Steli Efti
CEO

CRM implementation checklist: requirements start to finish & beyond


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Last updated
September 10, 2021

Ever wondered: what are the requirements for CRM implementation?

Wonder no more. This is the only CRM implementation checklist you’ll need.

Through the length of this guide, we’ve shown you the right plan for starting your CRM implementation project, building a solid strategy to get the project over the finish line, plus ways to measure results and overcome common challenges.

We’ve covered a lot of information, and you can go back and review the details as much as you wish:

1.     9 CRM implementation steps to choose and validate a new CRM

2.     The only CRM implementation plan you’ll ever need

3.     CRM implementation timeline: a roadmap to finish in <6 weeks

4.     CRM implementation success factors: 5 signs you nailed it

5.     6 most common CRM implementation risks + how to fight them proactively

6.    CRM implementation cost: 6 ways you’re spending + how to save

But if you’re here, it’s because you want the short, sweet, and actionable version.

So here it is—your own downloadable checklist to take you through each stage of your CRM implementation journey, from the moment you start to consider new CRMs to getting your team set up and happy in the new tool.

CRM implementation checklist: 39 steps to reach your goals

Take this checklist and run with it. Learn what are the requirements for CRM implementation to be successful. Use this to guide you through the process, keep yourself on track, and move smoothly to a new CRM.

Prep your data

1. Clean up CRM data on leads and customers

2. Eliminate or merge duplicate data

3. Understand which data formats you’ll need in the new system

4. Clean up the process for importing lead data from other systems

Refine and update your sales process

5. Analyze the KPIs of your current sales process

6. Identify bottlenecks and leaks

7. Iterate and improve your process

Understand the needs of your team

8. Identify all end users

9. Collaborate with other teams in the company who will use the CRM

10. Analyze how your team uses the current CRM

11. Identify specific areas and features that slow your team down currently

12. Spend time selling to understand the needs of your sales team

Decide on a CRM

13. Set clear, measurable goals for your new CRM

14. Define a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves

15. List integrations that are imperative

16. Demo different tools alongside your team

17. Read customer stories to see real results of implementing this CRM

Forecast a CRM implementation budget

18. Find a subscription plan that suits your team’s needs now and allows for expansion in the future

19. Ask your vendor about setup and data migration fees

20. Plan a budget for team training on the new system

21. Calculate the cost of reduced team productivity during migration

Get buy-in

22. Identify key stakeholders within the company who will need to sign off on the purchase

23. Build a business case that shows how the company leadership will benefit from this change

24. Provide required technical information to the engineering team

25. Document known issues and risk assessment

26. Show reps how a new CRM will make their lives easier

Get the new CRM up and running

27. Start migrating a small amount of data

28. Set up custom fields, pipeline structure, and lead lists

29. Import users

30. Set up user permissions

31. Get your team trained on the new system

32. Integrate the rest of your tool stack

33. Complete data migration

34. Import email templates, set up sequences

35. Check that all of your data is moved off the old system, and delete it

Measure success

36. Set a timeline for success measurement based on your business stage

37. Continually check adoption rates

38. Report on outreach rates for your team

39. Compare conversion and close rates

Take your CRM implementation project over the finish line & beyond!

Changing CRMs is a big project, but when you follow a clear strategy, take it step by step, and measure your success, you’ll be sure to avoid larger challenges and help your team be more successful within their sales process.

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