When It Might Be Time to Explore a New AMS For Your Association
The Association Management System (AMS) is the backbone of all in-house operations, from membership management to budgeting. If it isn’t efficient and easy to use, chances are it will hinder your workloads and make day-to-day life a struggle for your staff.
Look no further than industry message boards, and you will see many associations reporting issues with their AMS’s performance and functionality.
So, when might it be time to explore a new AMS for your association? Let’s take a look…
You Already Have an Outdated System
If you installed your current system 5-7 years ago, it’s probably outdated. Despite frequent debugging, updates, and upgrades, the systems would still have evident limitations.
Technology has moved in leaps during the past few years. Cloud-based solutions, AI automation, and mobile optimization are a few examples.
1. The System Can’t Connect With Other Tools
Today’s digital landscape necessitates integrating various tools and apps.
The average user would have at least seven different software packages that need to communicate with one another. For your work to run seamlessly, you need a system with high connectivity and easy integration.
2. System Maintenance Costs Are Straining Your Budget
Maintaining an outdated system costs 15-20% more than a new one.
That’s because of the frequent issues that arise each day interrupting your work. In addition, there’s the extra cost of calling in specialist services to resuscitate the unresponsive system every other day.
3. Association Staff Find the Software Frustrating
Various studies show that user-friendly software increases employee satisfaction by at least 20%. Understandably, the opposite is also true.
When your staff starts complaining, that’s a red flag and a clear sign that the software they’re using is suboptimal.
4. Inadequate Member Engagement Features
Members’ engagement, on and offline, is crucial for the success and empowerment of your association.
To that end, you need to build a system that’s easy to use and provides valuable features that address the members’ needs.
5. The System Is Overwhelmed by New Memberships
As your association grows, your system should scale up accordingly. But that doesn’t always happen. More than 45% of associations reported facing technical difficulties in periods of rapid growth.
If your current AMS can’t accommodate new membership requirements, then you need a new one with a suitable capacity.
6. Introducing New Services and Programs
Many associations plan new services and programs, but these prospects come to a sudden halt due to software limitations. Don’t let this setback stunt your association’s growth, and go for a better platform.
7. Data Privacy and Security Concerns
In recent years, data security has become a primary concern for users and service providers alike. There are stringent requirements to safeguard user information, which might not be available in outdated software.
8. Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
Some associations have specific regulations regarding the AMS they would implement. As an example, healthcare associations collectively prioritize HIPAA compliance.
9. Lack of Mobile Compatibility
People use their smartphones disproportionately more than any other digital device. That’s why most software packages and apps are now optimized for mobile use.
If your AMS lacks smartphone compatibility, significantly fewer people would interact with the association’s news, events, services, and subscriptions.
Transitioning to a new AMS is a significant undertaking. Take your time, and consider every aspect of the move before jumping in. Go to a reputable vendor, assess your current and future needs, and make sure that the system is fully customizable and intuitive.