Before you start with SugarCRM & workflows

[alicepohl]

Before we get started with SugarCRM ... how do companies generally go about putting together workflow documents of processes ... Can it simply be a step by step process explaining generaly da-to-day functions in each department ...
i.e.
SALES
1) Receive Lead
2) Load Lead
3) Follow up with Lead
4) Quotation Process (explain what this entails ... i.e. email supplier for quote, put mark up on quote, send on to client)
5) Follow Up Process (i.e. Signed the Quote, Order Stock from supplier, Receive stock, deliver stock)
6) Close Sale
Is there some fancy FREEWARE one generally uses, or will a simple word doc do?

[josh7272]

I would use visio for this. I always use the business process - cross functional flowchart template. This way, you can use the "swim lanes" (horizontal lines) to also record who is responsible for these processes in terms of department or person. This can then help you to clearly define the roles and module access.

I believe there is an open source product called DIA which is similar to visio if you do not have it, but I can't vouch for it as I haven't used it.

Simon Jones

[Angel]

Is there some fancy FREEWARE one generally uses, or will a simple word doc do?

Take a look at inkscape or dia. Both are open source and are similar to Visio.