In the interview with Mr. Heiko Jöckel, Managing Director of Network Concept GmbH, we focus in particular on the selection of suitable software solutions for medium-sized companies…

As a certified “CAS Gold Partner” and “Sage Reseller Gold”, Network Concept supports customers throughout the entire process – from professional consulting and planning to the design and implementation of your projects. The company is a regional specialist for CRM, ERP and corporate organization solutions as well as related services.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: As the local office of the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses, we talk to many SMEs about their sales processes. Time and again, we find that companies spend – and sometimes lose – a lot of money because they choose the wrong software solutions for their business. What would you recommend to an SME to ensure it finds the optimal solution?

Heiko Jöckel:
The introduction of a new solution is a good opportunity to take a holistic look at the company, its processes, needs and requirements. This analysis will reveal where processes can still be improved, so that ultimately an optimal overall concept tailored to actual requirements is created – without unnecessary extras. Our software solutions are then adapted to this overall concept. For this comprehensive optimization, it makes sense to obtain the overall concept from a single source. That is why Network Concept offers a wide range: CRM, ERP and corporate organization solutions.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Once the solution concept has been developed together with the customer, what are the next steps?

Heiko Jöckel:
We implement the solution step by step. Following an individual workshop in which actual requirements are precisely analyzed, the corresponding design is derived. This is followed by implementation, configuration and data migration. At the same time, the project team receives training. This is followed by a test and acceptance. At the same time, employees are trained and their questions are answered so that they are optimally prepared for live operation. Of course, we remain in close consultation with the customer throughout the entire process. Even after implementation, we provide comprehensive, qualified support for our customers. Such a solution should always be adapted to changes in the company or its framework conditions, so that we can continue to support our customers with advice and assistance in the future. This leads to long-term partnerships.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: In your opinion, why does it make sense to use standard solutions even if the customer’s processes do not perfectly match the solution?

Heiko Jöckel:
Network Concept does not offer standard solutions in the traditional sense. Our solutions are modular in structure and highly adaptable, ensuring they are tailored precisely to the company’s needs. This approach allows for a wide range of customization options. Additionally, our solutions automatically incorporate any required legal requirements, which significantly simplifies compliance for customers when regulatory conditions change. And if, in rare cases, the existing modules and customization options cannot meet specific requirements, we also have our own development specialists who can implement the necessary programming.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Customers often ask us whether it might be more sensible to opt for an ERP solution instead of a CRM system. In your opinion, what are the advantages of an ERP solution? Could you briefly outline the key differences?

Heiko Jöckel:
CRM and ERP solutions have very different focuses and should be seen as complementary. While CRM focuses on relationship management with customers, suppliers, and partners, an ERP solution maps out nearly all business processes to optimize resource utilization. The primary focus is typically on inventory management and financials. However, there are naturally overlapping areas. That’s why we also offer interfaces between ERP and CRM solutions to ensure seamless data exchange and consistent data maintenance. Some ERP solutions do include a CRM module, but these are rarely as comprehensive or adaptable as using a dedicated CRM solution connected to the ERP system via our interface.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Let’s talk about cloud solutions. More and more companies are now embracing cloud-based systems. What does Network Concept offer in this area?

Heiko Jöckel:
The software vendors we have successfully collaborated with for many years offer cloud-based solutions alongside their on-premise installations. These are hosted on servers in Germany, ensuring data security. We can therefore provide these solutions to companies on an individual basis as well.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Finally, let’s discuss the latest trends in CRM. What are the current trends, and how are these elements integrated into your systems?

Heiko Jöckel:
A current and ever-expanding trend that our mobile solution addresses is the growing desire among people to work independently of location. Another trend in CRM is the steadily increasing automation. The growing integration of marketing and sales can already be optimally mapped today with CAS genesisWorld, which significantly facilitates close collaboration. Extensive search and filter functions can also be defined, which play an important role in marketing automation. In addition, we offer integration with Evalanche, a comprehensive marketing automation solution, as well as Inxmail Professional.

And of course, data protection remains a major issue: the GDPR continues to influence the working world, and the introduction of the ePrivacy Regulation, planned for 2020, will also be a topic. Not least, the use of artificial intelligence and other automation solutions must be designed in compliance with data protection laws, which will certainly also pose a challenge for the coming years.

In general, our software partners are very interested in identifying new trends at an early stage, assessing their potential and impact, and integrating them into their solutions. In this respect, we are well equipped for the future with the solutions we offer.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Great, that sounds really exciting. So I’m already looking forward to a great presentation of your company, including the latest solutions in the areas of CRM, ERP and IMS for SMEs.

The interview was conducted by Michael Mattis, organizer of the Digital FUTUREcongress on 05.11.2019 in Essen and head of the local office of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) Rhine-Main.