Close
By Elastic
Implementing Close software involves a structured process that can be completed in a matter of weeks, making it significantly faster than many other CRM systems. The typical implementation process includes several key steps:
The entire implementation process for Close typically takes less than six weeks, from preparation to go-live. This rapid deployment is one of the key advantages of Close, allowing businesses to start benefiting from the new CRM system quickly.
Close software is highly customizable, allowing users to create a sales tool that suits their specific processes. It offers custom dashboards and fields, custom activities, and a sales pipeline that can be customized to mirror the business's sales process. Users can also create custom Smart Views to filter and sort data, improving team collaboration. Close integrates with over 75 tools for sales, marketing, prospecting, and communication, enhancing its functionality and adaptability. It also offers robust automation features like email automation and the Power Dialer, which streamline repetitive tasks and increase productivity. These tools can be customized to fit specific sales processes, allowing teams to focus on high-value activities.
Close provides comprehensive training and support options to help new users get up to speed with the CRM:
Close CRM is a robust data protection system that adheres to data privacy regulations like GDPR. Key security measures include data encryption for both in transit and at rest, strict access controls, audit trails, regular audits and verification of access controls, and GDPR compliance. Data encryption protects sensitive information from unauthorized access during transmission and storage. Access controls limit who can view or use personal data, including role-based controls. Regular audits and verification of access controls identify potential security breaches proactively. Close also implements processes to comply with GDPR, including data processing agreements and standard contractual clauses for data transfer. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code during login or sensitive actions. Finally, Close provides data processing agreements to customers, ensuring data transfers to third-party countries comply with GDPR requirements.
Close CRM regularly releases updates to improve functionality, security, and add new features. These updates are managed through a detailed changelog, which keeps users informed about the latest changes. The platform is seamlessly integrated with new features without significant disruption and provides detailed documentation and support to help users understand and utilize new features effectively. Close also incorporates user feedback into its updates, ensuring the platform evolves to meet user needs, thereby maintaining high levels of user satisfaction and engagement. This iterative process ensures that Close CRM remains relevant and effective in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Data Ownership: Close CRM ensures that the personal data collected and processed is owned by the user or the organization that inputs the data. This means that users retain control over their data and can manage it as needed.
Data Portability: Close CRM supports data portability, allowing users to export their data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This is crucial for complying with GDPR, which grants individuals the right to transfer their data to another service provider.
Data Export Functions: Close CRM offers various export functions, enabling users to comply with data portability requirements. Users can export data in multiple file formats, making it easier to transfer data to other platforms or services.
Compliance with GDPR: Close CRM has implemented processes to ensure compliance with GDPR, including data processing agreements and standard contractual clauses for data transfer. This ensures that data handling practices meet stringent European data protection standards.
Close CRM offers a flexible platform for organizations to scale up or down based on their needs. Administrators can easily add or remove users through Team Management settings, ensuring continuity of records. Users can also be reassigned tasks, opportunities, and phone numbers to other team members during the removal process, ensuring smooth transfer of responsibilities. If a user's assigned phone number is removed, it can be reassigned to another user or ported to a new carrier, maintaining continuity in communication channels. Close CRM allows for adjustments to user roles and permissions, setting specific access rights for different user groups to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Organizations can cancel their Close CRM account through the settings menu, which remains active until the end of the current billing period. Users can undo the cancellation if they choose to continue using the service.
Contract Renewal:
Automatic Renewal: Contracts with Close CRM are typically set to automatically be renewed unless explicitly terminated by the user. This means that unless you take action to cancel, your subscription will continue into the next term.
Notice Period: To prevent automatic renewal, users must provide written notice of non-renewal before the end of the current subscription term. The exact notice period required is not specified in the provided sources, but it is common practice to require notice at least 30 days before the renewal date.
Contract Cancellation:
Cancellation Process: Users can cancel their subscription by following the procedures outlined on the Close CRM website. This typically involves accessing the account settings and selecting the option to cancel the subscription.
Refund Policy: Close CRM's fees are non-refundable. This means that if you cancel your subscription before the end of the paid term, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of the subscription.
Data Access Post-Cancellation: Upon cancellation, users will lose access to their account and data. Close CRM may retain the data for a certain period (e.g., 30 days) to allow users to export their data, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
Phone Numbers: If you downgrade or terminate your service, you will forfeit any phone numbers associated with your account.
Close CRM adheres to several compliance standards to ensure data protection and security. Here are the key compliance measures:
GDPR Compliance:
Data Processing Agreements: Close CRM provides Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) to customers, which include standard contractual clauses for data transfer to third-party countries. This ensures compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Data Controller and Processor Obligations: Close has implemented processes to meet both Data Controller and Data Processor obligations under GDPR. This includes conducting a risk-based gap analysis and validating it with an independent GDPR expert.
Data Removal Requests: Close allows users to request the removal of their data, ensuring compliance with GDPR's right to be forgotten.
Security Measures:
Encryption: Close uses encryption for data both in transit and at rest, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Access Controls: The platform employs strict access controls to limit who can view or use personal data within the CRM system.
Audit Trails: Close maintains audit trails to record all activities related to data handling, providing transparency and aiding in compliance verification.
Industry Standards:
Best Practices: Close follows industry-standard best information security practices and rigorously tests its products to proactively remedy bugs and vulnerabilities.
