On occasion when working with a client during the selection of a new AMS, my client will say something like this: “My board is very supportive of our project, but several board members have asked a question along the lines of ‘What benefit will we get from this new system?'”
And while the benefits of a new system will vary depending on your circumstances, here are the most common benefits of implementing a new AMS:
- Improved efficiency – With new and better technology, staff should become more efficient with data management, including centralizing data that may be managed in many different systems around the organization.
- Better customer service – With more centralized data, staff should be able to provide better service to members and customers. And with better technology, the online user experience for members and customers (e.g., joining, renewing, registering for events, etc.) should improve, too.
- Cleaner data – During the implementation process, you should take time to clean up the existing data prior to data conversion. And after implementation, you should have better processes in place to help maintain data integrity and cleanliness.
- Easier querying and reporting – Today’s technology is making it easier and easier to query the data. The tools are easier to learn and use, which means faster and better access to data.
- Better money management – Centralizing data and accounts receivables will help ensure your organization is billing and collecting money appropriately and in a timely manner.
Of course, there are a multitude of other potential benefits of a new AMS, but these give you a sense of the kind of benefits many organizations should see.