Customer Relations Management (CRM) as Software as a Service (SaaS)

Information Requested

1. Who We’re Looking For:

Potential respondents to the Request for Information (RFI) from Stars and Stripes should ideally be companies or providers with expertise in delivering Customer Relations Management (CRM) solutions as Software as a Service (SaaS). Stars and Stripes would expect qualified respondents to have a proven track record in developing and implementing CRM systems tailored to the needs of media and publishing industries, specifically focusing on advertising processes. Respondents should demonstrate capabilities in integrating and consolidating customer relations, advertising management, and workflow optimization features within a centralized CRM platform, ultimately enhancing efficiency and coordination for Stars and Stripes' advertising operations. Additionally, they may be expected to showcase experience in working with similar organizations and delivering successful outcomes in streamlining advertising workflows.

2. What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for features as follows:

1. Payment and Financial Management:
   
   
   
   
   • ACH Payment Incentives
   
   
   • Alternative Payments/Barter Tracking
   
   
   • API & Premium Integrations
   
   
   • Integration of Authorize.Net or equivalent
   
   
   • Auto Payments
   
   
   • Custom Contracts & Invoices
   
   
   • Custom Fields
   
   
   • Custom Invoice Item Types
   
   
   • General Ledger Reporting
   
   
   • Payment Plans
   
   
   
   


2. Advertising and Creative:
   
   
   
   • Ad Library
   
   
   • Ad Proofs
   
   
   • Drag & Drop publication layouts
   
   
   • Online portal for advertiser approvals of ads
   
   
   • Sales flyer library
   
   
   • Media Kits
   
   
   • Proposal Package Templates
   
   
   • Camera Ready ad submission with preflight tools
   
   
   
   


3. Workflow and Project Management:
   
   
   
   • Automation & Workflow Engine
   
   
   • Card-Style (Kanban) Task Pipelines
   
   
   • Projects
   
   
   • Ticket-Based Support (customer to sales team, sales team to finance/graphic artist)
   
   
   
   


4. Sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
   
   
   
   • Commission Tracking
   
   
   • Digital Signatures
   
   
   • Goals Department Sales
   
   
   • Goals Management Sales Rep
   
   
   • Integration of Google Ad Manager
   
   
   • Lead Scoring
   
   
   • Sales Forecasting
   
   
   • Two-Way Adobe InDesign Integration
   
   
   
   


5. Communication and Collaboration:
   
   
   
   • Additional Support & Onboarding
   
   
   • eCommerce Checkout
   
   
   • Integration of Microsoft Calendar
   
   
   • Integration of Microsoft Email
   
   
   • Integration of DocuSign
   
   
   • Integration of MailChimp for mass email & SMS Campaigns
   
   
   • Landing Page Creation
   
   
   • In-Software Calling
   
   
   • User Groups/Teams
   
   
   
   


6. Miscellaneous:
   
   
   
   • Auto-Renewing Products
   
   
   • Forecasting
   
   
   
   

Respondents are invited to provide information on the following subjects of interest to the Stars and Stripes: Feedback on Planned Approach/Information about Y Technology Marketplace/How Project will Impact X Community/etc. Respondents may/may not include additional attachments with their response document