enSYNC Blog

How to Find the Best iMIS Partner

Written by enSYNC Team | Jul 24, 2020 6:17:48 PM

Everybody's talking about iMIS, which bills itself as “the #1 cloud-based solution for nonprofit, association, union, and membership management”. You may already be considering joining the ranks of the many associations and nonprofits using this management software. If not, let’s talk about how to choose the best iMIS partner to support you on your road to integrating iMIS and enhancing your association’s operational and financial performance.

 

What is iMIS Software?

iMIS is a full-service system that helps you handle all aspects of running an association: membership database management, fundraising, content, marketing, education, dues management, and much more. Created by Advanced Solution International (ASI), iMIS is a cloud-based system, one of many appealing aspects of iMIS.

At the moment, IMIS offers 18 different functions, all web-based. These are some of them:

  • Contact management, to keep track of members’ demographic information, suppliers, strategic, and more.
  • Membership management, which takes the hassle out of renewals, reminders, membership tiers, etc.
  • Engagement management system (EMS), so you can gauge your company and membership engagement.
  • An intuitive interface to manage your web pages.
  • Content management system (CMS), to manage your blogs and publications.
  • Online marketing tools that allow you to easily automate emails and promote your events and products.

According to industry experts, the latest version of iMIS is best in class in these categories:

  • Built-in Web CMS Capability

  • Social Media Capabilities

  • Executive Dashboards

  • Mobile Delivery

 

What is an iMIS partner?

Since it’s such a complete platform, iMIS is sold through authorized partners, who can help you through every step on the journey and ensure you get the most of your new software solution.

In their own words:

 We partner with select companies to serve as an extended sales, service, and support team worldwide. Whether you're looking for assistance with a basic installation or looking to further expand your system with additional modules or functional capabilities, our global network of partners can help you.

Advanced Solution International has more than 80 iMIS partners of all types and sizes in 9 countries, so there is a very good chance that you can find one in your vicinity who can give you the best customer service and advise you on how to make the most of iMIS.

 

Types of iMIS Partners 

There are three types of partners that answer different iMIS needs for different organizations. You can find a full list of partners here.

 

Solution partners 

If you need to start by purchasing iMIS or any of its modules, you need a solution partner. These companies have been chosen for their excellence in both advising customers, and implementing and installing iMIS. 

 

Consultant partners 

If you already have iMIS and you want to troubleshoot, or are not sure if you are using all of its capabilities, a consultant partner can assess the situation and advise you on how to proceed.

 

Product partners 

These are successful, top-of-the-line software solutions that get priority when it comes to API access and integration capabilities. Product partners include Microsoft, Open, and Experian. In many cases, we partner with solutions you already use, making it easier for you to incorporate iMIS into your association management.

A good iMIS partner is more than a tech genius. Your iMIS partner should be thoroughly aware of your mission and goals, so they can keep them in mind during every step of the process.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your iMIS Partner 

1. They put you, the customer, first 

Choose an iMIS partner who makes communication and customer satisfaction a priority. 

Good service is so important to ASI, that they issue yearly awards to partners who excel in categories such as “Client Satisfaction Leader” and “Client Satisfaction Circle”.

2. They’re there to help, not sell you on more products for no reason

iMIS is a very powerful and complex tool, and it may seem daunting to a newcomer. Your iMIS partner should spend time getting to know and understand your organization and your goals so they can serve you better, instead of just selling you tools and add-ons and leaving you to figure them out.

Look for a partner who will help maximize your technology by prioritizing your goals, identify obstacles, and create a customized plan to meet your objectives.

3. They know transparency is key

The iMIS partner you choose should be transparent and proactively communicate with you about these aspects of your integration. If you feel you’re having to interrogate and beg for information, it’s time to look elsewhere.

    1. Are they clear about how long it will take (and how much it will cost) to implement their technology solutions?
    2. Do they share case studies and client testimonials?
    3. Do they clearly communicate successes and failures, as well as remedial plans?

4. They Provide Tech and Mission Support 

A good iMIS partner is more than a tech genius. Your iMIS partner should be thoroughly aware of your mission and goals, so they can keep them in mind during every step of the process, and ensure each aspect, setting, and tool are aligned with making your organization succeed.

 

 

For more than 20 years, enSYNC has focused on partnering with organizations and helping them use technology to reach and exceed their goals. We have gathered over 30 awards during this time, including winning the ASI Customer Satisfaction Award on many occasions. Give us a call when you’re ready to find out if iMIS is just what your organization needs.