Your association management software (AMS) is critically important to the success of your organization. It’s the tool you use every day to manage your association.
As you consider options for your next AMS, keep in mind that not all AMS systems include the same capabilities. Some include robust functionality as part of the product. Others offer only basic capabilities and charge fees to add on other features and modules. So how do you know which capabilities are most important?
Here are five key out-of-the-box (no added fee) capabilities that will make your next AMS system a winner for your organization:
- Member engagement scoring – If you aren’t keeping members engaged, you might lose them. In your next AMS, look for engagement scoring functionality that helps you determine how engaged members and prospective members are with your organization, and then take action to get them more involved.
- Credentialing – A recent Community Brands industry study shows that certification/credentials are among the most important benefits to members of professional membership associations. Of course, keeping track of continuing education credits, credentials, and certifications can be a handful if you try to tackle it manually. Look for an AMS system that can help you automate your certifications processes and manage your credentialing program throughout each stage of your members’ career journey – from graduation through retirement.
- Accounting – Getting financial information into and out of your accounting system isn’t always easy. Imagine how much more efficient it would be to manage your accounting needs from within your AMS.
Look for a system that allows you to easily manage your organization’s:– Invoicing
– Cash receipts
– Financial transactions, including deferrals, credits, and inventoryAlso, look for a system that allows you to easily compile and review financial data so you can understand the financial health of your association – from membership renewals to dues processing and profitability.
NetForum Enterprise AMS can help you manage your association’s accounting needs from within the AMS so you know exactly where your organization stands at any given moment.
- Fundraising – Generating non-dues revenue is an important aspect of an association’s financial health. It gives your association a revenue stream outside of membership dues. This allows you to smooth out fluctuations in the economic cycle, which helps you maintain budgets and continue to provide members with the level of service they expect.Many associations are turning to fundraising as part of their non-dues revenue-generating plan.
If it’s part of your plan, be sure to look for an AMS system that helps you:
– Manage donor data
– Monitor donor health
– Target donor communications
– Host fundraising events
– Process gifts efficiently - Software developer toolkit – It’s important to be able to configure, integrate, and extend your AMS. Look for a system that includes a software developer toolkit that supports your ability to make changes without product support.
Making customizations with NetForum’s Toolkit is easy for most changes. When implemented properly, the Toolkit allows you to minimize the need for future code changes and maximizes the baseline footprint of the product that can be upgraded.
Choosing the right AMS can take your association to the next level and ensure your success for years to come. Be sure to look for key functionality built in to your AMS, and you’ll be on your way to making the most effective choice for your association.
Learn more
NetForum Enterprise is a highly configurable AMS system that includes 30+ modules and 300 built-in reports at no added cost. Find out more about what makes NetForum Enterprise AMS an ideal choice for mid-to-large associations.
