Implementing a CRM system or integrating systems like Business Analytics or Sales Force Automation with existing or legacy systems can create unforeseen headaches for those with even the best intentions. That’s why companies often turn to third-party experts like Harvest Solutions, consulting firms dedicated to smoothly executing a wide variety of implementation and integration projects.
Harvest Solutions, a certified partner of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Salesforce, helps small and mid-sized businesses with CRM implementation, data integration projects and training and support of system use, among other services. Specifically, they focus on empowering the sales, marketing, customer service and social business teams through systems integration.
We recently chatted with Bill Goulette, Practice Director for Dynamics CRM and Integration, to learn how Harvest helps their customers achieve greater business success by connecting critical systems and sharing data across multiple departments.
In one particular case, Harvest Solutions worked with a Long Island-based clinical software company in the healthcare industry. When they first began working together, the company needed to integrate three Microsoft GP databases with a single instance of Salesforce CRM. It was the company’s first integration project.
Beyond integrating simple account and product data, the company integrated order information, invoices, Accounts Receivable and project accounting information. The goal was to provide a holistic, real-time view of the organization, specifically providing a snapshot of the current state of cash flows to appropriate individuals. The integration allowed them to grow tremendously, acquiring 4 other organizations in the last two years.
The organization cites the integration project as one of the pillars of their success. It allowed the company to quickly scale the business, due in part to the visibility of cash flow in all systems, improved cash flows by understanding cash flow trends, and improved business processes recognized by integration the various business critical systems.
Bill provided an important best practice for those considering an implementation project in the near future.
Define the goals upfront. Have the big picture in mind. As part of the goal setting process, think ahead and be sure to define the relationships between objects at the outset. Make sure to define and communicate what is being migrated, to where, the order of precedence, the anticipated record count created, and the record ownership. For complicated implementations, consider hiring an expert.
Bill also provides a tip for Salesforce users:
In all Salesforce integrations, take full advantage of the bulk/mass import functionality. As each Salesforce seat is allowed only 1,000 API calls per day (at the Enterprise level), the batched imports help to avoid reaching the API call limit. This is particularly important for those companies that track many data points in real-time. It’s important to note that all 3rd party solutions added from the Salesforce AppExchage also use a portion of the daily allowed API calls. By batching the imports, you can effectively save API calls. For example, if you have 4,000 seats at the enterprise level, there are 40,000 available API calls daily. If you want to update 150,000 records, it would be best to batch them at 150 each, using only 1,000 calls (versus 150,000).
Thanks again to Bill for his time and insights. If you’re interested in learning more about or becoming a Scribe partner, visit our Partner page.
