Outdated and inefficient association management software (AMS) often causes more problems than it solves, resulting in low-tech ROI, disengaged members, and poor retention rates.
When member data is scattered, communication tools don’t sync, and insights are lacking, your organization’s operations suffer, and growth stalls.
The solution? A robust association management software that bridges these gaps and drives better engagement.
What is association management software, and how is it different from a CRM?
Association management software is designed specifically to help associations manage their operations, from membership management to event planning and beyond.
Unlike generic customer relationship management (CRM) systems, association management software is tailored to meet the unique needs of associations, providing tools that streamline everything from member engagement to financial tracking.
AMS vs. CRM
While both, AMS and CRM systems, focus on managing relationships, they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Association Management Software (AMS) | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) |
| Purpose | Tailored for managing memberships, events, and association-specific activities | Designed for managing customer interactions and sales processes |
| Member Management | Offers detailed member directory, automated renewals, and membership tiers | Basic contact management with limited membership-specific features |
| Event Management | Integrated tools for event registration, planning, and communication | Often requires third-party integrations for event management |
| Financial Tracking | Handles complex financials, including dues, donations, and sponsorships | Focuses primarily on sales-related financial tracking |
| Reporting | Provides detailed reports specific to membership organizations | General reporting on sales and customer interactions |
Why do associations need an AMS over a CRM?
CRMs are great for customer interactions but often lack the tools associations need.
Association membership management software offers the best of both worlds, combining CRM functionalities with AMS-specific features.
With an AMS (such as Salesforce), you can track member interactions, automate renewals, manage events, and handle payments, all in one system. It’s designed to address the unique challenges of associations, seamlessly integrating operations that a CRM alone can’t manage.
If your organization needs more than basic customer management, an AMS is the smarter choice.
What challenges does association management software solve?
Running an association comes with its own set of challenges, from managing members to organizing events and everything in between. Association management software tackles these challenges by offering tools and solutions that streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
Managing repetitive tasks
Repetitive administrative tasks can bog down your team and divert attention from more strategic initiatives.
Association management software automates these tasks – such as membership renewals, event registrations, and email communications – allowing your team to focus on higher-value activities that drive growth and engagement.
Keeping track of members
Tracking member activity and maintaining accurate records is essential for effective engagement.
However, manually managing this data across different systems can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Association management software centralizes member data, offering real-time updates and detailed profiles that make it easier to understand and respond to your members’ needs.
Event planning and management
Organizing successful events requires meticulous planning and coordination. Without the right tools, this process can become overwhelming.
Association management software simplifies event management by integrating registration, communication, and analytics into one platform, ensuring a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees.
Financial management and accounting
Handling finances – whether it’s tracking dues, processing payments, or managing budgets – can be complicated and prone to errors.
The best association management software will provide robust accounting features to streamline financial operations, reduce manual errors, and offer clear reporting, making it easier to manage your association’s finances effectively.
How to choose the best association management software
Selecting the right association management software can be a game-changer for your organization. To make an informed decision, consider these essential features that ensure your software meets your association’s unique needs.
- Automated membership management: Look for association management software that automates membership renewals, reminders, and updates. This feature helps you maintain accurate member records without manual effort
- Event management tools: An integrated event management system is crucial. It should handle registrations, send automated reminders, and provide analytics to help you improve future events
- Comprehensive financial management: Choose the association management software with built-in accounting features that can manage dues, donations, and sponsorships. Automated invoicing and financial reporting can save time and reduce errors
- Customizable member portals: Members should have access to personalized dashboards where they can manage their profiles, register for events, and access exclusive content
- Robust reporting and analytics: Your association management software should offer detailed reports on membership trends, event performance, and financial health. These insights are vital for making data-driven decisions
- Integrated communication tools: Look for association management software that allows you to send targeted emails, newsletters, and surveys directly from the platform. This ensures consistent and effective communication with your members
- Website integration: Association management software that integrates seamlessly with your website can enhance member engagement by offering online event registrations, member directories, and more, directly through your site
- Scalability and customization: As your association grows, your association management software should be able to scale with you. Opt for software that allows for customization and can adapt to your evolving needs
Your next move
Choosing the right association management software for you is only half the battle. Even the best AMS won’t deliver its full potential without the right implementation partner.
This is where partnering with experts like Aptaria can make all the difference. With deep experience in association management software implementation, Aptaria ensures your software is tailored to your association’s specific needs, setting you up for long-term success.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about how Aptaria can help your association thrive with the right AMS solution.
