Blog Post

System Integrations with Seifert Technologies

Dec 20, 2022
Two people looking over a computer with integrated systems

Customer relationship management systems help businesses manage their relationship with the customer. It helps not only manage it, but also improve it. These systems are gaining attention and evolving at rapid speed, for good reason. CRM integrations make managing your business simple. The new system integration itself can be tricky, which is where we come in.

Customer Relationship Management Systems

Customer relationship management (CRM) is a technology for managing all your company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.” CRM tools and integration make managing customer relationships easy. They manage things like marketing, sales, digital commerce, and service interactions. A CRM solution can allow you to focus on relationships with individual people. These people include customers, colleagues, suppliers, and or service users. It will focus on your entire lifecycle with these people. It aids in finding and gaining customers and business. It also aids in providing support and services throughout your relationship. CRM integration occurs between CRM software and third-party applications. They automate actions to expand the functionality of your software. This makes it unnecessary to go back and forth between systems. These integrations allow companies to improve operational efficiency. They also cut time spent on generating reports for clients and internal purposes. They store and analyze large data amounts. This data provides insights into customer behavior. It also provides insight into how your company can influence customer behavior.

Puzzle showing different business functions for each piece like Sales, service, with CRM in the middle

CRM Solutions

There are many different CRM platforms available for use today. Some common ones are HubSpot, Salesforce, EngageBay, Salesflare, and Microsoft Dynamics. Microsoft Dynamics is our top choice as Microsoft Certified Solutions Engineers. Microsoft Dynamics is a CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Its main purpose is to improve sales and marketing productivity. "The CRM gathers social insights, provides cloud-based campaign management, and offers business intelligence." The CRM’s real-time customer data platform provides AI powered insights. These tell you how to get new leads and customers. They also tell you who your audience members are, what they need, how you can make and keep them happy. They provide insights about your customers based on behavioral, demographic, and transactional data. They also provide insight based on engagement and customer feedback. Your company is then able to use these insights to target sales, campaigns, and support.

Popular CRM Business Integrations

·        Email Integration- Email is often a primary method of communication with customers. People rely on email marketing (drip campaigns, newsletters) to keep customers engaged. Email integration lets you access business contacts and emails without leaving CRM software. It also allows you to use shared templates and behavior-based or timed sequences. Email marketing platforms enable you to create and use web forms. These forms connect to social media or embedded in websites. Once a customer has signed up with their information, it will add them as a contact. It inserts them into your CRM database for future sales and marketing.

  • Phone & SMS Integration- CRM that connects your phone’s calling and SMS texting. It gives you two channels for engaging customers and leads. It allows you to make calls, record phone conversations, and log calls within your CRM. It enables you to create and send marketing and follow-ups with contacts via text.
  • Marketing Automation Integration- Allows you to watch the status of leads. Also allows you to manage activities in your sales pipeline. You can even set up triggered marketing actions. These actions trigger based on customer activity recorded in your CRM.
  • Accounting Integration- Keeps track of bills and invoices for each customer or company. Accountants or bookkeepers can do this with ease thanks to CRM. Users can manage payments and record revenue sources from within the CRM platform. This saves time and eliminates human error in uploading financial data.

The Advantage of CRM Integration

We know companies rely on CRM integration for building customer relationships. This is a huge advantage. CRM lets companies build and improve relationships with their customers. This helps you keep those customers for as long as possible. What other advantages do they offer business owners? They make it easy to automate sales and marketing. This gives your employees extra time to build relationships and talk to customers. It also allows you to spend less time personalizing websites or getting sales info. Another advantage is that it increases productivity. Your employees spend time switching between so many systems without CRM software. With a CRM integration, they could be using this time to do other valuable things. A third advantage would be better security. CRM integration improves data security. You may have more access to security applications through CRM. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your data. Second, integrations use APIs to access data. API access allows transmitting data between applications. It does not store the data elsewhere. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access. With CRM integration, it is possible to restrict users from accessing certain pages, fields, objects, and forms, ensuring everyone has an appropriate level of access to customer data. 

Person at a laptop, with reports charts on the screen
Students arranged in a circle. Seifert employees are giving a talk.
By Seifert Technologies 23 May, 2024
Seifert Technologies recently partnered with the Stark Education Partnership (SEP), Fairless High School and Perry High School and provided a career day for the students. The objective was to provide an insight to local area high school students on the careers and opportunities available right here in Stark County. Our presentations focused on the services which we provide to our clients related to Engineering, IT, and Staffing. We featured interactive displays on Robotics, Machine Design, 3D CAD, PLC Motion Control, IT Infrastructure, Power BI, Software Development, and Career Services. Jaecey Hudson holds the position of Career Champion at Stark Education Partnership (SEP). Her role places her within several local High Schools including Fairless and she counsels the students on their career paths. Jaecey was instrumental in scheduling the day with Fairless High School. SEP is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success. SEP serves education, business, and community organizations in the Stark County region as a connector and partner. SEP collaborates with local foundations to ensure a continued focus on meeting emerging needs and works in complementary fashion with other nonprofits throughout the region. Stark Education Partnership’s vision to build generations of successful individuals who fulfill their potential and grow roots in Stark County is brought to life by engaging students in real-world workplace experiences. We also worked closely with the Robotics / STEM department at Perry High School to plan the day for these students. Stephanie Laskey and her team from Perry were the high school coordinators for the event. The Perry Local Project Lead the Way classes emphasize various engineering aspects, spanning from introduction to engineering design, computer manufacturing, digital electronics, aerospace engineering, to principles of engineering. Students were enthusiastic and actively involved in witnessing engineering principles in action at Seifert Technologies. They gained insight into the structure of engineering firms and the key attributes of successful engineers. They left Seifert Technologies with new information, eager to apply their newfound knowledge in the world of engineering. To learn more details about the services of Seifert Technologies, contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com for more information on our full range of capabilities. For more information related to SEP, please visit www.edpartner.org . 
3D rendering of factory floor. Pictured is conveyor belts, robotic arm, a man, and a forklift.
By Seifert Technologies 20 Mar, 2024
Manufacturing can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution changed the way that manufacturers worked all over the world. There were inventions of new machines and technology. The new production made manufacturing cheaper, faster, and more efficient. The Industrial Revolution changed manufacturing for the modern world. In the First Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18 th century was a significant change in human history. It transitioned to industrial societies, fueled by innovations in textile manufacturing, steam power, and iron production. This period increased efficiency in the mass production of goods. The invention of the steam engine led to the increase of railways. The First Industrial Revolution was the first step in modernizing the world. The Second Industrial Revolution is known as the Technological Revolution. This happened in the mid-19th century and was known for the adoption of electric power. This transformed the manufacturing process in steel. It led to the invention of the telegraph, telephone, television, and radio. Advancement in transportation was drastically improved leading to increased urbanization. The Third Industrial Revolution is known as the Digital Revolution. It happened in the late 20 th century with digital technology. This was the rise of the internet and digital computers. This changed the way people interacted with each other. The World Wide Web was developed. This led to the digitalization of every known modern aspect of life. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is referred to as Industry 4.0. This revolution is known for technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and robotics. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to have impacts on society to increase quality, production, and drive economic growth.
Graphic of a padlock on top of a CPU chip.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Mar, 2024
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing are all ways that people try to get sensitive information from other people. They are all done in similar ways, but they have different ways of getting this information. It is important to know the difference between the three and how it looks when someone is getting targeted. Phishing Phishing is an online scam that gets sent to email accounts. It consists of getting sent a link or attachment from an unfamiliar email domain. When a user clicks on the link or attachment that is when the sender gets access to data. There are many different types of phishing to watch out for. Some of include spear, email, and whaling. Spear phishing is when someone specifically targets one person. They do this by adding their name, job, or social life. Whale phishing is when someone targets a big target like a manager, owner, or celebrities. They target these people since they have a lot of information on companies or other people. Smishing Smishing is a scam that gets sent as a text message (SMS). Scammers send a text to a target. The text that the target receives looks like a text from a trustworthy company. The scammers make the message look like it is the real company, and they send a link that they want the target to click on. There are different ways that these messages look. It can look like you won money or a prize. It can also look like a tax report or bank statement. Vishing Vishing is a scam where the target gets called over the phone rather than receiving a text message or email. The target is selected, and they call trying to convince them to download software for their device. How To Protect Yourself from All Three There are many ways to prevent these things from happening. Most importantly, do not click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Report suspicious emails, text messages, or calls that you receive. When you report these, you protect yourself and others from getting information taken. Seifert Technologies’ IT Division is your source for cybersecurity awareness. We are a registered agent of KnowB4 Products ( www.knowbe4.com ). These products implement sate of the art programs which: Send fully automated simulated phishing attacks, using thousands of customizable templates with unlimited usage Train your users with access to the world's largest library of always-fresh awareness training content AI-Driven phishing and training recommendations based on your users' phishing and training history Use Assessments to gauge proficiency of your users in security knowledge and security culture attitudes Easy user management using Active Directory Integration Contact our IT Service Team To learn more details about cybersecurity training contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com/itservices for more information on our full range capabilities.
Seifert employees holding new toys, next to two Toys for Tots boxes.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
For over 10 years the team at Seifert Technologies has participated in the Toys for Tots program. Every year, our employees show their support by donating new toys which are then delivered to local area families. It is an awesome way to give back to our Stark County community. We also want to thank all of our employees for their wonderful donations. Way to go team!
Leslie Callahan next to a sign that reads
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
Last month we celebrated a very special evening. Leslie Callahan, who has been with our firm since the beginning years, celebrated her 30th year with the organization. Team members from both our offices in Massillon and Nashville gathered to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment.
Someone at a laptop, a robot hand is coming out of the screen with pointer finger extended, with glowing floating cyber icons
27 Nov, 2023
At Seifert Associates, we have been meeting the challenges of hiring technical talent for decades. Finding the right candidate for the right position can be a challenge. Thus, we have put together a list of the top questions we get from HR and give ideas on how to overcome the challenges we face in today’s job market. What Are the Top Hiring Challenges Today? First, we must talk about current hiring challenges. Today, employers encounter new recruitment hurdles as the job market progresses. Employers' obstacles and difficulties arise when it comes to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates. These challenges can come in many forms, such as a shortage of skilled workers, a highly competitive job market, or a lack of diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. The rapid changes in both technology and the evolving job market also contribute to these hiring challenges. Employers must overcome these hiring challenges to attract and retain top talent, as well as build a thriving workforce to drive organizational growth and success. Here is a List of the Top Concerns for Hiring: Finding Quality Candidates Attracting the right talent for a technical position is an employer's foremost concern. The more skilled the requirements are, the more the employee is sought after. With a limited workforce and intense competition for top-tier candidates, employers struggle when it comes to finding technical talent. Along with that, employers struggle to engage with candidates who are not actively seeking a new position. We spoke about the importance of collaborating with a recruiter who has strong experience with finding technical candidates in a previous blog, which you can review HERE . Attracting the Right Technical Talent Another challenge that employers face is attracting the right talent for a technical position. Highly skilled candidates today look for more than just a competitive salary. Candidates want to collaborate with a company that has a quality work culture. But they also want to seek employment with companies who share the same values, as well as have great benefits and a good understanding of work life balance. In fact, 46% of job seekers cite company culture as very important when choosing to apply to a company, and a shocking 47% of employees cite that company culture is the driving factor when looking for a new job. Skills Gap and Training
Manufacturing floor background, with a Stark County Manufacturing logo overlaid.
09 Nov, 2023
Seifert Technologies was pleased to host the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership group’s monthly meeting at our office in September 2023. We were proud to showcase our skills related to Automation and Machine Design and to the more than 40 members that came to the event. Stark County Manufacturing Workforce is a group of dedicated professionals that are committed to the support of manufacturer’s growth and expansion by offering education and career pathways within the manufacturing community. Showing them what local companies are doing in the areas to accelerate excellence in both local and national companies is always wonderful. Stark County has so much to offer. Seifert Technologies Showcased 7 Different Stations for SCMWDP Member Including:
A compass over a mechanical drawing
30 Oct, 2023
Today, 2D drawings are still used in both the engineering and manufacturing arenas. While some may believe that 2D drawings are falling the way of the dinosaur, we still need them to show details in parts, components, and assemblies. They are a fundamental part of engineering documentation. Manufacturers use 2D drawings as their main communication tool. In this blog, we will explore the reasons we believe that 2D drawings will remain an important modeling tool for engineering projects. The Evolution of 2D Drawings: Before there were computers, 2D drawings were used to define component specifications. With 2D drawings, engineers were able to navigate the creation of a product, simply by referencing the 2D rendering. The 2D drawing method of production dates to the beginnings of engineering information. Today, this history speaks to the importance of 2D drawings. As 2D drawings were the sole conveyor of design information for millennia. That all changed with the introduction of computers and 3D software like Autodesk Inventor, and SolidWorks . The choice of CAD software depends on your specific needs and the industry you're working in. You may want to consider factors like your budget, the type of projects you'll be working on, and your familiarity with the software when selecting the right CAD program for your needs.  But before we look at 3D technology, let’s examine the things that are still relevant today with 2D drawings. 2D Drawings Are Better at the Details:
Website or Mobile App? What are the Pros and Cons?
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In this blog, the team at Seifert Technologies is going to walk you through the pros and cons of websites and mobile applications.
Seifert employee with hands folded in front of him, in front of a robotic arm.
23 Oct, 2023
Thank you to everyone who attended our Cleveland Technology Symposium. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the event. The Engineering Division Utilizes State-of-the-Art Design Tools
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