Do I want a CMS, CRM, DIY, or something else?

[riahc3]

Im looking to setup for a business a system where I can select a client and see drawings done for a client, download system files from a machine sold to a client, see what clients I have in what countries, etc.

What can I use? CMS, CRM, DIY or something else?

 

[Ken g6]

download system files from a machine sold to a client

OK, you're going to have to explain that one a little more. You want to be able to reach into a client's computer and download their files? Sounds like a huge security risk. The clients are aware they're giving you permission to do this, right?

Is this machine hosted by the client or by you?

 

[smackababy]

It sounds like you want some sort of file repository software. There are quite a few over the counter, but without real requirements (think long and hard about all the functionality you will need, and add in some you will like) it is hard to suggest anything. I also confused on the statement ken has highlighted, but that could be just a miswording of what you are trying to say.

 

[riahc3]

OK, you're going to have to explain that one a little more. You want to be able to reach into a client's computer and download their files? Sounds like a huge security risk. The clients are aware they're giving you permission to do this, right?

Is this machine hosted by the client or by you?

I apoligize for the incorrect wording.


We sell machines constructed by us to different clients.

We want, on our site and our computers, store what machines we store to different clients. Everything will be local to us.

We want to see what spare parts are avaliable and their exact part number to look it up easy and be able to read information.

These machines also run programs and those programs are customized by us personally per client. We want to be able to see a list of programs we have made for each client, the date we made them,etc.

Sorry for the horrible explanation.

 

[BoberFett]

Sounds like a job for Salesforce.com

 

[riahc3]

Sounds like a job for Salesforce.com

I feel like trying something free then moving onto a next premium step is what we want....

Not because of cheapness but because maybe what we are looking for, isnt what salesforce (or another product) gives us

 

[smackababy]

I feel like trying something free then moving onto a next premium step is what we want....

Not because of cheapness but because maybe what we are looking for, isnt what salesforce (or another product) gives us

Talk with vendors. It sounds like you want some kind of inventory management system. Like I said, get a list of everything that is required functionality. Break it out as much as you can, things like "searchable by different inputs; customer name / number, date, etc" and "ability to print custom reports based on searches".

Get what you absolutely need and talk with vendors. You might have to get a DIY solution (a lot of companies do), but there might be over the counter solutions that work for you.

 

[BoberFett]

I feel like trying something free then moving onto a next premium step is what we want....

Not because of cheapness but because maybe what we are looking for, isnt what salesforce (or another product) gives us

The value of the time spent implementing any system will likely dwarf the licensing costs.

Edit: I assume you're a small company, most companies don't get very large without some management software in place.