In today's fast-paced digital environment, efficiency is paramount. For many businesses, the process of collecting data through web forms and then manually entering it into Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. These delays can lead to missed opportunities and hinder the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns or customer engagement strategies. At Visus LLC, we recently encountered this challenge head-on and developed a unique solution that not only streamlined the process but also set a new standard for efficiency.
The Problem: Inefficient Data Collection and Processing
The problem was straightforward but significant: data collected via web forms on our client's site was not being immediately processed in their CRM platform. Instead, the data had to be manually transferred, which introduced delays and increased the potential for errors. This manual process was inefficient and did not align with our client's need for timely data to drive their business decisions.
The Solution: A Seamless Integration Using Sitefinity and SurveyMonkey
Our team set out to find a solution that would automate the data transfer process, ensuring that the data collected through web forms would be immediately and accurately sent to the target platform—in this case, SurveyMonkey.
We achieved this by attaching an event handler to intercept the Sitefinity Form Entry action. This event handler captured the data in real-time and sent it directly to SurveyMonkey via API requests. However, simply intercepting the data wasn't enough; we needed to ensure that the system could handle various data targets. To do this, we extended Sitefinity’s form settings, allowing us to determine which survey or data target the responses should be directed to.
This solution eliminated the need for manual data entry, reduced the possibility of errors, and significantly sped up the process, allowing our client to access and analyze data almost immediately after it was submitted.
Lessons Learned: Best Practices for Streamlined Integrations
Through this project, we learned several key lessons that can be applied to future integrations:
1. Maximizing Sitefinity’s Potential: We discovered that Sitefinity’s Form Entry action is incredibly versatile and can be leveraged to intercept data and send it to other systems as needed. This opens up a range of possibilities for integrating Sitefinity forms with various third-party platforms.
2. Extending Form Properties: By extending Sitefinity’s form properties, we were able to include additional fields required for any third-party integration. This not only made the process smoother but also provided more flexibility for future integrations with different platforms.
3. User-Friendly Admin Widgets: To ensure that the solution could be easily used by non-technical users, we created an Admin widget. This widget simplifies the process of managing the connector, making it accessible to users without deep technical knowledge. This is a best practice that we will continue to employ in future projects to enhance user experience and adoption.
Conclusion
The integration of Sitefinity forms with SurveyMonkey was a game-changer for our client. By automating the data transfer process and eliminating manual entry, we were able to significantly improve efficiency and accuracy. This project not only solved the immediate problem but also provided us with valuable insights into how we can leverage Sitefinity’s capabilities for other clients.
At Visus LLC, we are committed to finding innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. This project is a testament to our ability to deliver customized, effective solutions that meet our clients' unique needs. If your business is facing similar challenges, we would love to help you find a solution that works.