Basically, we can integrate our membership system with anything that has a robust API. We have preferred platforms that we work with that we know work well, but that’s not to say we can’t integrate with other similar platforms. It ultimately depends on how you need it to work, and what is the most suitable platform for what you need it to do.

Since our membership system is built on Microsoft, it means that we have access to a wide range of tools to push/pull data from/to other platforms you may be using. Whether that be unsubscribes from your email marketing platform into your member database, or financial transactions into your accounting software.

It’s important that you have a view of all your data in one place. And that one place is ideally your CRM. Your CRM should be your single source of truth so that you don’t have to switch between lots of different systems and you can create detailed reports based on a realistic and up-to-date view of all your data.

We often integrate with an external system if there’s already an existing platform that comprehensively does what you need it to do. For example, Mailchimp for email marketing, Xero for accounting or GoToWebinar for online events.

These platform providers are experts in their area and have a comprehensive range of functions and reporting tools built in that work brilliantly. So why build something from scratch if there’s already a well-established platform out there that does exactly what you need it to do? We strongly believe that if there’s already something pre-built that works, then let’s integrate!

Some systems are not capable of integration and some things would work better as functions built-in to the Portal or CRM. Arkom can advise on the best way to approach these issues.

There might be something specific to how your membership organisation runs that means existing platforms or services don’t quite fit. Your requirements may be custom to your area of expertise and that may mean there isn’t a piece of software out there that could support your processes efficiently.

Either that, or it’s going to mount up to very expensive ongoing costs that you simply cannot afford in the long run. In these instances, we’re more than happy, and able, to build something that works in the way you need it to. We’ve built many custom modules before and this can be a very useful route when an off-the-shelf solution isn’t available.

So, if you’re struggling to find an existing platform, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to suggest alternatives based on how you need to it to work.