system, before you know it, you'll start registering significant improvements to multiple departments across your company.

Second, high-functioning CRMs open the ability to cultivate the culture of reporting across your organization. This is where you start to realize a significant ROI as your organization transforms into a data-driven powerhouse that yearns to learn and improve continuously. 

A High-Functioning CRM Solution Can Drive Your Company into the Future!

At Amplify Solutions, we understand the value a high-functioning CRM solution can bring to your business. We're talking about a tool that helps streamline your workflow, from lead generation to engagement, retention, and conversion. Yet, most organizations don't enjoy the transformative benefits due to poor implementation or lack of befitting CRM solution. Luckily, we're here to change that!

As a Microsoft Partner, we take pride in partnering with businesses like yours to implement and proactively manage a CRM solution that will transform your business. Our team has extensive experience working with small and large enterprises across various industries, and you can trust us with all things Dynamics 365 CRM and Power BI. 

So let us help amplify your business to its full potential through CRM and analytics! Contact us to get started today.