Act! and Microsoft Office Compatibility
Since Act! is not owned by Microsoft, their decisions on upgrading software remain independent of each other. Historically, Act! will not release any patches or updates until Office has been published. Also, Act! doesn’t retrofit earlier versions of Act! to be compliant with the latest version of Office. Read this knowledge base article for the latest compatibilities, and this article for their obsolescence policies for support.
- You need the full desktop version of Outlook installed.
- You need to install Office before installing Act!. If you upgraded Office on the desktop, then it's a best practice to uninstall and reinstall Act!.
If you’re still stuck, follow this guide. Or, we offer fee-based support to fix Act! and MS Office integration issues.
Attaching Documents to Act!
Did you know you have three different methods of managing documents with Act! ? Which one is the best ? Well, it depends.
In Act!, press CTRL-I. The, you can attach a file to the current contact open in Act!. You can also go to the history tab and click the paper clip icon and attach either a shortcut (hyperlink) to a file or attach the whole file to Act!. Or, you can visit the documents tab and attach a document there also. Attaching the file actually copies the file from the original location to the Act! filing system, which is a best practice for remote synchronizing laptops.
The shortcut option creates a hyperlink (much like a website does) and the documents tab allows you to quickly e-mail that attachment to that contact record in Act!.
Create Contact Lookup from Opportunity
Did you know in Act! you can create lookups based on your current opportunity list ?
In Act! click on Opportunity List -> Filter the list as needed based on the options on the top half of the screen -> Click on the magnifying glass icon to the right of the record counter.
Automate Data Entry with ACT!
You will read many articles in this blog or elsewhere that unwillingness to enter the data is one of the top reasons CRM systems fail.
Act! is no different. Yes, it's easy to use shortcut commands like CTRL-H to record history and CTRL-L to schedule a new call. However, act! out-of-the-box doesn't know the rest of your customized business processes you take
Instead of taking several steps properly record "Call Left Message" for your weekly reports, AutoMatoR1 can create a single button for that. Or, for that matter think of any repetitive task you want to simply and make error free with AutoMatoR1.
If you are trying to make any business process faster in act!, send us a request. Chances are we may have a solution for you.
3 Reasons Why CRM Systems Fail - Any of Them - Forbes Magazine
After being involved in CRM since 1997 as a consultant, here is my opinion on why CRM fails and how to fix it.
- The wrong application has been chosen
- Upper management does not use any of its functions or offers buy-in
- Data entry is too tedious
- The reps have no incentive to update the system
When it comes to motivating reps, some of my clients draw the line saying, "If the note isn't in the CRM; then, it didn't happen. You don't get paid or keep the account". I believe that's a little too negative via threat. My fear is they will do the minimum not to get fired, but your analytics won't become accurate.
My thought is to design a CRM system it's "self-serving" for the rep. For instance, the best data entry improvement at one of my client sites was done because the rep saves two hours of admin time by preparing an on-site inspection report. Before WiredContact, this would take 2 more hours because had to return to the office to fill out a carbon-paper form; then, it took too many additional steps to scan the document and attach it to act! This inspection report also automatically populates management's report indicating the rep has performed account management duty as well.
If you are a business owner, not getting the results you want, I recommend three things before switching apps or consultants, It's a little different from an article from Forbes, but we have similar opinions.
- Change your current screens (data entry forms) so it's even easier to enter data
- Make it mobile
- Show them something self-serving once the data is entered