7 reasons to use a CRM for architects

Even if CRMs are increasingly used by architecture firms, this has yet to be the norm. However, this type of software is an incredible project management tool that also features a reliable database solution.

Imagine that one morning, you enter your workshop and it’s flooded in lovely white light. The organized room is nearly empty. On your desk sits a large, basic, spiral-bound notebook. You sit down at the desk and open your notebook… and just like that, everything around you comes to life: all your tasks to accomplish appear organized, with those you’re delegating to your team automatically addressed to the right person. You know which steps to take next and you can foresee upcoming challenges and, therefore, avoid them.

Using a CRM for architectsis a bit like owning this magical spiral-bound notebook. It’s a Big Computer that will help you achieve your goals and complete your projects on time and successfully.

Here are 7 reasons why you should use a CRM for architects.

Reason #1: A CRM for architects saves you and your team time

Implementing an architectural project requires a lot of coordination with extensive teams. The goal is to fulfill a purchase order within a given time frame while respecting specifications. However, as you know, despite everyone’s efforts, it is sometimes difficult to meet deadlines. Most often, a project is delayed because one of its components was neglected along the way.

Using a CRM allows you to get an overview of your projects so you don’t neglect any operational department. Whether it’s the order of tasks, each individual’s responsibilities, budget management, the schedule, suppliers or customer contacts, everything is centralized in this giant database. A CRM for architects is a great tool that allows you to organize your work and that of your team to save time and boost your efficiency. You’re then able to deliver your work by the agreed upon dates and according to the established plan.

Reason #2: A CRM for architects helps you make informed decisions

Besides being a highly effective organizational tool, a CRM is truly an architect’s assistant. With all your information in one place, not only do you save time, but you also get an overview of your project. As your assistant, a CRM for architects helps you remember the details that are so crucial for successfully completing your work.

In addition to assisting you, a CRM helps you make informed decisions. Its automated reporting feature means that you have access to your data in the form of smart tables. These tools allow you to evaluate the profitability of your project more quickly, all while ensuring its success.

As an architect, you understand that it’s important to have a panoramic view of your project to be able to complete it. This is precisely why a CRM, as project management software, is invaluable for your success.

Reason #3: A CRM for architects improves communication with your clients and among your team members

Architectural projects have always involved a great many people. Whether it’s worksite employees, engineers, third parties or, of course, clients, everyone contributes in their own way to carrying out the project that you have designed. However, even the most concentrated of efforts do not guarantee a project’s success.

Indeed, communication within large teams is often the keystone that caps off your building. Thanks to your CRM, everyone involved in the project will to able to access and share the same data, no matter where they’re located. A CRM gives you access to essential information from a mobile device, computer or tablet. This flexibility vastly improves your client relations, thereby solidifying trust. You’ll also notice that you work more efficiently, as you’re able to quickly notify key players in the event of important changes at the worksite.

Reason #4: A CRM for architects helps you manage your marketing activities

While using a CRM improves how your work is structured, it also does the same for your client relations. Above all, CRM is a software that helps you maintain solid client relations.

Whether they’re pursuing prospects or confirmed leads, a CRM is a substantial source of support for your marketing team members. It lets you and your employees track the progress of every business relationship. You’re then able to dedicate your efforts to highly profitable contracts to ensure your business’ medium- and long-term success.

Of course, with a CRM, you’ll also be able to optimize your marketing strategy by grouping together your clients, for example, according to their occupational field, location or seniority level. The CRM will serve as your memory by keeping track of all your communication with your clients.

Reason #5: A CRM for architects offers easy, user-friendly configuration and integration

As an architect, you know that it takes more than just a good tool to do your job well. The tool must be customized for your own specific use. Likewise, a CRM is a tool that adapts to reflect your needs. This type of software is relatively straightforward to configure and integrate, however, you should seek out an expert to guide you right from the beginning, so you understand how to use your new software correctly. Once you have started using your tool, you’ll realize how user-friendly it is.

When choosing your CRM, make sure that your software is scalable so it can continue to meet your needs as your business grows. If your architecture firm is expanding, your CRM must be able to keep up. By purchasing your CRM from a vendor who can provide you with expert informatics advice based on your field of work, you’ll able to benefit from their assistance in identifying your current and future needs for your database.

Reason #6: A CRM for architects makes it easier to automate repetitive manual tasks

Over the course of all your architectural projects, you have certainly identified many repetitive, onerous tasks. We’re referring to certain administrative tasks, for example, such as sending invoices. Perhaps you use progressive invoicing for some of your projects and you have already ended up sending invoices twice. Marketing departments also perform many repetitive tasks, such as sending mass marketing emails or tracking prospects.

You can automate all these types of tasks with a CRM (link in French only). The results are uncontestable: you’ll be really surprised by how much time your teams will save by implementing automation systems. What’s more, a solid informatics system will reduce the risk of error. All these improvements will also contribute to higher customer satisfaction.

Reason #7: A CRM for architects is accessible from anywhere, at any time, thanks to the cloud

It’s evident that in your line of work, you cannot always be in the same place. Your creative work undoubtedly unfolds at your drawing board, but you’re also required to travel to worksites or attached workshops. This is why you’re able to access a CRM from anywhere, at any time, via the cloud. Not only does this hosting method safeguard all your data, it also means that your software follows you everywhere to suit your every whim and adapt to your projects. The rest of your team has the same access as you, depending on their roles and responsibilities, from the moment that they get their hands on a tablet, laptop or smartphone of any brand.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the CRM software for architects that you need

If these 7 reasons still haven’t succeeded in convincing you to opt for a CRM for your architectural work, here’s why Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the CRM software for architects that you need:

• You can customize it according to your field of work
• It’s part of Microsoft, the largest software ecosystem
• It’s constantly evolving thanks to a continuous team of developers
• It’s compatible with multiple platforms, including Teams, Office 365 and Sharepoint

When you’re ready to choose a CRM, keep in mind that you’re making a long-term investment for your office. Therefore, your choice of software needs to be a well-informed decision. At Gestisoft, we make this easy with our team of CRM and ERP experts who will guide you in making your purchase and support you in implementing your software. Contact us today to discuss your architecture needs—we’ll work together to find the solution that’s most suitable for your professional situation.