Product Review for Salesforce CRM
The new Salesforce Lightning solution is phenomenal and helps you save time. There are fewer clicks to do what you're trying to do. From a software management perspective, you're less dependent on programmers because many of the features are wizard-based, click or drag and drop enabled. My favorite Lightning feature is the Sales Console view. The Console makes it easy for you to have your call list up and see the details of the person you're calling all on one screen.
What do you dislike?
The Salesforce CRM is huge. While the features are easy to use, there are hundreds of them. Plus there's more than one way to execute the same function. Customize the system to hide anything you don't need. Declutter. Simplicity = productivity. You definitely need training before implementing this solution, and every user should get training -- even if they've used Salesforce before because everyone's system is different. The fastest way to learn is by using Trailhead - it's self-paced training broken into modules. Salesforce offers a ton of standard training options, or you can opt for something customized to your business by working with a consultant.
What business problems are you solving? What benefits have you realized?
Salesforce is a great total business management solution. If you want to have various departments running on the same platform, to get a true 360 degrees view of what's going on, Salesforce is your best bet. The goal of Salesforce isn't to get you the cheapest solution; it's to get you a solution that lets departments have reliable interactions with each other, knowing that everyone sees the same data from the same system. I wanted an end-to-end business solution. Salesforce, including the AppExchange, give me this solution. If you're not familiar, think of AppExchange as the iTunes App store of the CRM world. The apps extend the functionality of the platform, just like the iTunes App store extends the functionality of the phone. You can go with another CRM, but you won't get near as many apps. Apps = less coding.
For which purposes do you use the product?
I use this product to manage my business - populate and notify me of website inquiries, sell, keep up with business relationships, generate estimates, track invoices, project management, and support clients.
What is your primary role when using this product?
My primary role is as a Sales user. Salesforce doesn't just keep me in touch with my prospects; it keeps me familiar with them. My clients let me know they appreciate that I remember details about their account 2-3 years later. My memory is helped by Salesforce. ;)
What is your relationship with this vendor?
I'm a Salesforce consulting partner. If you're looking for help implementing, customizing or training on the system, I'm here to help.
At which company did you most recently use this product?
I current use Salesforce at my own business but have used it for over 15 years at various companies including Wolters Kluwer, ADP and Rewards Network.
Are you a current user of Salesforce CRM?
Yes.