Service based industries face a diverse set of challenges. From fire and security to HVAC supply and service, even professional services industries, client care is complex and often requires unique transaction processes from one client to another. Even in an industry as volatile as this one, processes can be streamlined and automated using a customer relationship management (CRM) system with ERP for service based businesses.
With recent volatility and growing complexity of the market, service based organizations are finding it harder to manage each contract in a time when project timeframes are shrinking. Twenty-six percent of professional services organizations reported shrinking timeframes for projects as a top challenge, according to a 2012 Aberdeen Group survey report.
Lack of available resources (skilled of cash) was the top challenge with 50-percent of respondents citing it as a main business hurdle.
- 36% cited difficulty predicting demand due to market volatility
- 20% cited lack of visibility into data across functions
- 20% cited inability to determine profit potential of new projects and price accordingly
With cloud based ERP for services based businesses, many of these points of friction can be smoothed out. What’s more, it often possible to extend the functionality of your ERP system with third party project management software.
Some independent software vendors (ISV) create poducts that integrate seamlessly with specific ERP systems such as job-cost products to give project-based businesses the ability to track all components of projects from subcontractors and labor to materials and equipment. These tools are designed to help firms gain greater control over projects , control costs, manage labor and ultimately improve the bottom line.
Like it or not we are in a world where people are used to interacting with each other and their businesses through technology. In order to stay competitive in any services vertical, firms need to embrace cutting edge technology like cloud based CRM and ERP for service based businesses.
One professional services firm, Grant Thornton International, Ltd, wanted to go toe-to-toe with larger firms in the financial services arena. In order to do that they knew they had to deliver unmatched customer service levels. They also knew the only way they were going to accomplish that was through technology.
They chose Microsoft Dynamics CRM in the cloud for its agility, simplicity and power to deliver data insights with a cross-organizational view.
“More and more people are asking for a true ‘app’ experience,” explains Rick Stow, Head of CRM for Granton Thronton. “One of the most appealing aspects of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the ability to deliver the same experience across multiple platforms. Whether you’re opening a form from within Outlook, from a browser, or on a mobile device, you have access to the information and full functionality.”
