Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is designed for all business sizes ranging from small to large organisations; A Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online solution can be utilised as a complete end to end solution or alternatively used departmentally.

Delivered as a service from Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the ideal solution for organisations that want to gain the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM but don’t have the technological infrastructure or time to handle the on premise solution.

Pythagoras below states three key reasons to choose Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online;

Familiarity

Delivered within Microsoft Outlook and Office or through a browser Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online enables you CRM delivered in a very easy and comfortable way. Familiarity and integration instantly improves employee productivity and efficiency while customisation tools allow you to adapt the software to your business needs.

Furthermore, Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows accessibility whatever your individual staff location; in the office, en route or in the field, helping make user adoption with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online a non-issue.

Configuration

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is available to use directly out of the box on the day you receive the software, however you may decide to configure the software over time to fit your business specific procedures and rules and tailor it closely to your business; this is all possible with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

Furthermore, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is implemented in days, not months thanks to easy integration with existing systems (Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 reporting services and other Microsoft Products)

Affordability

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is redefining the price / value equation for delivering online CRM solutions. Thanks to Microsoft’s unparalleled investment in data centres globally Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is available at a price which delivers on value and price compared to similar solutions within the market place.

Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online over Salesforce.com

Disconnected with the majority of workforces using Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office products, Salesforce.com users often find themselves using a multitude of applications due to the product shortcomings. This is in stark contrast to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online users who gain the full benefits from working within one core, fully integrated system. Furthermore, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online allows organisations to effectively mobilise their staff, improving customer support and efficiency.

As a leading UK Microsoft Gold Partner, a member of the Microsoft Presidents Club 2010 and a top 5% global Microsoft partner Pythagoras communications has the expertise and recognition to deliver Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online that suits your business. To discuss Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online further talk to one of our experts on 01628 519 000 or by emailing info@pythagoras.co.uk

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Customer Care accelerator helps you to enhance your service levels further

True customer relationship management software is all about improving the level of customer care that you are able to offer your clients. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is further enhanced by the release of the Customer Care accelerator (CCA) which focuses on delivering contact center enabling functionality, such as the ability to create a unified desktop by combining data elements from disparate line of business applications and displaying it in a single user interface.

The core Customer Care business scenarios highlighted by this accelerator include the following:

1. Integrated desktop: Customers can aggregate information from diverse business applications into an integrated desktop providing employees with a 360° view of the customer interactions. Customer service representatives have immediate access to business critical information to serve customers quickly and efficiently, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Eliminating Duplicate Data Entry: Organisations can streamline business processes by creating desktop automation workflows. Process automation eliminates the need for agents to re-enter the same data in multiple applications. Minimising duplication helps to reduce human error and ensures a consistent customer service experience.

3. Computer Telephony Integration (CTI): Organisations are provided with a consistent framework to connect CTI systems with key line of business applications.

4. Activity Reporting: Contact center managers have swift access to agent desktop transaction reporting, helping them to identify process bottlenecks.

As with all the other Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 accelerators, CCA is available as permissive shared source and is a reference example that can be adapted to fit the needs of a customer as well as additional business scenarios.

Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Pythagoras chosen for Microsoft CRM 5 beta programme

Pythagoras, a Microsoft Gold Partner and a UK leading Microsoft CRM software specialist is delighted to announce its inclusion in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM '5' beta programme.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM ‘5’ drives further innovation and focus in the CRM market place, enhancing user productivity and collaboration, giving users deep, core CRM capabilities, building on the groundbreaking Microsoft CRM 4.0.

Listed below are some key features to be found in Version 5; more details about how Microsoft CRM ‘5’ solutions from Pythagoras can benefit your organisation will be available later in the year along with further features available in Microsoft CRM ‘5’.

• Support for over 40 languages

• Use of the fluent UI (the ribbon) as seen in Office 2007. This command bar replaces the ‘tool bars’ at the top of each page. The ribbon command bar is fully customisable enabling users to add and alter buttons as much as is required.

• The ability to filter data in grids, much like Excel. Now you can perform your own in line filtering.

• Integration with Windows Sharepoint Service now comes Out of the Box. This includes document management, which includes site and document library provisioning, document metadata, item security, and check-in/check-out capabilities.

• CRM '5' allows you to visualise numeric data using in-line charts within the form itself. One can select a number of different chart formats such as Bar, Column, Funnel, Line, Pie and Scatter.

• The form model in CRM 4.0 made use of tabs to divide a form into multiple pages. In CRM '5' tabs are displayed in the same way as section, with each form just having a single, scrolling page.

Pythagoras Communications has been a successful Microsoft Gold Partner offering leading industry specific solutions since 1997; with offices in Maidenhead (UK) and London (UK) Pythagoras is developing an enviable combination of multi sector industry experience and customisable software innovation since being established.

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 or to book a meeting or demonstration speak to one of our experts on 01628 519 000 or email info@pythagoras.co.uk

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online May 2010 Service Update

Pythagoras discusses the May 2010 service update; announced at Convergence 2010.

New Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Portal Accelerators extending the outreach and power of Microsoft CRM while also aiding the customisation for the unique needs of
customers:

• eService
• Event Management
• Partner Relationship Management

Expanded language support (for North America only currently):

• Spanish
• French
• Brazilian Portuguese

Developer tools and resources

The new developer tools in the updated software development kit have enabled the connection of Microsoft Dynamics CRM online with various on demand and premise services; Windows Azure being one example.

Integration of Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM

The new framework available in the service update allows Dynamics GP and CRM to be integrated and used to enhance productivity across financials, supply chain and sales. Integration of GP and CRM is supported with both on premise and cloud versions of Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0

Founded in 1999 Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM with Outlook 2010 beta

The following is a brief look into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 with Office 2010 beta from accounts online; firstly users require Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 Rollup 8 or above to utilise the Outlook 2010 beta version.

• Microsoft CRM in Outlook 2010 utilises ‘ribbons’ as opposed to tool bars, the ribbons allow users to progress through menus and to their desired location in far fewer clicks than previously.
- Furthermore, these ribbons are fully customisable with the option to build your own quick access tool bar and alter the colour schemes.

• Overall Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 with Outlook 2010 beta offers more concise menus, smooth screen transactions and a clearer and cleaner look. (see screen shot below)

Users experiencing or looking to experience the 2010 beta version of Outlook with Microsoft CRM will notice the option to send a ‘smile’ or a frown’ to Microsoft which allows users to notify aspects they like or aspects they feel improvements could be made; the system sends a snapshot of your screen along with your comments.

Listed below are 3 key features which will be found in Microsoft Outlook 2010;

• The introduction of mail ‘tips’ which alerts the user of any issues with their recipients(s) prior to delivery such as staff currently on annual leave or warning if you are sending to a large mail list.

• The ability to group and collapse email conversations together by subject line

• Linked to the group conversations is the ability to ignore particular conversations.

• Smart art and picture editing from within Outlook to allow conversations to become more attractive and less text based.

Pythagoras Communications has been a successful Microsoft Gold Partner offering leading industry specific solutions since 1997; with offices in Maidenhead (UK) and London (UK) Pythagoras is developing an enviable combination of multi sector industry experience and customisable software innovation since being established.

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 or to book a meeting or demonstration speak to one of our experts on 01628 519 000 or email info@pythagoras.co.uk

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 – Rollup 10 update

Pythagoras, a Microsoft Gold Partner and leading UK Microsoft CRM solutions provider outlines some of the main benefits from the 10th edition of Microsoft’s Dynamics CRM rollup’s; released on Thursday April 8th 2010.

Rollup10 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 is a cumulative rollup which includes all the fixes for the issues documented in rollup1 through to 9; rollup 10 contains the following hot fixes and updates that need to be enabled or configured manually:

• 981053 A workflow that contains a step to send an e-mail can cause a deadlock when many instances of the workflow execute at the same time in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

• 981882 You incorrectly receive an error message when you create an appointment for a contact in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

• 981837 The lookup fields are not updated when you run the Microsoft Dynamics CRM SDK import process to update Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

• 981883 You cannot add the existing contracts or the existing quotes that are in "Active" status to a custom entity in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

• 981840 The knowledge base article number uses an incorrect format when you create the knowledge base article in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Previous rollup hot fixes that are included in rollup 10 along with detailed deployment information and a full list of all the issues resolved for Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 users is available directly from Microsoft http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=979347

Pythagoras Communications has been a successful Microsoft Gold Partner offering leading industry specific solutions since 1997; with offices in Maidenhead (UK) and London (UK) Pythagoras is developing an enviable combination of multi sector industry experience and customisable software innovation since being established.

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 or to book a meeting or demonstration speak to one of our experts on 01628 519 000 or email info@pythagoras.co.uk

Microsoft CRM for Media

Pythagoras, a leading UK Microsoft Gold Partner today looks at Microsoft CRM for Manufacturing, outlining the key benefits their customised CRM can bring to the Media industry.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows Media companies to strive for success by enabling them to better service the needs of their customers, allowing a more effective audience profiling, deeper relationships with advertisers as well as the ability to track complex interactions with client licensees and content providers.

Working as the natural extension of Microsoft Office Outlook, Microsoft CRM 4.0 drives user adoption levels thanks to the familiar user interface; the solution also helps eliminate manual data entry, significantly reducing errors.
Pythagoras outline below the benefits Microsoft CRM 4.0 brings for key areas of Media Organisations:

Advertising

• Improve efficiency and gain more time with clients by automating administrative tasks.
• Repetitive processes such as service requests and order confirmations are vastly improved.
• Greater insights into your client’s advertising needs are gained allowing better, more customised offerings.

Broadcasting

• Maximise cross selling and up selling across formats.
• Support cross channel advertising campaigns.
• Enhanced customer profiling, allowing more effective targeting.
• Track and share information and interactions with content providers.

Publishing

• Deliver better service through a 360 degree view of customers and their needs.
• Improve your ability to negotiate with distributors.
• Profile for and track the typically complex interactions with content licensees.
• Manage interactions with authors, spokespeople and others more efficiently.

Studios / Post Production
• Deliver consistent, high-quality service in all your client interactions.
• Speed up repetitive processes such as service requests and order confirmations, and respond quickly to unforeseen demands.

Founded in 1999 Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Manufacturing

Manufacturing organisations globally are now looking more than ever before at effective processes to retain customers, increase outreach to new customers while driving down costs from all stages of the process from suppliers to manufacturing and distribution. A Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution from Pythagoras provides a long term cost effective way to meet these challenges.

A Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution from Pythagoras can improve key areas of your manufacturing organisation, from channel management and business intelligence to service and campaign management.

Outlined below are a selection of the key benefits Microsoft Dynamics CRM brings to the Manufacturing Industry;

Effective channel management

Connect your processes across sales, marketing and services to increase efficiency

Create and monitor customised offers and pricing for each customer service enquiry

Automate the assignment of tasks and leads to individual groups

Improved business intelligence

Ability to view key performance indicators in real time with dashboards

Gather information from across the business and supply chain, compiling it in one central location

The ability to Map Microsoft CRM functionality to specific industry models

Effective Service Management

Easy to use and implement tools to manage schedule maintenance and support

The ability to track current scheduling against service goals and adjust as necessary to save time and importantly, costs

Increase staff efficiency with real time access to customer data through any web based devices.

Improved Campaign Management

Use real time data to address changes in the market to make informed marketing decisions

Develop and execute collaborative marketing campaigns with key business partners

Provide your sales channels with instant access to current and accurate customer data.

Pythagoras Communications is a leading UK CRM solutions provider with over 350 deployments. Our deployments give our customers a competitive edge along with improved user adoption, reduced risk and lower total cost of ownership. A Microsoft Gold Partner since 2008, Pythagoras is leading the way with customised Microsoft CRM solutions. Based in Maidenhead, Berkshire and at Centre Point in London Pythagoras has the success and experience required to deliver a solution guaranteed to suit your organisation.

Membership Software List and Data Management

Choosing the right Membership software application is all too important when it comes to managing your membership lists and data effectively. Being able to manage your members efficiently means having a system where all your member details are in one central location which allows your organisation to have an up to date database and lists that are duplicate free.

Many Membership software applications do not store all data in a central repository which means that as your organisation grows people and departments create various lists and databases of members which makes it harder and harder for everyone to keep track off. You may have attendance lists, address lists, email lists, volunteer lists, membership profile list etc. With Microsoft CRM for Memberships by Pythagoras you can keep everything in one place so you save valuable time looking for information to manage campaigns and renewals.

Microsoft CRM for Memberships by Pythagoras is the perfect Membership software management tool designed for Memberships, Associations, Charities and Professional bodies. The Microsoft CRM for Memberships software offers complete management of data and lists all from a central location, giving you a 360 view of your membership data.

Develop Membership Lists More Efficiently with Microsoft CRM for Memberships

Create membership lists: Automatically create static or dynamic lists based on members, contacts, or leads. Use Advanced Find to identify potential members based on a wide range of user-specified criteria. Import lists while ensuring accurate data capture using the Data Import Wizard

Complete tasks in bulk: Import membership data and new marketing lists in bulk at non-peak operating hours for optimal system performance with enhanced support for batch operations.

Improve membership software data accuracy: Automatically detect and remove duplicate records in your lists to improve response rates and campaign performance.

Easily define rules to correctly handle duplicates.
Manage permission-based marketing: Make sure your list is based on customer permission from the start with native opt-in/opt-out tracking for all contact records to avoid wasted cycles and improve response rates.

Data Model Extensibility: A Membership Software Solution that Grows with Your Business
Microsoft CRM for Memberships contains the mechanisms for expanding and enhancing the system with new capabilities and technology without requiring major infrastructure changes, so you can count on it to support your organisation for a long time to come. Possibilities include:

Custom entities and attributes (a.k.a., objects and properties)
Custom object relationships, such as 1:N (many); N:1; and N:N allowing you to model virtually anything
Object hierarchies (self-referential)
Infinite relationships between object

Pythagoras is the leading provider of membership software developed around Microsoft CRM, we have many customers who are from Charities, Not for Profit Organisations, and Associations, as well as Professional Bodies. To find out more about Microsoft CRM for Memberships by Pythagoras simple email us at info@pythagoras.co.uk or call 0845 850 1550.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Common Solutions

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is helping businesses from various verticals from Insurance to Manufacturing across the globe to provide more streamlined services, workflows, marketing campaigns and overall organisation efficiency to name just a few benefits.

With over 1 million users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Pythagoras Communications, a UK leading Microsoft Dynamics CRM solutions provider and Microsoft Gold Partner has enviable experience in deploying Microsoft CRM solutions as well as providing exceptional support to our customers. recognises potential sticking points and below provides solution options to a three common issues.

When you open an upgraded workflow in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, you receive the following error message: “Specified argument was out of the range of valid values”

This problem usually occurs if the effective date is set pre 1900; check this date/time value in the individual work flow.

The upgraded workflow rules fail when run on new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Web servers

One cause of this problem could be that the Microsoft .NET assemblies are not present on the additional Microsoft Dynamics CRM Web servers. This problem could be resolved by copying and then registering the Microsoft .NET assemblies on the additional Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Web servers.

After you upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, the "Check activities" workflow condition does not work

To work around this problem after you upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, delete the "Check activities" condition in the workflow. Then, include either the Activity Count condition or the "Activity Count including Workflow" condition.

Pythagoras Communications has recently successfully showcased Microsoft Dynamics CRM at the 2010 Technology for Advertising and Marketing; our experts understand the requirements for all industry sectors and can provide your business with the information and demonstration on the values. Our industry experience and exceptional support team can drive your business forward to the next level.

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics CRM please visit http://www.pythagoras.co.uk/microsoft_crm.aspx, call 01628 519000 or email sales@pythagoras.co.uk.

Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

Outline of Microsoft Dynamics CRM's Integration with Microsoft Office Software

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is quickly becoming the most popular new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software package globally. Pythagoras Communications, a Microsoft Gold Partner and leading UK Microsoft CRM solutions provider outlines the importance of integration within your existing Microsoft infrastructure in making Microsoft Dynamics CRM a popular solution with now well over 1 million users.

The integration with Outlook and aspects of the Microsoft software portfolio such as Excel and Word allow users from various departments to be only a few clicks away from the relevant information they require. The powerful integration with Outlook allows for powerful email, contact and marketing capabilities as well as the ability to track conversation history update records and create subsequent workflows and appointments in relevant peoples diaries from emails stored in the CRM system.

Microsoft CRM’s tight integration with Word allows users to the ability to create and print mail merge documents quickly and easily thanks to the direct link to contacts located within the CRM software. Furthermore Microsoft Dynamics CRM gives the user the ability to edit contacts preferences regarding what they receive, for example if a contact opts out of receiving marketing letters the system will automatically recognise this and not print one for the relevant contact, ensuring your relationships with clients are kept healthy.

Microsoft Excel allows users of Microsoft CRM the ability to create reports and export contact lists with just a click of a button. The ability to create dynamics pivot tables through the integration from excel means the user will save time usually spent on manually updating the contents.
These examples are just scratching the surface of the power the integration Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides, further information can be found on our website

About Pythagoras
Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Outlook Integration

CRM software can be complex and difficult to learn. And employees might require time to gain proficiency. Employees can sometimes even resist adopting CRM software because it forces change in their work routines.

Microsoft has brought CRM software into a new era with Microsoft Dynamics CRM recently reaching an important milestone by passing the 1 million user mark. Organisations worldwide are taking advantage of the power of choice, and deploying fast, flexible and affordable CRM and xRM. We explore Microsoft Dynamics CRM integration with Outlook.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM integration with Microsoft Outlook®, the staple email software for the majority of organisations and the most used application in the Office suite allows for improved integration and adoption by users who are already familiar with the layout of Outlook. Furthermore the integration with Outlook means users spend less time switching between programmes, improving productivity in the workplace.

Some further benefits of Microsoft Outlook Integration:

• Send messages to anyone within the CRM with the option to track conversations within CRM. This ability to track conversations and create subsequent workflows greatly improves customer service and efficiency
• Enhanced mail merge and enhanced personalised email marketing capabilities thanks to the seamless integration between CRM and Outlook
• Internal staff adoption rates are higher as staff can use the CRM system from within the familiar Outlook interface

The integration with Outlook is just one of many benefits from adopting a Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution; your organisations sales processes, marketing, memberships and customer and case management can all be controlled within Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Pythagoras will be showcasing Microsoft Dynamics CRM at the TFM&A Exhibition at Earls Court 2 in London on February 23/24th 2010. Pythagoras will have experts on hand demonstrating the capabilities of Microsoft CRM across 8 industry verticals, namely NHS and Healthcare, Education, Insurance, Manufacturing, Not for Profit, Government and Public Sector, Media, Membership software.

About Pythagoras
Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

The Microsoft CRM for Memberships software solution sits on a powerful SQL database.

Microsoft CRM for Memberships from Pythagoras is a highly configurable membership software database which holds valuable database information for, Member‘s, Prospect’s and Donor’s. The Microsoft CRM for membership’s data is stored in a Microsoft SQL Server database. This membership management solution is powered by the database of the world’s leading CRM solution with a choice of deployment and database options on premise server or web-based hosted solutions.

Storing your membership data on SQL provides a comprehensive and scalable data warehouse platform that enables organisations to integrate data into the data warehouse faster, while delivering insights to all users. Microsoft SQL Server also provides the highest levels of security, reliability, and scalability for your membership-critical applications.

Microsoft CRM for Memberships Integrates easily and simply with other Microsoft products, Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be accessed via Internet Explorer web pages or via the familiar Microsoft Outlook interface. This means lower training requirements and costs and faster user acceptance. It also means you can be up and running in weeks and not months!

This database can integrate with your existing systems to help break down information silos. This membership software application can harnesses the power of Web services through the Microsoft .NET Framework. This latest generation of Microsoft technology enables businesses to connect isolated, legacy business systems and applications.

Features of this Membership software include the following

Records and Profiling
Individual and corporate records
Unlimited addresses per record
Linked/Related records
Multi-datatype profiling
Full and detailed notes history
Customisable field names so that your terminology is maintained
Subscriptions and Financial

Comprehensive membership subscription handling with flexible and unlimited subscriptions
Multiple payment methods
Automatic invoicing and reminding system
Unlimited document layouts
Direct Debit automation option
Integrated credit card processing option
Foreign currency processing
Detailed financial and subscription history
Donation management and Gift Aid option
Communications

Easy to use mailing and email broadcast facilities
Uses Microsoft Word and Outlook so no retraining required
Flexible reporting using the SQL reporting tool
Options to update record history automatically with communications generated

Pythagoras
Pythagoras is an experienced CRM provider specialising in Membership Management solutions built around Microsoft CRM. Pythagoras has shown that it understands the requirements of Memberships, Not for Profit and Associations and has a rapidly growing membership based user base. www.pythagoras.co.uk


Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

Pythagoras looks ahead to the Technology for Marketing and Advertising (TFM&A) exhibition on February 23/24 2010

With around three weeks to Pythagoras exhibits at the 2010 TFM&A exhibition in London we look ahead to what visitors to our stand can expect to see from us.

Pythagoras will showcase Microsoft CRM software and will have experts on hand to discuss the advantages you can personally gain. Microsoft CRM software has passed the 1 million user mark with organisations’ worldwide taking advantage of the power of choice, and deploying fast, flexible and affordable CRM solutions; integrating directly into Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling your staff to work within the familiar, comfortable Outlook environment. Resulting in everyone being able to quickly begin using Microsoft CRM for managing customers, service delivery, and workflow processes.

During the 2010 TFM&A Exhibition Pythagoras will showcase 8 xRM verticals; Microsoft CRM for membership software, NHS and Healthcare, Not for profit, Insurance, Media, Education, Retail and Manufacturing.

Below is a brief list of advantages for the 8 verticals in which we are showcasing:

Membership Software
• Highly configurable membership system for your individual business needs while also extending the reach of Outlook by turning it into a effective tool for customer relationship
• Membership software reporting and business intelligence has reached a new level of importance.

NHS and Healthcare
• Improved Stakeholder Relationship Management (SRM)
• Proactively manage patients, improving productivity

Not for Profit
• Improved targeting of areas and customers with full profiling and segmentation of data
• Full membership and fundraising features

Insurance
• Comprehensive organisation, contact, and deal tracking to enable you to see everything about your customer, improve relationships and ultimately customer retention.
• Workflow and Process automation that will automate key business processes in the business

Media
• Profile your audiences more effectively
• Develop deeper relationships with advertisers and track complex interactions with content licensees and content providers

Education
• Improves full student lifecycle management, from recruitment to alumni and beyond
• Improve communication across internal departments and externally, enhancing the ability to manage teacher progress and build consistent external relationships with key stakeholders

Retail
• Full integration with Outlook, Microsoft Office suite and Lotus Note
• Customisation improves efficiency for users, resulting in improved customer service and response time to queries

Manufacturing
• Gain insight and provide channel partners the information and tools they need to drive demand for your products
• Shorten the sales cycle by effectively managing and assessing opportunities in your sales pipeline

Technology for marketing and advertising (TFM&A) exhibition 2010 is to be held at Earls Court 2, London on February 23rd and 24th. Pythagoras will be demonstrating the 8 Microsoft CRM verticals at stand A11.

Founded in 1999 Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

How Microsoft Dynamics CRM can benefit Charities

Charities and Associations are now more than ever realising the importance of relationships with their potential donors and primary stakeholders; both of whom are now also more educated on wider issues and are more keen than ever to know exactly where there money and support goes and wanting evidence of how and where it is benefiting people and communities.

The enhanced communication tools and individual campaign and project listings easily created within Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows Charities and Associations to maintain contact through a number of means with their respective donors and stakeholders easier than ever. The enhanced personalised communication and relationships tools can help benefit both significantly over the long term; vital with the level of competition and exposure amongst Charities and Associations locally and nationally.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows communications via methods such as fax, email, telephone and post, all of which are customisable to individuals’ wants and needs, thus maximising the customer satisfaction and relationship quality as well as improving Charity and Association staff efficiency and productivity when producing external and internal communications.

Furthermore, the enhanced targeted marketing capabilities which Microsoft Dynamics CRM brings can fully maximise charities looking to market their benefits to correct targeted segments, especially vital when looking for potential legacy donors and trustees, two areas key for charities looking to sustain their income and make a difference long term. Microsoft Dynamics CRM saves time and important resources which are often wasted on blanket campaigns often targeted at the wrong potential donor, also giving a potential negative perception of the charity.

Lastly, Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows for charities to track the progress of campaigns, assign potential donors to specific campaigns with the ability to drill down into live and archived data, important when analysing market and geographic trends.

A reminder of some of the benefits of Microsoft CRM for Charities and Associations:

• Multi-Company, Multi-Currency and multi-lingual, multi relationship
• The ability for quick turnarounds on campaigns (i.e. quick campaigns and emergency appeals can be made)
• Complete integration with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office software
• Membership and fundraising features
• Reducing costs and lead times for campaigns
• Ability to deliver a focused campaign to selected individuals to make them feel valued
• Automate reminders for subscriptions and memberships

Founded in 1999 Pythagoras Communications Ltd has experienced unprecedented growth and success into one of the UK’s leading Microsoft CRM solutions providers in the UK with over 150 customers from a wide range or sectors such as Insurance, Education, not for profit and Healthcare benefiting from our portfolio of solutions, being able to control every aspect of their business. A Microsoft Gold Partner since 2008 and over 60 staff on hand to help provide solutions and support for your individual needs. Based out of Maidenhead, Berkshire with offices located in Central London near Trafalgar Square Pythagoras communications has the enviable success and experience desired by those looking for a customisable Microsoft CRM solution.

Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and email marketing

Email marketing is becoming more and more popular with sustainable strategies and the desire for organisations to be “greener” incorporated into many organisations marketing strategies. Furthermore, the ability to distribute marketing emails at a low cost as well as having the ability to track the opening and link hit rates from the emails gives the sender great feedback unavailable from more traditional forms of direct marketing giving a potential competitive edge over competitors.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM features the option for users to create “quick campaigns” in the marketing or sales areas of CRM; quick campaigns allows users to create a list of contacts, accounts or leads which can be followed up with the following marketing activities:

• Email Marketing
• Faxes
• Calls
• Campaign Mail

Microsoft Dynamics CRM also offers further planning, execution and productivity benefits such as:

• Plan and track activities, tasks, budgets, and details for each marketing
activity
• Tailor messages and offers to highly targeted lists
• Use embedded Mail Merge capabilities to instantly send mass communications.
• Track, manage, and optimise search-engine marketing efforts
• Track responses across communications channels, linking them to campaigns
and lead sources and convert responses to leads and opportunities with a few
mouse clicks.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM also allows the user to block contacts from receiving marketing materials such as emails, thus maintaining the relationship and not damaging relationships with established clients or risking the potential of negative WOM from cold leads who do not appreciate the junk emails.

Furthermore various third party applications such as Exact Target integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics CRM which allows the user to further personalise and analyse open and click through rates of emails being composed and sent.

The range of third party add-on’s combined with the integration to staple Microsoft software such as Excel and Outlook makes Microsoft Dynamics CRM the perfect platform to take your companies email marketing capabilities to the highest level.

About Pythagoras
Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

Follow Pythagoras on Twitter

Microsoft xRM - A brief guide

The modern businesses of today require the ability to manage everything, not only customer relations. Microsoft xRM (the natural evolution from CRM) provides businesses with this ability. Microsoft xRM provides your business with valuable information on Microsoft CRM, the .NET platform, and to show you how they can best be leveraged in the day-to-day running of your business.

The Benefits

Microsoft xRM offers one platform with many applications and in the box entities that are useable immediately such as:
• Employee Management
• Recruit Management
• Trade Management
• Property Management
• Agency Management
• Vendor Management
• Real Estate Finance

Further benefits of Microsoft xRM

Because xRM works with recognised technologies such as the Microsoft® Office system, Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server, Microsoft SQL Server®, Microsoft Visual Studio®, and Microsoft .NET Framework, you can create and manage many line-of business (LOB) applications using common licenses, and resources.

Improvement of IT Efficiency
Streamline your IT operations through a common LOB application platform that allows you to maximise your resources and reduce time and effort associated with development, testing, release management, change management, and administration.

Increased ability to adapt and innovate
• The ability to adapt when the market changes thanks to dynamic applications and highly flexible data architecture.
• Spend fewer resources on the development of custom applications so your business can focus on prestigious high end goals.

Increased productivity and business decisions
• Allow your IT to be the cornerstone of your differentiation by constantly delivering outstanding capabilities.
• Increase potential productivity by providing the end user with unified and familiar tools such as Microsoft Office to do their job.
• Inform decision makers by utilising the ability of differing LOB applications keeping them better informed of business processes and performance.

Furthermore, Microsoft xRM is built upon Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the familiar software that fits with your systems and enables your staff to unleash sales, marketing, service potential, and much more. With many businesses striving to gain an advantage over the competition Microsoft xRM provides an inexpensive and fast way to take your Microsoft Dynamics CRM to the next level.

Pythagoras is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner who can help you customise your Microsoft CRM solution even if you need integration with third-party applications. Call us on 0845 850 1550 if you would like to discuss your requirements, or email us at info@pythagoras.co.uk.

10 reasons to upgrade to Sage 200

The growth of businesses through means such as employee numbers and product ranges has put pressure on their existing software packages. Sage 200, the natural progression from Sage 50, 100 and MMS software provides businesses with the ability to achieve greater effectiveness by interconnecting data and processes across their departments. We explore below 10 potential reasons to upgrade to Sage 200.

1 Business growth

Many companies software is being placed under strain from expansion and business growth. Sage 200 allows greater effectiveness by interconnecting data across departments such as the fusion of accounts and Sage CRM data

2 The increased need for individual system customisation

The increased ability of Sage 200 to customise systems recognises that every individual business needs are different; as your business needs change so can your individual Sage 200 customisation. Financial and commercials forms have in depth customisation options which allow default field values, field level security and individual user permissions among many more options are available to the Sage 200 user.

3 Enhanced currency functionality

Sage 200 allows for far more functionality and handling of foreign currency compared to previous versions. For example the ability to specify exchange rate for given date ranges allowing customers the option to pay in more than one currency, negating the need for separate bank accounts.

4 Enhanced efficiency and convenience of sales order processing

Sage 200 delivers total control for the sales order process with margin and discount analysis and processing of foreign currency being just two of many key benefits. With the Sage 200 purchase order processing module repeat order processing is greatly more efficient with just a few keystrokes needed for re ordering via the rapid entry mode.

5 Greater control over accounting periods

Accounts can be opened, closed and re-opened with Sage 200 allowing up to 20 definable periods previously unavailable with Sage 50 which featured 12 set opening periods. Greater accuracy with reporting and enhanced flexibility is just two noteworthy benefits

6 Enhanced stock control

Sage 200 provides users with greatly advanced stock control; businesses with more than one location can operate independently with regards to sales, stock taking, replenishment and reporting. The ability to record batches by serial number or allocation will improve efficiency and stock traceability as does the ability to assign “sell by” and “use by” dates for items.

7 The ability to easily manage prices and discounts across your consumer base

Your price bands may vary according to target markets, standard price bands or discounts. Sage 200 can support these types, allowing easy management of your customer base through a price matrix within the Sage 200 Commercials module.

8 Enhanced performance through unlimited transaction numbers

Opposed to archiving data and causing the system to potentially lose performance Sage 200 has an unlimited number of transactions that can be held which enables potentially key report data to be saved as well as greatly improved performance.

9 Sage 200 bill of materials module

The Sage 200 bill of materials module allows a business with engineering or assembly operations to control virtually all aspects from the initial quote and discussion to the final invoice. Key advantages of this module include precise costing, easy management of multiple bills of materials and flexible build options

10 Deeper and more flexible reporting of business performance and trend analysis

The business intelligence module from Sage 200 offers more in depth and flexible analysis of business intelligence and market trends. This gives management a competitive edge and allowing for faster more informed and confident business decisions.

About Pythagoras

Pythagoras is an experienced business solutions provider for Sage 200 and Microsoft CRM with offices in Maidenhead, London and Manchester. More than 300 Sage customers nationwide have discovered how Pythagoras’s approach adds value to their business. These are drawn from a diverse range of sectors and markets and we have specialist teams with specific expertise in each.

Ten reasons why your CRM should be Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft CRM has recently reached an important milestone by passing the 1 million user mark. Organisations worldwide are taking advantage of the power of choice, and deploying fast, flexible and affordable CRM and xRM. We explore 10 top reasons why people are migrating to Microsoft CRM.

1 -Turns Microsoft Office Outlook into the one place where you can manage both customer data and communications

Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client is already the world’s leading tool for customer communications. Microsoft Dynamics CRM extends the reach of Microsoft Outlook by turning it into a tool to manage customer information. It puts lead information, marketing pitches, and sales call information into once central location for your sales and marketing staff.

2 -Works tightly with Microsoft Office Excel so businesses can make decisions on the fly

Microsoft excel spreadsheet software is a powerful tool for turning data into information that can be analysed and shared. Microsoft CRM features an always on connection to Excel that enables you to quickly turn customer information into dynamic snapshots or PivotChart dynamic views. These views can help you understand in seconds how a sales increase or company expansion can benefit the business.

3- Improves Operational efficiency through the standardisation and streamlining of processes

The Microsoft CRM adaptive workflow engine enables a business to automate business processes in ways that employees can use each day. Microsoft CRM can relieve staff of mundane but vital work. It can automate time-consuming repetitive tasks, warn staff of open customer issues, and automatically send important email messages to customers and partners. So customer requests and orders don’t fall through the cracks.

4 -Works the way your business works with Point and Click system customization

Microsoft CRM can be tailored to work the way you business already works. Microsoft Dynamics CRM forms, relationship links, and customer views can be designed and modified without complicated programming.

5 – Gives the right information to the right people

Certain employees need certain information. With Microsoft CRM, system administrators have the tools to make sure the right information is delivered to the right people, whether they are using Outlook or the web.

6 - Targets your marketing campaigns so you’re always in touch with the right customers

Today is more important than ever customers’ know about special offers and new services a business offers. Microsoft CRM offers a marketing automation module that simplifies the following tasks: Building customer and lead lists, developing marketing campaigns targeted at specific customers, measuring the results of these campaigns, and developing follow up marketing efforts.

7 - Simplifies service scheduling to keep customers satisfied

One of the most challenging aspects of delivery great customer service is ensuring you never let customers down by missing a service call or appointment. Microsoft CRM provides a centralised, all in one view of all customer service requests and service professional calendars.

8 - Integrates with your existing systems to help break down information silos

Microsoft Dynamics CRM harnesses the power of web services through the Microsoft .NET framework. The latest generation of Microsoft technology enables businesses to connect isolated, legacy business systems and applications

9 – Enhances offline communications so everyone can be productive regardless of location

Microsoft CRM has been designed so your staff can be productive both in the office and on the road, even if they are not connected to a network. Information is filtered so that people receive only the information they need such as meeting updates and sales figures.

10 - Builds on the power of SQL server reporting services to create insightful business reports

The SQL server reporting services engine is a powerful analytical tool for the business. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM embedded reporting engine integrates smoothly with Microsoft SQL server to generate compelling data reports for business decision makers.


About Pythagoras
Pythagoras is a company that is experienced in providing Microsoft xRM (Anything Relationship Management) and Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Accounts and integrated business solutions for businesses across a broad range of industries and products. Pythagoras is a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Partner with offices in London, Maidenhead and Manchester.

http://www.pythagoras.co.uk/microsoft_crm.aspx