After traveling to Toronto for ASAE and the Center’s Annual Meeting and Expo last month, I was struck by the number of people I spoke to who use Microsoft Excel or Access to keep track of their data. It’s true that technology solutions can be expensive, but an association management system is an investment that will pay off far into the future.

A week or so ago, Wes Trochlil at Effective Database Management shared his theory on why associations don’t invest in technology: many staff members and boards of directors still think short-term rather than long-term.

I tend to agree with his conclusions. However, I also think the sheer number of AMS providers can be daunting, especially to small-staff associations who perhaps aren’t sure where to start.

It’s important to note that different AMS providers are properly suited for different types of associations. Every organization’s needs are different. Luckily, there are enough options available to find a suitable match. Many organizations, specifically small-staffs, likely don’t have a “technology plan” or any sort of strategy to best manage their data.

Having the right association management software is key — it literally can amortize within five or 10 years and pay for itself. There may some initial investments — not just money, but also time. However, the proper training can make a world of difference once you begin to incorporate the software in your day-to-day life. No matter which AMS you choose, you’ll likely be able to create new revenue streams, such as sponsorship or job board revenue.

Keep in mind association management software is not “one size fits all.” For example, our product is tailored to the needs of small-staff associations, but other vendors are geared more toward larger organizations. And that’s OK. Every vendor has its own strengths and weaknesses.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to research properly. A few suggestions: reach out to similar organizations for a few recommendations. And ASAE and The Center’s Web site has a plethora of technology resources and information. That research is the foundation for a solution that will literally become the backbone of your association. Don’t underestimate how powerful an AMS solution can be for your organization.