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Leading organisations choose Mast
Mast provides solutions to the problems your organisation faces with its current systems. Reduce inefficiency and make your system work for you, not against you.
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We talk to your key staff
We listen to your teams’ experience of using your systems at all levels.
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We identify problems and pain points
We build a full picture of blockages to achieving your fundraising goals.
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We assess existing technology and processes
We get inside the detail of your current system and how your organisation uses it.
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We provide effective solutions
We document our recommendations and the benefits they will provide.
What are the results of a membership database review?
A database review by MAST ICT’s expert consultants can lead to major improvements in the efficiency of membership organisations.
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Staff buy-in
Teams embrace change when they are involved in change projects.
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Cost-effective solutions
We understand the way membership organisations work, and specify achievable solutions.
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Responsive problem solving
We give expert support to in-house IT teams and manage system upgrades.
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Increased efficiency
We deliver step changes in efficiency for membership organisations.
What is a membership database review?
Many of the organisations we work with have existing CRM systems ranging from basic to state-of-the-art technologies. We are frequently consulted on the feasibility of upgrading current systems as well as providing expert advice on installing new systems.
We talk
We interview key staff to find out about the problems they experience. We speak to people at all levels of the organisation, from data entry employees who deal with day-to-day practicalities of entering data to senior management who need to extract accurate and timely reports. Talking to your staff involves them in the database review process and is an effective way of overcoming resistance to change.
We identify issues
We dig deep to understand where and how blockages and stumbling blocks arise. There may be technology limitations or imperfect processes. Equally it could be a lack of training and expertise in using the current system. We explore how an organisation uses data and where appropriate will suggest alternative ways of interrogating your database. For example, we’ll ask ‘Why re-key data in an Excel spreadsheet, rather than draw the same information directly from a data feed’.
We evaluate your existing technology and processes
We have deep knowledge of the real world challenges of working in the charity and fundraising sector. Our far-reaching know-how in fundraising database software and systems enables us to understand the best options for improving your technology. We are also independent and will only recommend solutions that will best enable you to achieve your goals. We understand how charities and fundraisers work, and we take a business analysis approach to the processes in place within your organisation. By reviewing your existing processes in depth, we are able to evaluate the improvements which can be delivered by improving them.
We assess existing technology and processes
Our experience covers the real world challenges of working in the charity and fundraising sector. We have extensive, practical knowledge of fundraising database software and systems. We are completely independent and will only recommend technology that is best suited to your organisation’s overall needs. We also have in-depth experience of the processes which make charities tick, and we take a business analysis approach to the way your organisation operates. As a result our reviews are thorough and can result in step change improvements in your organisation’s data usage.
We deliver technology solutions
We recommend solutions that may be based on tweaks to existing technology or on more substantial system upgrades. If any part of a system has genuinely reached the end of its useful life, we will put forward alternatives. Our team of consultants will implement the technology with as much involvement for your IT team as you require. We understand that charities and fundraisers frequently need to make intense demands on internal staff for systems-based projects. We have a successful track record of helping out and fixing projects which have run into difficulties.
We advise on process changes
We also recommend process changes where they will make a positive difference. Our open, honest approach, with a strong focus on the benefits of change, is a major factor in overcoming any resistance, and in breaking down silos. We will also specify and deliver training programmes which help staff to develop skills and be increasingly valuable members of your organisation.
Organisations need to know exactly who has access to your database, both within your organisation and externally. They will want to see the trackability of log-ins down to individual users and specific sessions. The organisation should be clear about what use is being made of the data. A comprehensive audit will cover the who, what, when and why of data usage, allowing an organisation to demonstrate the robustness of its approach. In many cases this will include the configuration of different levels of access to different users based on their responsibilities and data training. The important principle is that a thorough approach to access is essential for good database management.
An audit trail is likely to span multiple users and sessions, possibly across multiple platforms sitting on both on-site servers and cloud-based technology. To report on such a complex spread of activity, audit software comes to the fore. There are multiple options available, either as a stand-alone software product or as an integral part of a CRM/database platform.
Data security is necessarily the most important function within data management. Without effective data security an organisation simply cannot function properly. If data is at risk so is the organisation handling it, with the risk of financial loss, personal data infringements, a damaged reputation and legal consequences. Your database configuration should allow for the set up of an audit trail which: Monitors which user has made any change to any part of the database, and when the modification was made. Records logins, both successful and failed. Tracks the changes made to any field on the database. A secure approach to access is mandatory, with usernames, passwords, password updates and two-stage logins to be considered. Critically, audits must be run frequently to identify any unusual usages and modifications.
““Without a doubt, Mast accelerated the process of launching our CRM system by at least 6 months. Our consultant was extremely personable with great interpersonal skills.”
Operations & IT Director
Care for the Family
“Mast were knowledgeable, helpful and professional at all times and worked with us to deliver the application to a tight deadline within budget.”
Cancer Research
“Mast helped us define a new logical data model, which helped resolve the issues with our business processes.”
Head of IT
RoSPA
“Mast was extremely easy to work with. They were very flexible, proactive, highly capable and competent. They gave us the solution we wanted and all the way through we felt Mast worked with us to achieve our goals.”
Head of Operations
Every Child
“Mast monitored our automated processes, so if anything fell over late at night or on the weekend, they would fix it and email to let us know. We highly recommend them.”
CQI
