Operations 3 min read

7 CRM implementation mistakes and how to check for them

Scope, data and adoption problems need concrete checks. Use this list to guide the review of a CRM implementation.

By Felipe Hernández, Zoho consultant and developer

IMPLEMENTATION

1. Configuring without defining the process

Before choosing modules, agree on the problem being solved, what data comes in, who decides and what must be recorded. A sales conversation and a collections process have different owners and criteria.

2. Migrating without reviewing the source

Check duplicates, formats, required fields and relationships on a sample. Keep the source and agree on how to validate record counts and history.

3. Automating without exceptions

Define the trigger, conditions and expected result. Also test missing permissions, missing data and repeated events. Success must be verified on the target record.

4. Not assigning owners

Name who approves changes and who maintains fields, rules and catalogs. Document access without sharing personal credentials.

5. Required fields with no clear purpose

Every required field needs an operational reason and a data owner. Review what happens when information is missing and which stages can safely be completed.

6. Training without considering roles

Sales, leadership and support use different views and permissions. Walk through a real day for each role and keep instructions for frequent tasks.

7. No acceptance criteria or maintenance plan

Delivery means checking expected behavior, exceptions and dependencies. Put in writing what the implementation covers and what's contracted as ongoing support.

To review your situation we need one concrete process, its source data and the expected behavior. Book a free 30-minute review and we'll tell you what to do first.

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