Dear Andy: We have a corporate giving program but our process is totally manual (about 16 different spreadsheets, hundreds of emails), and things are falling through the cracks. I want to move to something automated but am nervous about the transition and losing critical data. What do you recommend to make the transition easier? – Trapped Under Paperwork
Dear Trapped: I feel your pain. The patchwork process is difficult and time-consuming to manage. Luckily, there is a better way.
Moving to an automated system will allow you to spend significantly less time focusing on the details, giving you more time to accomplish your program objectives and build your company’s brand. However, like with any habit you’ve become accustomed to, the idea of change can be daunting.The good news is you most certainly do not need to start from scratch. The implementation can mirror your existing processes and thus make the transition straightforward and painless.
To alleviate some of your fears, let’s look at the pros of making the switch to an automated system that works the way you work. The advantages of SaaS and the Cloud are that you don’t have to worry about having the latest software or losing your data. It’s all handled by the state-of-the-art cloud. That flood of requests you receive can easily be tracked and routed to the right person.
Choosing the right automated solution depends on proper research. Just like you do with any other purchase, big or small, you’re better off if you know your ‘stuff’ up front. In order to make the transition easier, research what the software provider’s current clients say about their implementation experience. Our advice is to avoid systems that include hidden fees for changes. These systems require refinement and changes at the outset, and so you need to take that into account when you consider pricing.
