Choosing an Association Management System: Common Challenges and Questions
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing an Association Management System (AMS). Every organization is different, so it’s important to ask the right questions and figure out what will work best for you.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common challenges and questions that come up during the AMS selection process.
Keep in mind that this is just a snapshot – every organization has its own unique needs, so be sure to tailor your research specifically to your own situation.
What is an Association Management System (AMS)?
An Association Management System (AMS) is a software application designed to help manage membership organizations. AMS systems typically have features like member portals, online renewals, event management, and committee management.
What’s the difference between an AMS and a CRM?
The main difference between an AMS and a CRM is that an AMS is designed specifically for managing membership organizations, while a CRM can be used by any type of business.
An AMS will typically have features like member portals, online renewals, event management, and committee management. A CRM, on the other hand, will have features like sales automation, marketing automation, and customer service tools.
How much does an AMS cost?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – the price of an AMS depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your organization, the features you need, and whether you want to host the system yourself or have it hosted by the vendor.
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month for an AMS.
What are some common challenges with implementing an AMS?
One of the most common challenges with implementing an AMS is getting buy-in from all of the stakeholders. Because an AMS can be such a big investment, it’s important to make sure that everyone who will be using the system is on board with the decision.
Another common challenge is data migration. If you’re switching to a new AMS, you’ll need to figure out how to transfer all of your data from the old system to the new one.
This can be a time-consuming and complicated process, so it’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get everything set up.
What are some questions I should ask when considering an AMS?
Some questions you may want to ask when considering an AMS include:
- What features does the system have?
- Is the system customizable?
- How easy is it to use?
- How much does it cost?
- What kind of training and support does the vendor provide?
- Is the system scalable?
- What are other organizations using the system?
Researching and selecting an AMS Management can be a daunting task, but it’s important to take your time and ask the right questions. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to find an AMS that’s perfect for your organization.
The benefits of using an AMS
There are many benefits of using an AMS, including:
Increased Efficiency
An AMS can help you automate membership processes and manage your data more efficiently. This can free up time for you and your staff so that you can focus on other important tasks.
Improved Communication
An AMS can help you communicate more effectively with your members. With features like mass emailing and online portals, you’ll be able to reach more people in less time.
Increased Revenue
An AMS can help you increase revenue by generating new leads and improving member retention. With an AMS, you’ll have the tools you need to grow your organization and achieve your goals.
Reduced Costs
An AMS can help you reduce costs by automating membership processes and eliminating paper records. By using an AMS, you’ll be able to save money on things like postage, printing, and storage.
Improved Member Satisfaction
An AMS can help you improve member satisfaction by providing a self-service portal for members to update their information and access exclusive content. With an AMS, you’ll be able to give your members the best possible experience.
How to choose the right AMS for your organization
When choosing an AMS for your organization, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. There are a variety of AMS systems on the market, so you’ll need to do some research to find the one that’s right for you.
Some things you may want to consider when choosing an AMS include:
Features
What features does the system have? Is it customizable? How easy is it to use?
Cost
How much does the system cost? Is there a monthly fee? Are there any hidden costs?
Training and Support
What kind of training and support does the vendor provide?
Scalability
Is the system scalable? Can it grow with your organization?
What are some common challenges with implementing an AMS?
One of the most common challenges with implementing an AMS is getting buy-in from all of the stakeholders. Because an AMS can be such a big investment, it’s important to make sure that everyone who will be using the system is on board with the decision.
Another common challenge is data migration. If you’re switching to a new AMS, you’ll need to figure out how to transfer all of your data from the old system to the new one.
This can be a time-consuming and complicated process, so it’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get everything set up.
Final thoughts on choosing an AMS for your association
Choosing an AMS is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to consider your needs and budget, you’ll be able to find an AMS that’s perfect for your organization. With a little bit of effort, you can find an AMS that will help you increase efficiency, communication, revenue, and member satisfaction.
