vtiger

mikefedyk · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:02 am Post subject: What is "Next Step"?

Can someone please tell me what the "Next Step" field is for?

BrianLaughlin · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 801

Where did you see that?

We created a custom field called Next Step.

The way we use it is that it's a quick way for users to know what they plan to do with this account/contact/lead. In a CRM that we used prior the next step would cycle to last action whenever next step was updated.

Not only did this help with being in a flow when you are calling on clients, but it became easier to manage sales staff.

Brian

mikefedyk · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: What is "Next Step"?

BrianLaughlin wrote: Where did you see that?

We created a custom field called Next Step.

It is a field in a potential.

I saw it several times, but have no idea what it is for or how it is used and referenced.

BrianLaughlin · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 801

You probably know of this link already.
http://www.vtiger.com/wiki/index.php/Vtiger_CRM_-_Developer_Guide

I think it is just a text field. We're using it as a flag for the user to know what is the next step that will be taken to advance the sale.

mikefedyk · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: What is "Next Step"?

I've been using a combination of events and notes for that instead.

Typical subjects for an event will have "Faxed, call foo bar" and it shows up well in the history. Notes are for when a long conversation has taken place with the lead and you want to keep track what was said. (I have had to disable fckeditor in the notes because it takes so fscking long to start and it does some wierd things to the cursor).

The one thing that is missing is a close and duplicate button for events. I'll have it done soon.

How would next step be used in this situation?

BrianLaughlin · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 801

Seems like you wouldn't need to to use it.

I guess it would boil down to flexibility and user preference. A few examples I can think of might be: (1) simple way to manage project flow. (2) Working with a team everyone can easily see the next step. (3) trigger some other process to run like automatic email updates. (4) A quick and dirty note where you don't need to see a history or take the time to click deeper and set up an activity.

Brian