Online Member Management
71Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Technology Solution
Membership Software Technology Landscape
There’s an overwhelming array of software options available today for member-based organizations in need of streamlining management of daily operations. These range from simple desktop applications to custom built software requiring robust infrastructures and database back-ends. Luckily for most organizations, the solution lies somewhere in the middle. Below are five things to keep in mind during your technology evaluation.
1. Ease of Use
If you need a team of techies to help you manage the software that’s supposed to be making your organization more efficient, then it’s a step in the wrong direction. After your initial setup, there should be very little need for technical support. Some questions you should ask yourself during the evaluation are as follows; Is it easy to navigate the software? When I look at a screen, do I know what to do next? During your evaluation, it’s a good idea to have more than one key user test drive the software.
2. Don’t be Distracted with “Bells & Whistles”
Many times, bells & whistles included in software could adversely effect the purchase decision. Don’t let the “cool” features deter you from your primary goal – finding a solution that can meet 80-90% of your membership management software needs out of the box. When evaluating software, complete the attached priority worksheet. This will give you a number rating for each evaluation in which the “must have” functionality is weighed more heavily then less important features.
3. Total Cost of Ownership
There’s an ongoing trend in the software industry to migrate to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. The SaaS model essentially eliminates any internal infrastructure costs, hardware costs and upgrade costs. Additionally, most SaaS solutions are turnkey, This means that after a simple setup process and some configuration, you’re ready to go. A hosted software solution eliminates installation costs, and unnecessary in-house technical assistance. When evaluating SaaS solutions, be sure to inquire about any hidden costs, training costs, setup costs, and ongoing maintenance costs.
4. Security
Your members entrust you with their personal data. Small homegrown solutions typically do not meet the stringent requirements necessary for enterprise software. On the other hand, a custom built solution with proper security will often come with a heavy price tag. Be sure to examine the security procedures and policies, both electronic and physical, for all the software solutions you are evaluating.
5. Training & Support
The software solution driving your membership should provide a way for you to answer questions yourself through readily available self-help resources such as forums, blogs, instructional videos, user newsletters, etc. Inquire about each of these and be leery of primary support handled through 1-800 numbers. A heavy emphasis on community driven help resources is a good sign. If it seems difficult to find support on the website, then it should be a red flag. Software training should be brief and free. If training takes more than 30-60 minutes to learn how to perform key interactions with your new membership software solution, it should also be a red flag.
Conclusion
Finding a solution that is simple, easy to “turn-on” and can meet 80-90% of your immediate needs is paramount for success. Every organization has unique needs, so use this as a starting point to narrow down your selection. Additional points to consider are as follows; viability of the company, international support, migrating your existing member data and product scalability. For a free evaluation of your membership needs please contact us at www.Compete-At.com
Resources & Downloads
Membership Management Software
Key Membership Software Functionality
Key Functionality
Below are key features to consider when evaluating member management technology solutions.
Online Sign-Up and Payments
New member sign-up should be simple and configurable to satisfy your needs. Online credit card payment processing is necessary.
Real-Time Member Profiles
A common problem is keeping member’s personal data updated. Any technology solution should be able to demonstrate how member data is kept fresh throughout the lifetime of a member.
Configurable Database
Be sure you can easily add data fields to meet the changing needs of unique needs of your organization.
Member Communications
The system should foster member communications through easy to use Email tools using automated and scheduled messages.
Surveys & Elections
Polling your members is key to keeping you in touch with the pulse of your membership. If you have a geographically disperse group, conducting online elections is also critical when in-person elections are not feasible.
Event Registration
Most member organizations also manage member events. Be sure there is integrated event registration capabilities.
Linda 3 years ago
Great article. Thanks!