Commence CRM

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

Commence CRM offers all the features we need to manage our customer data. The system is easy to use and new employees can quickly learn to use it. We have customized the CRM for our business processes to track customer data. Plus, the app has smoothly integrated with our Outlook system, which helps us seamlessly track emails for all contacts.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

We need to properly handle changes and not over-use the system’s flexibility. This means we need to avoid complex data tables and unsightly color schemes. This task needs proper management, and we use the permissions feature to ensure only authorized employees can make changes to the system.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

We use Commence CRM for integration with our accounting solution, installed base and serial numbers, quotes and opportunities, and to manage customer information. The system helps us save a lot of time spent in general tasks such as issuing quotes, and tracking serial numbers and contracts and customer details and notes. Plus, all our employees now have up-to- date information.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

The architecture and functionality of Commence CRM show that there are no limits when it comes to useful features. The best part is I can own and manage the system on my own without needing to contact the vendor for modifications. Sales needs timely info for success. Other CRM apps that I have used posed obstacles when it comes to data and ownership. Commence is a neutral system which means I can modify the solution and have the workflows and changes transmitted throughout my business without needing to contact the vendor or a third party. There are no limits to what I can do with the software and I do not have pay any fees for it.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

The interface could be modernized and there could be better data mining tools, for example, through Excel.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

We have used Commence CRM to automate the entire CRM/sales force automation aspects of our company. We have been able to this in our way without the CRM interfering with it. Plus, we have added expense management, order history, and all support tickets to the database.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

We have been using the Commence RM Enterprise Edition for the past 17 years. We use the on-premise version and their cloud-based system. The best part is it is easy to customize the app for your needs. I have designed integrated modules for a range of tasks such as catalog fulfillment, project management, marketing campaigns, expense report submissions, sales lead handling, sales call reporting, customer interactions and more.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

There are a couple of issues: Client-server synchronization and connectivity to other databases. Commence CRM is a distributed database, which means each client has its own copy compared to a centralized database, which has a single copy that each user can connect to and use. The downside is the client databases needs to be synchronized regularly with the server database. If you have a big database, this needs to be done daily and the process is slow and vulnerable to glitches. The second issue is connectivity to other databases. It has proved to be troublesome while it is available. I maintain a separate system for manually updating the solution when this happens – but it takes plenty of time for our big database. We cannot move to their cloud system with our current database and would have to use their out of the box database.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

We are using Commence CRM to run marketing campaigns, for sales force automation, and internal communication between our sales, marketing, and accounting business units.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

The product is packed with features, it is easy to use, provides fast return on investment, and the customer support is excellent. We tried out many CRM systems and Commence gives us the best value for money. We are happy with what we can do with the app and the reports we can generate.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

We sell our product to big educational institutions. The sales cycle is long and complicated and we need to store large amounts of data such as email correspondence, documents, activities, and notes and history. We had been utilizing multiple solutions to manage our work and struggled to maintain a complete history of customer data. Commence CRM helps us use a single consolidated program for our CRM needs. All data is stored in the cloud which means we can access the latest info anytime, anywhere. Plus, the customer support is top rate.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

Commence is a top rate app. We used it smartly merge all our emails, contacts, activities, social signals, and follow-ups. I have moved to a new company and I hope I get to use Commence here too. It is the most pretty, logical, and user-friendly app that I have ever used. The system is as intuitive as an ipod in its working.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

We use Commence desktop CRM software to build custom CRM systems for our SME clients. It is a flexible solution that can be used to build a software that works according to clients’ business practices instead of having to tweak the practices to suit the software. After the initial implementation, a client can continue to develop the CRM according to their needs without needing IT skills or costly outsourced services. Plus, Commence desktop works well with the familiar MS Office suite.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

Commence Desktop is not constructed on a standard SQL database which means we have to import records coming from outside. However, the compact and small proprietary database does fast backups and runs. It would also be nice to have a web connection.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

We use Commence CRM to computerize the specific requirements of SMEs based on their business processes. The app also helps to track progress continuously and improve efficiency through Business Process Reingineering (BPR). We use the solution for companies in the following sectors: real estate, tennis clubs, and gyms, project management, accounting consulting, loyalty systems, e-campaigns and social media, government, wellness centers, insurance, and sales and distribution.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes