ADAPT Software Applications Announces Major New Release of Customer Relationship Management Software.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2003

ADAPT Software Applications, Irvine-based developer of customer relationship management software, has announced ADAPTcrm v4.0, a major new release of its ADAPTcrm software targeted at manufacturers and distributors.

ADAPTcrm software combines collaboration, marketing, sales and service management in a single module, providing benefits that include single-point data entry and rapid learning. According to Len Chermack, ADAPT CEO, ADAPTcrm v4.0 incorporates the widest scope of features for manufacturers and distributors in the midrange CRM market, significantly improves ease of use and implementation features, enhances the already strong integration to third party software and creates a foundation for niche-specific "vertical CRM" solutions. "ADAPTcrm v4.0 is a more feature-rich, simpler, faster and more affordable alternative to traditional, modular CRM suites," noted Chermack. "It specifically addresses the key failure points of most CRM systems -- ease of use, lack of integration, industry focus and customization difficulties."

User interface improvements in ADAPTcrm v4.0 include more attractive and easier to learn screen layouts with options to customize displayed information. In addition, a new dashboard "actions" system provides a wealth of additional user tools such as one-click copying of views to Microsoft Excel, the sending of e-mails and much more.

Users of ADAPTcrm v4.0 will enjoy an unprecedented level of automation. Commonly needed reports are delivered to desktops automatically via e-mail. Time-consuming batch jobs, such as the sending of mass e-mails, can be performed remotely on "automation servers" to avoid tying up workstations. Many business processes, previously performed manually, can now be executed through an automated process system.

One of the main reasons to implement a CRM system is to provide useful analytics and reporting. ADAPTcrm v4.0 offers a more powerful and easier to use data query engine and report writer, greatly enhancing the usefulness of the system dashboard and reducing the need to rely on third-party report writers.

The ability to integrate data across an organization and across many software products is a hallmark of CRM systems. ADAPTcrm v4.0 expands the software's already powerful integration capabilities with support for bi-directional, real-time synchronization with Microsoft Outlook, a new Excel-based reporting system, far deeper integration to accounting systems, new mail server integration and integration to popular online fax systems.

Customer service features in ADAPTcrm v4.0 are enhanced to meet the needs of a far greater number of companies and industry types. The knowledge base, service tickets and service contract systems are greatly expanded, and a new defect tracking system has been added. The new service system also tracks multiple parts, labor and time/billing per service ticket. A new Web-based service portal enables Web-based customer self-service for a true Web and field service solution.

The marketing campaign system in ADAPTcrm v4.0 automates many of the tasks previously performed manually. These include the automatic triggering of marketing processes to outbound contact lists as well contact responses to a campaign. Responses via the Web, e-mail and fax are electronically captured. Real-time results are tracked graphically and can be printed. Further enhancements in the sales system, include multiple currency support, sales tax calculation, kit items, price tables, sales goal tracking and tight integration with the service system and link to external ERP systems.

Many new fields have been added in ADAPTcrm v4.0, and many existing fields have been expanded in length. A new query system allows faster searching on any combination of database fields.

ADAPTcrm v4.0 contains a number of specific improvements that better support the needs of customers with global operations or that operate outside the United States. These includes universal time zone support, multiple currency tracking, country-specific mailing label formats and more.

ADAPTcrm is integrated to a wide variety of available ERP solutions, including Microsoft Great Plains, Platinum for Windows, BatchMaster, MAS 90 and MAS 200 by Best, Exact Software's Macola Progression and ES, and SYSPRO, in effect, adding front-end CRM functionality with real-time synchronization of the CRM database with the customer, vendor, inventory, order entry, accounts receivable and accounts payable files of the supported ERP systems. ADAPTcrm users can, therefore, create sales orders, check shipments, inspect customer accounts receivable, verify inventory levels and perform other critical functions directly from within ADAPTcrm. These functions can be accomplished without having to exit the system or navigate through complex menus of a second application.

ADAPTcrm offers several layers of customization. Smaller companies with minimal IT staffs particularly appreciate this flexibility. One layer, designed for end-users, allows application users to add fields, forms and folders to records, create customized queries, reports, selling processes and implement business rules -- all without writing code or changing database structures. Another layer is intended for programmers, allowing unlimited customization by directly adding new files, Client/Server and Web programs using ADAPTsdk, a complete, rapid application development environment that offers the ability to add new features, design screens and new tables -- all without writing one line of programming code.

ADAPTcrm also features a built-in Process Definition Language (PDL), a powerful new table-based tool for modeling complex business processes. PDL expands the use of ADAPTcrm beyond traditional customer relationship management to true "computer aided management." Using PDL, businesses can, among other functions: automatically trigger processes; automatically generate alerts to employees and customers; automate marketing campaigns; schedule proactive service calls; automatically respond to Web-based leads; run telemarketing scripts; and automatically follow up on important activities.

ADAPTcrm incorporates a highly intuitive user interface. New users can immediately begin to navigate around the system without formal training or reading a single page of product documentation. "The designers of ADAPTcrm made a conscious effort to eliminate toolbar pull-downs, keyboard commands and hidden (right mouse click) menus. Simply put, there are no detours to get from point A to point B in ADAPTcrm. Everything is visible and straight forward," said Brian Dunn, ADAPT CTO and Product Evangelist.

ADAPTcrm ease-of-use is further extended through a continually expanding knowledge base. When a user makes a query about system use, features, procedures and other items, the response is added to a knowledge base. Thus, users have the option of first searching the knowledge base through natural language queries to determine if answers already exist.

ADAPTcrm v4.0 is now available.

Established in 1993, ADAPT Software Applications is a leading provider of fully integrated, front-to-back-office CRM solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. ADAPTcrm software combines collaboration, executive management, marketing, sales, service, fulfillment and ERP integration in a single, enterprise CRM solution.

The core competency of ADAPT Software Applications Inc., lies in client/server and Web-based rapid application development with expertise in various platforms, operating systems and database management systems.

Visit ADAPT Software Applications at: www.adaptcrm.com.

For information, call Chermack, ADAPT Software Applications, 949-252-1684, or e-mail: [e-mail].