In the fast-paced world of technology, innovation is the driving force behind progress. The purpose of technology is to push the boundaries of what’s possible and to always ask “What’s next?”
Technology continuously redefines our understanding and interaction with the world around us. We’ve come to expect innovation – it’s what we see at the annual Apple keynote, it’s what we’re seeing with the transformative power of AI, and we usually raise the flag when we don’t see innovation in the technology we use.
But do we apply this same perspective when evaluating association management software?
We’ve made significant progress
If you’ve been in the association space for a minute, the introduction of technology marked a significant shift. It replaced paper forms and fax machines, making member engagement and administrative tasks easier.
However, just because it's an improvement doesn't mean it's the best solution. Innovation is about constantly pushing for better options.
Think about how easy it is to order food or book a vacation with modern apps. It’s because they're built on top-notch technology.
Now, contrast that with the headaches of dealing with member renewals or event sign-ups in your association's AMS. If it's been frustrating, causes manual labor where it should be automated, or worse, affects your revenue, there's room for improvement.
When your AMS is built on modern technology, the possibilities are endless.
The power of modern technology for associations
Sure, it sounds cool to say that your AMS is built on the latest and greatest technology, but what does that really mean for your association?
THE EXPERIENCE YOUR MEMBERS EXPECT + DESERVE
Your member-facing portal is an extension of your association. The look and feel, user experience, and ultimately, the way it functions are completely dependent on the technology it’s built on.
Consequently, the portal experience represents your brand, independent of the AMS or tool that hosts it. If it’s confusing, outdated, or cumbersome for members, they perceive it as a reflection of your organization.
In today's digital age, where online interactions dominate, your member portal is compared to other platforms and apps members engage with regularly.
By leveraging the latest technology for your member portal, you can provide members with the seamless online experience they anticipate and deserve. This streamlines tasks like updating their information, renewing memberships, or registering for events, ultimately encouraging increased interaction with your organization.
Plus, any time saved from not having to fight against an outdated portal translates into valuable resources redirected toward advancing member initiatives.
RELYING ON CUSTOMIZATIONS IS A THING OF THE PAST
Most associations seem to have a horror story associated with building a customization in their AMS. Whether it's the excessive costs, the extended timelines that exceed initial projections, or, worse still, a result that falls short of expectations.
Relying heavily on customizations often hinders the adoption of new innovations in your AMS. When new features or upgrades are introduced, the inability to integrate arises due to fear of breaking existing customizations or incurring additional costs to rebuild them.
But in a space so reliant on customizations, how do we get away from them? By choosing a system that productizes innovation. That means new features are built (often!) based on customer feedback – if it benefits one organization, chances are others need it too. To account for the intricacies that come up since all associations are unique, the platform or feature should be flexible enough to account for many different processes.
When association platforms are built on the latest technology, innovation comes at a faster and more predictable rate. Plus, you can be excited about the features, since they don’t break your current workflows or processes.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATIONS WITH THE OTHER PLATFORMS YOU LOVE
If your AMS, the core piece of your association technology stack, isn’t up to the standards of technology in 2024, chances are it’s tough to integrate with.
Without getting too nerdy (IT folks, feel free to geek out here), open and well-documented APIs facilitate seamless data exchange between platforms. If one side of that integration is limited, it makes it nearly impossible to pass information back and forth, leaving staff reliant on manual processes or data entry.
If you cannot integrate platforms like your LMS, FMS, or community platform with your AMS, what data and automation are you missing out on? Think of how much time you could get back in your week if information synced automatically.
In modern technology, integrations are treated as integral parts of the core product and are supported accordingly, rather than being treated as customizations. Most integrations can be activated effortlessly, often as simple as toggling a switch, importing a user key, and selecting the desired information for exchange.
Embracing the power of modern technology holds immense potential for associations, enabling them to meet evolving member needs, drive efficiency, and foster innovation. By pushing for and expecting better technology, associations can unlock new opportunities for growth, engagement, and success. It's time to raise the bar and welcome a future where technology empowers associations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
