As an association executive will tell you, the association management system (AMS) can be the glue that holds an association together. But, unfortunately, it can also be the cause of severe headaches and discontent amongst the staff and members.
While it may seem daunting, finding and implementing an AMS is critical. To be able to manage your association and digital marketing technology stack effectively and efficiently. So it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked in your planning process. That’s where this guide comes in!
What is an AMS?
An AMS is a database containing information about the members of an association. It has two main functions:
- Tracking and reporting membership transactions
- Providing member services such as individualized newsletters, volunteer opportunities, event registration, and more.
An AMS can streamline your work by automating many tasks and making them easier for you. Plus, it will help you be more efficient in your day-to-day operations. For example, your AMS will save time on paperwork because you’ll be able to keep track of payments, dues, and cancellations right on the spot, because most systems are web-based and easy to use. As a result, it should only take 30 minutes a month to maintain your system, which means less stress for you and your digital marketing technology stack!
If you still need to decide if an AMS is suitable for you, consider what benefits your organization might get from having one. Then start researching available options so that you can choose one that works best for your needs!
Most AMS providers offer free demos, so feel free to contact them with any questions. Or if there are features that they show that would benefit your Non-Profit organization and help make it more efficient.
Why do You Need an AMS?
Association Management Systems (AMS) are an excellent way for Non-Profit and membership-based organizations to manage their data and automate administrative tasks. They are tailored for this type of work and offer some great benefits. An AMS will allow your organization to:
- Automate many administrative tasks, which can free up staff time to do more valuable work
- Allow members to have easy access to information that is important to them
- You’ll also be able to collect important information like dues or event registrations in one central place, making it easier for your team.
- It’s best not to let any business go on without a management system in place.
If you need an AMS, here are some things to remember as you search: * What are the association’s requirements? Will you need tools for managing finances, member records, events, and conferences? * Who is going to use the AMS? Is it just admins, or would other staff benefits from using it too?
How much do you want to spend on setting up an AMS? There are various paid and free options out there, depending on your needs. There are also ways to get started with an existing system by signing up for a cloud service if you don’t want to install the software.
How do You Choose the Right AMS?
Choosing the right AMS can be difficult. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some things you should consider:
What is your budget? Are you looking for software that will cover all of your association needs or just a specific part? Do you need special features like mobile access, event management, and online registration? Do you have any other special requirements, such as bilingual support or catering services? How many events do you host per year?
All of these questions will play a role in your decision. The best place to start is by looking for an AMS that has all of your needs covered. For example, you’ll need online registration if you plan on charging event attendees for admission, but not every AMS comes with registration as a feature. If it doesn’t, and that’s a requirement for your association, then it might not be suitable for you.
What Features Should You Look for in an AMS?
When shopping for an AMS, there are several features that you should look for:
- The first is a clear and intuitive interface. This will make it easier to manage your association as well as find information when you need it.
- Second, the system should be scalable. If your organization grows in size or changes in any way, the system should be able to grow and change with it.
- Thirdly, you want a system that is affordable.
How Much Does an AMS Cost?
The cost of an AMS is typically based on the complexity of your association and the size of your membership. A simple system could start at $85 – $100 a month, but more complex designs can cost upwards of $500 a month.
There are many different types of management systems available on the market, but some can cost upwards of $5000 per year. That might seem like a lot at first glance. But if you think about how much time goes into managing an association without an AMS, then those costs can actually be justified.
There are many different types of software with many various features. Some have mobile applications that allow you to check balances and add members on the go. Others will have advanced analytics or group management tools. You’ll need to decide what is most important for your organization before making a decision.
Conclusion
In the end, AMS is just a tool. What matters most is the purpose for which the system was built and how it will help you achieve your goals regarding data management and digital marketing technology stack. If you need more guidance, then this blog post has given you some helpful tips to get started on your journey with an AMS. Suppose you are looking for software that can do everything in one place. There are many out there, but not all of them have all of the features that you might need to run an association.