One of the most serious challenges for software companies is the need for a powerful, integrated system to manage customer information.

Many Software companies have their customer data scattered on multiple computers in multiple databases. Prospecting and sales information is stored in contact managers, like ACT!, Goldmine or Salesforce.com. Billing information is locked up in dedicated accounting packages, like QuickBooks. Project information, if stored at all, is often in project management software packages, such as Microsoft Project. Customer service history is often found in saved e-mails from customers, or stored in some stand-alone service desk software.

Autotask includes a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module that goes far beyond the capabilities of stand-alone applications.

Look how Autotask makes your Software CRM function better:

Better Management of Customer Information Autotask gives you a single integrated view of your sales prospects and customer information. Anyone in your organization with permission can see notes, history, contacts, opportunities, check on project status, view installed products and monitor issues and customer support tickets and ongoing communication. Productivity features include user-defined fields, automated notification and workflow rules.     Improved Sales Opportunities & Reporting Autotask includes a sales dashboard, giving you up-to-the-minute lead tracking, sales metrics, sales quota performance, territory management, pipeline reports and reports that are easy export to Microsoft Excel for more analysis. It is includes configurable sales reporting for multiple locations and security for outside sales representatives.     Automated Lead Generation Autotask gives you ability to automatically take data directly out of web-based lead forms, create new sales opportunities and immediately notify the sales team for follow-up. This same tool can be used to pull data out of virtually any web-based form and automatically.     Microsoft Outlook Integration Using the familiar Outlook interface, users have the flexibility to decide which information goes into Autotask and ensures that Autotask captures information on all accounts, deals, projects and customer service issues. No more cut and paste between systems. Just more productivity from the tools you already use     Microsoft Word Integration Autotask integrates directly with MSWord, the virtual standard in word processing. This allows you to create and import your proposals, quotes, and promotional material using industry-standard software, and have it all directly attached to the appropriate account or opportunity.     Streamlined Business Workflow Autotask helps improve your internal business processes. For example, you can use service ticketing queues to track issues, bugs, project proposals and returns/cancellations. You can also use the project management tools to speed up and track new customer setup. This helps eliminate dropped balls by generating check-off lists for the detail tasks to be done, and the people to do them.     Tracking of Installed Products and Subscriptions Beyond core customer information, you can even use Autotask to track customer products and assets, subscriptions, installation dates, serial numbers, and warranty expirations, to cultivate sales opportunities.