Introduction

In the previous article, we introduced the "graph function," which allows you to visualize the data accumulated in your CRM as graphs.

This time, we'll introduce the "relationship function" that links various types of data handled in CRM .

"We want to manage clients and projects in a linked manner."

"I want to review multiple projects linked to a single customer."

"We would also like to review the activity history and contract information related to the project."

This is where the relationship function comes in handy.

What is the relationship function?

A relationship is a function that allows you to link data from different entities together.

For example, CRM systems may manage the following types of information:

• ·customer
• ・Project
• Activity history
• ·contract
• ·Quotation
• ・製品

Instead of managing these separately, linking them allows you to connect and view information such as "which customer has which project, and what activities and contracts are associated with that project."

Linking data together

For example, let's say you are managing "customers" and "projects".

By linking customers with projects,

Customer A
↓
Project A
Project B
Project C

In this way, you can link and manage multiple projects for a single client.

This allows you to quickly see related cases when you check customer information.

Set up relationships such as one-to-many.

Relationships have settings that correspond to the relationships between data.

For example,

Multiple projects for one client

If that is the relationship,

Customer: 1
↓
Projects: Many

This creates a "one-to-many" relationship.

On the other hand, depending on the task, data may be linked in different ways.

View related data from the form.

The usefulness of relationships isn't limited to just linking data together.

By making the associated data viewable from the form, you can access related information from a single screen .

For example, when you open customer information,

• Related projects
• Related activities
• Related contracts

By making it possible to check such information, you can centrally manage customer data.

Manage CRM information as "connected data".

By utilizing the relationship function, information registered in the CRM can be managed not as isolated data, but as data with relationships .

For example, in sales activities,

customer
↓
case
↓
Activity History
↓
Quotation and contract

In this way, information can be connected according to the workflow.

Benefits of using the relationship function

By utilizing the relationship function, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• - Related data can be managed together.
• - You can quickly check projects and other information linked to customers.
• - Reduces the effort required to search for information.
• - Allows for easy management of relationships between data.
• - Data management can be tailored to the workflow.

Especially in CRM, where operations are carried out by combining multiple pieces of information such as customers, projects, activities, and contracts, linking data together is extremely important.

💡 One-point usage example

For example, in sales management,

customer
→ case
→ Quotation
→ Agreement

By associating information in this way,

"What kind of projects does this client have?"

"Has this project progressed to the point of providing an estimate?"

"Is it already under contract?"

This makes it easier to check such information without having to search through various data sources.

Relationship between entities and relationships

As introduced in the second installment, an "entity" is a unit of data that is managed.

And in this case, "relationships" play the role of connecting each entity .

For example,

entity

• ·customer
• ・Project
• ·contract

Create a

Relationship

• ・Customer ↔ Project
• ・Project ↔ Contract

By establishing this relationship, you can create a data structure tailored to your specific business needs.

Summary

This time, we introduced the "Relationship Function," which allows you to manage different types of data by linking them together.

CRM uses a combination of various pieces of information, such as customer data, projects, activities, and contracts, to perform tasks.

By linking different data points, it becomes easier to find information, and customer and project-related information can be managed more centrally.

It's not just about "registering data," but also about "connecting data with each other."

The relationship function is an important feature for achieving data management tailored to your business needs.

Next time, we'll introduce the "security role function," which allows for the proper management of data registered in the CRM for each user .

Please be sure to watch the next episode as well.