Does anybody have an update on when we can expect the promised overhaul of the CRM component within AC? I labored for a couple of weeks trying to make it work but it’s not even close to offering even a reasonable level of CRM features.
Like many users, I use AC in conjunction with a stand alone CRM product (I use OnePageCRM and I know other users link it to Salesforce and a number of other CRM apps). I’m currently auditioning a couple of “true” all-in-one CRM/Marketing automation software systems as my goal really is to get everything under one roof. A roadmap or timeline would be helpful.
I know there are several things in the works - I was just looking for a timeline of when we can expect this overhaul. The CRM issue has been discussed at length going back several months. In terms of specific features, I did offer a decent list a while back. It honestly comes down to really wanting and hoping that AC can come through with an CRM component that acts and behaves like any of the standalone CRM products readily available on the market today. A robust customer database that allows flexible tagging, task management, reminders, notes, history, etc., Nothing special - just the bare minimum.
The reason I asked for clarification on what you’re looking for is because it won’t be an all-at-once release. There are 3-4 separate initiatives and they’ll be released at different times.
Of the things you listed, I’d say that we do offer flexible tagging, notes, and history. Let me know what you are looking for with these features if you disagree.
We’re improving task management and reminders though I can’t give specific guidance on when those features will be released.
I understand that waiting for improvements is frustrating. In the meantime, if you want to discuss specific problems you’re running into with your CRM workflow, the community might be able to offer some help.
I agree. I love the simplicity of the task list concept that Onecrm offers. I get that crm is different for everyone though. I am trying hard to use both AC and Onepage together. It is so frustrating. I know it might be my lack of understanding what AC can do for me but I guess I want the best of both…simplicity of the quick and easy to use task managemnt of Onepage and the sophistication of all of the rest of AC.
Immediately: Send one off emails that can be scheduled to be sent at a later date from within the contact record. (Email templates). This is a minimum that a CRM needs.
Soon: Ability to select/filter contacts, send mass email with one off emails
Soon: Dashboard revamped. Tasks aren’t that functional and more.
Contactually is the best at email templates at the contact level.
Pipeline Deals and KarmaCRM have the best filters of contacts for varying actions for a group
Also, something that would be very helpful is to have headers in the custom fields. The way the fields lay out now lacks any organization and is very hard to find the information that is needed.
After giving incorrect time estimates in the past, I’ve learned to not comment on time frames. I’ve also come to appreciate just how difficult software development is to predict with any accuracy. The best I can do is say that our development team is actively working on it. I can also say with confidence it’s not days away from being released. Measuring its release in weeks or possibly months makes sense.
Any input at all on all the stuff everyone has been asking for on timelines? It’s common practice to share a roadmap, I know you guys raised a ton of dough - maybe everyone is playing foosball like the good old days?
Is the CRM component a key part of your development moving forward? I’m considering moving from my CRM to yours, but would feel more comfortable knowing that your CRM won’t get left behind in terms of new features/improvements.
Definitely. We think of ActiveCampaign as having 3 core solutions: email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM. The CRM is a critical component of our platform.
If anything, over the next year, we’ll be putting more emphasis on the CRM than the other two. The new version of the CRM was only released in the past year and we’ll continue iterating and improving on it.
Hi @Brian . There was discussion in Jan 2017 about ~3-4 new CRM-related releases in 2017. Curious where those stand, as I’ve not noticed any significant feature updates in the CRM. Specifically I’m interested in (1) custom fields for deals and (2) more reporting capabilities (source info, probability of win, exporting deals to be able to slice and dice, etc)