Agile CRM vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Until the email issues are resolved I cannot recommend agile for any function. The email delivery rate has halved in the last six months and halved again in the last two with no resolution in sight. The customer service discussions start from zero information anytime suggesting agile are not writing notes or using a ticketing system to track customers' complaints. This results in our staff having to send emails manually and f=defeating the purpose of the system.

Based on user experience, I would like to recommend this software to my friends or colleagues on the AP Handling. I like AP recording the most because it makes my work easy. I have been using this for the past 2 years, and it's one of the best for this task. Easy to use and user-friendly.

Incentivized

• The set-up was simple. We ran into a snag with my domain verification, but Agile support worked with me to get it resolved.
• I love being able to create several scripts based on persona. You can easily use a rule to display the appropriate script for each contact.
• Even team members new to CRM were able to grasp it and be efficient within a few hours - it's simple to navigate.

Incentivized

• Some useful out-of-the-box features, like mass uploads of Leads from trade shows or when qualifying a Lead, CRM automatically creates the Opportunity, Contact, and Account for you, etc.
• Really powerful customizations through the user interface to improve user experience. Things like Business Rules, for example, if Field A = 1, then Field B = 2 and Field C = 2, if Field A = 2, then Field B and Field C don't apply, so automatically hide them.
• Or other functionality that improves user experience, like Business Process Flows. These walk users step by step through our business process, helping them know when certain actions should take place, and at what point other data is now required. We've used this extensively with our Lead to Opportunity to Quote to Order process, helping users understand the business process each step of the way.
• Customizations built on top of the platform now called model-driven PowerApps. You can have connections to "typical" data, like Accounts, Contacts, or Opportunities, for example, but then connect that data to custom entities, records that only apply to your specific business. This is all done through the user interface and allows you to customize and automate specific line-of-business applications for your specific needs.
• Behind the scenes, D365 CE is built on SQL. So the data conforms to industry standards and makes it much easier to interact with. Your developers and IT team will thank you.

Incentivized

• The email template building tool is inflexible although it is simple to use and looks nice if you can work within its parameters.
• Customer Support is not committed to finding answers and providing the best solutions. Many times each support person has a different answer or fixing a bug will take up to 2 weeks to address. They do not seem to understand that they are an online marketing platform that requires solutions within hours (or maybe days) and not weeks.
• At some point in mid-2021, the process for sending out emails to 10s of thousands of contacts stopped functioning as simply and effectively as it had in the past. My staff (which I use as test cases) was no longer receiving emails, even though it showed in the system that they had received it (and no, it wasn't in spam). The bandaids that they provided me would work for one or two mailings and then stop working again. I was regularly trying to get customer support to find my answers but they were never able to solve my problem. The basic functionality that I appreciated - sending out nicely formatted email newsletters - is now completely gone and the platform is useless for our needs.
• The reporting tools are awful and poorly configured. Querying on groups of people is inconsistent and inaccurate. There is no segmentation feature that I found that was actually effective.

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 storage & license cost can prohibit some large deployments or even cost-sensitive small projects from using the platform (although I'm certain most deployments would realize a positive ROI if implemented correctly with process automation).
• The cost and licensing document for Dynamics 365 is 61 pages and will take a rocket scientist to understand it. It's better to just have your Microsoft help estimate the cost if they are willing to help you that.
• The documentation on how to first fully understand the Out of the Box default solution and settings is lacking or even non-existing. This has the potential to derail Dynamic 365 launches and implementations from the gitgo. Want to use an out of the box entity?.. well it's probably related to 5 other entities that require configuration and full understanding of it to successful implement. And you ask where is the laymen guide or instructions?... User groups and forums. In Summary, Microsoft can up its game in deployment training and supporting documentation.
• Microsoft needs to incentivize more external platforms to build app connectors for easy integration, such as ZenDesk, Slack, Tableau, etc. Even the current connector apps such as Salesforce, MailChimp, Docusign are useless or don't work at all.
• Several limitations inhibit successful Dynamics 365 deployments such as: limited number of Rollup field calculations (summarizing fields on child/related records), limited number rows that can exported to Excel via advanced find, Dynamics 365 files, log and database storage size limit is extremely small and will always require purchasing additional storage (for Online deployments).
• New user buy-in or acceptance or system platform changes can be difficult if a solid change management plan isn't enacted.
• Don't expect much help from Microsoft on implementation or solutions unless it's a technical flaw with the platform. Microsoft relies on their MVP partner network to consult for implementations at a hefty cost. Hiring a knowledgeable and savvy Dynamics 365 System Administrator can reduce the need for consultant support; of course, this is dependant upon many many variables.

Incentivized

There was a little bit of a learning curve and some bumps along the way to managing this platform, but AgileCRM appears to be responsive to any challenges that arise, which I consider to be of vital importance.

Incentivized

CRM has allowed us to keep all of our data in one place that is easy for all users within the company to view. I came into the company after they had been using CRM for about 4 years. They have all said that since we have used this it has helped us control work processes better, it has allowed us to be able to track things so much better, and has been something that has helped unite many processes that used to be all over the place. We are currently using CRM 4.0 and are planning on upgrading in the next 18 months to the 2011 version. Support for 4.0 is almost all but dried up. Understandably so. Some of the customization we have done, and a plugins we use, are now contained within the 2011 version so we are looking forward to that upgrade. We use an email marketing company as well, and they primarily support the 2011 version, but their product connects and is integrated within CRM. This is a great benefit as well so that all of our marketing information can be contained in one location.

The tool has an affordable cost and is better than some market competitors. For delivering a great experience with a friendly user interface, low price, great technical support and several features that contribute to IT, sales and marketing teams, I recommend Agile CRM to friends and colleagues looking for such a solution.

Incentivized

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to various business needs, but its complexity can be a barrier for new users. While the interface is visually appealing, navigation can be cumbersome, and some users may find it challenging to access certain functionalities without adequate training.

The training sessions are very helpful, because you have specialist that is available to answer any questions, guide you and coach you on how to dominate a certain feature of the platform. That being said,Whenever I have an issue that needs to be resolved, I can send email or call a support line. I usually use the support line.

Incentivized

The performance of AgileCRM has been acceptable to date. I'm pleased with the ability to modify leads in the system and search for them and add groups to campaigns.

Incentivized

The support is good but most of them are in India so heavy accents but if you can work past that they are very helpful and get the job done. What's good about that is they offer all types of hours for support not just 9-5 which I liked because I was able to get to support when I was building in the late-night hours when I couldn't get something to work.

Incentivized

Our partner, Ledgeview Partners has been FANTASTIC to work with. They are always timely in their response and have taken time to understand our business and our specific needs. We've made a lot of advanced customizations and they have been a great help in making those updates.

Incentivized

Each section of the AgileCRM platform has an instructional video that describes in detail all of the features of that section. I found this to be very instructional way to learn about each section. Whenever I had more questions, I could always schedule a conference call with a tutor..

Incentivized

Once I get everything set up, everything started to flow and I can see the major benefit of this platform to my business

Incentivized

We used a data warehouse to house our data, and our IT team and implementation vendor worked diligently ahead of time to construct idea implementation plans. Out of millions of records- we had less than a dozen errors, which is remarkable. My major insight is simply having a group of completely devoted individuals working towards your goal who fully understand the desired outcome. Focused resources for implementation season are critical to success.

Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM tool that is easy to use and cost-efficient depending on your business needs. Agile is a very effective CRM system and can quickly access your customer/prospect information. Agile's ability to integrate the marketing automation, CRM, telephony, and analytics with current company procedures and solutions makes it difficult to consider other similar tools.

Incentivized

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is much more robust, with more customizable features, such as user-specific settings and customer customization options. The system is easy to us,e and all modules can be customized to the exact need of the user. The standard version includes everything you need for a small business that is starting out. Additional features can be added as needed.

Incentivized

This products Starts with a free Limited version. You can upgradeTo an affordable paid version with minimal features. There's also an enterprise version which is what I have. It's much more expensive, however it allows me to access the full range of features available.

Incentivized

• It may be me but I spent a disproportionate amount of time figuring out how to derive more ROI from Agile CRM. The functionality and facilities were there but I eventually gave up as it was taking too much time and attention.

Incentivized

• If you know your stuff, this product does just fine. They are always adapting (aren't they all, always?), so expect it to grow and for you to grow with it.
• Don't expect new employees, or places with high turnover, to ease into this product quickly, or even on a moderate time table.

Incentivized