Dynamics 365 is a suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) applications offered by Microsoft. Within the context of Toastmasters International, Dynamics 365 is being utilized to modernize the member experience, enhance global growth, and improve operational efficiency. This adoption helps Toastmasters manage member data, streamline communications, and support its global network of clubs.
Toastmasters International, an organization dedicated to empowering confident communicators and leaders for 100 years, has adopted Microsoft Dynamics 365 to enhance its operations. Jason Caldwell, Club Quality and Member Support Manager at Toastmasters, highlighted that this CRM makes it "very easy for our team to look at the history of a member and their contacts with us. It connects all the dots, giving everybody the information they need when they need it.". This integration is crucial for improving the member experience and setting the stage for future growth.
Beyond the organizational level, individual Toastmasters clubs are also leveraging Microsoft's ecosystem. For instance, Doral Toastmasters has adopted Microsoft 365, using tools like Microsoft Forms for guest sign-ins and Power Automate for outreach, demonstrating the broader applicability of Microsoft solutions within the Toastmasters community.
While Dynamics 365 is a powerful tool for managing member data and improving internal processes for Toastmasters International, it is not directly integrated into the public-facing Toastmasters website or individual club pages in a way that is visible to the average user. The Toastmasters website, accessible at www.toastmasters.org, primarily serves as a platform for finding clubs, learning about the program, and accessing member resources. For example, the "Find a Club" feature allows prospective members to locate clubs based on schedule and location, and some clubs, like "Microsoft Toasters 365," even indicate their meeting times and membership restrictions. However, the underlying Dynamics 365 system operates as a backend solution to manage the vast amount of member data and interactions, rather than being a direct user interface on the public website.
The use of Dynamics 365 by Toastmasters International is part of a broader trend where non-profit organizations and sports clubs are adopting Microsoft's business applications to improve efficiency and member engagement. For example, NC Fusion, a North Carolina-based sports club, uses Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Dynamics 365 Sales to manage marketing campaigns, unify customer data, and create tailored content faster, utilizing features like Microsoft Copilot for targeted audience segmentation. This demonstrates how Dynamics 365 helps organizations with diverse audience segments to scale their operations and deliver personalized experiences, much like Toastmasters aims to do for its global membership. The ability to integrate disparate data sources and gain a unified view of customer data is a significant benefit, as highlighted by Chris Barnhart, Head of IT and Data Systems at NC Fusion, who noted that before Dynamics 365, "None of our systems talked to each other, and we relied on human intervention."
The implementation of Dynamics 365 allows Toastmasters to centralize member information, track interactions, and provide more personalized support, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and efficient global organization. This strategic adoption ensures that Toastmasters International can continue to grow and serve its members effectively for years to come.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of cloud-based business applications that combines Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionalities. It helps businesses streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive better business outcomes by connecting teams, processes, and data. Dynamics 365 offers a range of modular applications that can be customized and integrated with other Microsoft products like Microsoft 365, Azure, and the Power Platform.
Here's a more detailed look:
Core Functionality:
CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
Includes applications for sales, marketing, customer service, and field service, focusing on managing customer interactions and improving the customer experience.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning):
Covers areas like finance, supply chain management, human resources, and operations, helping to optimize back-office functions and improve efficiency.
Key Features:
Modular Apps:
Dynamics 365 offers a variety of pre-built, modular applications that can be combined and configured to meet specific business needs.
AI-Powered:
Leverages artificial intelligence to automate tasks, provide insights, and enhance decision-making.
Integration:
Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products like Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Azure, and the Power Platform, enabling a unified and connected business environment.
Scalability:
Designed to scale with the growth of your business, offering solutions for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises.
Customization:
Can be customized and extended to address unique business requirements.
Examples of Applications:
