Best way to get started

[Garydaw]

I am just starting out with Sugar. We have not started using it yet. I have been given a list of 100 companies name address ect… with 1 to 5 different contact names some with different contact phone numbers . I am just not sure what the best way to start is. It appears to me I could go at this task several different ways. That is why I am asking this question, because I am not sure what is the best way.



Please help me…

[sugarcane]

Hi Garydaw,

I have been given a list of 100 companies name address

Are these your customers? If so, I suggest importing your data into the Accounts and Contacts modules. You can click here to read more about the import process.

If this list of names are random people, you might want to consider importing them into the Leads module instead, and convert them when they become more qualified. This would be a decision you should make before starting. Within SugarCRM, when you click into an Account, you can view all the account's related contacts. In the Leads module, the account name field is just a text field, so you cannot do this. As a result, some people like to use the Leads module, and others prefer using just Accounts and Contacts modules, using the Type field to denote what kind of account they are (prospect, customer, vendor etc).

[Garydaw]

Thanks for the answer. But, the real question I am asking is not how to upload the list, but what is the best way add as the info: What should i do, add it as a account , contact ect..... This is the kind of help I am looking for. I am trying to figure out the big picture.

[sugarcane]

Generally, we go through a workshop with our clients to better understand their business flow and their needs in relation to the CRM system. Based on this information, we then recommend a best approach to using the system (which modules to use) and any customizations if needed.

It is difficult to tell you the best way to use the system without knowing your business process and needs. However, as I stated before, if the list you are trying to import are customers, then i would import them into the Accounts and Contacts modules, If this is a random list of people, then you need to decide if you want to use the Leads module for these, or only user Accounts and Contacts modules and differentiate leads from customers by using the Account type field. The most important thing is that whichever method you choose, that you and your users are consistent.

[susiewilliams]

You may also find this new Knowledge Base article useful to help you understand the basics of importing.