Advice if looking for a new charity database system

Case Study

Sharon Brown, Chief Executive Officer

Dial Barnsley

 

We knew we needed a new database management system as our old database no longer met our current needs. We needed a more integrated CRM system that could be used for case management of our clients, as well as enabling us to create report on our outputs and outcomes.

We also needed a system that could integrate with a database of local groups, and that we could use to manage our administration and bookings for the external events we put on.

Getting started

We were concerned that a new system would be too complex, given all the functions we needed. We started by thinking about what we needed from a new system, and created a wish-list.

We discovered Simply Connect after doing a web search, and looked at three different systems altogether. As part of our decision-making process we had demonstrations of each system, and checked each of them against our wish-list.

Although the implementation process was quite intensive, it was justified in that it took into account our own specific requirements and we now have a more streamlined system that is tailored to our needs. We have reduced duplication and staff time spent monitoring and reporting to a multitude of different funders, which has had a knock on benefit to our service users as we can now spend more time supporting them.

The transition to a new database system

We did not find the implementation process either difficult or challenging – the support from the Simply Connect team was brilliant – nothing was been too much trouble.

The whole process was surprisingly smooth, and after three months staff had quickly got to grips with using Simply Connect. All our staff have been fully trained on how to use the system, and the back-up support (either telephone or face-to-face) has been outstanding.

My advice to other organisations considering a new database system is to make a wish list of all the things that you need from a database, and look at a good selection on the market, ticking off the functions on your checklist. This enabled us to find the best one to meet our needs.

The Biggest Benefit

The biggest benefit of using Simply Connect so far – the ability to produce reports at the touch of a button!