The rules for a successful mobile CRM

CRM should be mobile in order to be successful. But, how can you determine whether your deployment is as mobile as you need it to be?

Fortunately, you don’t need a crystal ball. You simply need to determine whether certain criteria are met, the most important of which are mentioned below.

Data access at the office

It sounds obvious, but if you can’t access your CRM data while you’re at the office, then it makes no difference how much of this data you can upload when you’re elsewhere. Ensure that the data stored on-the-go, are at the same time stored in your office computer.

Wi-Fi access

You will often need access to information while you’re at the office, but not in front of your computer. So, for when you’re in meetings, conferences etc., make sure there is an available wireless connection that enables you to access your CRM when needed.

Access via an app and easy-to-use UI

Having an app makes it much easier to upload and access information, when a Wi-Fi connection is not available. An app that runs independently can win you a lead or even a sale. An app that works with or without Wi-Fi, can offer more mobile options to your business. Of course, just having an app is not enough. You also need an easy-to-use UI, with clear language and simple view, proper design, smart use of colors and texture, and forms with default fields.

Using an app on multiple devices

It is quite possible that your employees are using different operating systems and device types, especially if your business has a BYOD policy. In this case, your app should not just support iPhones and Android devices, but also be compatible with all mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Real-time CRM updates

Trends have their own way of imposing themselves. When users see something in social media, they immediately need information. If your CRM is not updated in real-time, you may lose valuable information on your customers that you could have used to strengthen your relationship with them.

Alerts and notifications

Although nobody likes to get “spammed” with notifications, it is important that your CRM system sends timely notifications for trends and actions. This enables you to develop even more successful relationships with your customers. Furthermore, proper deployment will allow your team to have readily available all critical changes in customer data, send notifications to customers about issues that interest them and customize rules dictating who and when will receive notifications.