Client Management & Tracking Database Needed

Our non-profit (mental health area) needs a Client Management system that tracks the following: Clt/Staff phone calls,  contact info for each client, history of clt, etc. There are so many different client databases out there and we are willing to pay for a new system, but we don't know where to start.  We would also need something that lets us know the status of each client whether they are active/inactive, need follow-up, and so on.

Does anyone know who we can start contacting for our organizational needs?

I know of two providers specifically for this.  However, before proceeding to contact anyone, I would go through the process of more clearly defining your needs in a document.  Clearly list each feature you need.  Then prioritize it into 3 categories: need to have, nice to have, don't need (or something like that).  Then you can use this as a matrix to evaluate systems against each other based on your needs and not a sales pitch.  Let us know if you need help with this part.  I list the following in no particular order of preference.

• Sigmund Software
• Echo Group

One of my clients uses the Echo Group's software.  I can see if they'd be willing to join this forum to communicate with you on their experience(s).  I believe both of these software also handle billing as an add-in module.

Take a look at the software on this list.  The first one is mine and is free to 501(c)(3) but may not be a good fit as it was built for food pantries

webpages.charter.net/bobalston/Documents/NonProfit%20Software%20Resources.htm#Case

Bob

Basic contact management solutions can satisfy your needs as stated. I agree with Shipley that you first need a carefully documented set of "needs" so that you can properly assess the software available. 

A sampling of factors to consider:

Who will use the system? How will they use it?

For each "use" of the system - What is the priority of that functionality relative to others? What is the business case behind having that functionality?

What will your future needs be? (as in, what might you ask of the software in 2 years, 5 years, etc)

What other software in the office should it work with? Its likely you'll want to integrate with or encompass your donor database as both perform the same essential function ~keeping track of important information related to your constituency. Perhaps in the future you'll want integration with the website and broadcast email.

After an assessment you'll have clear functionality you can take to vendors to find the simplest and cheapest solution.