Stop Wasting Time: The Smart 4-Tier Guide to Selecting the Right AMS Software
Choosing the wrong Association Management Software (AMS) wastes months and thousands of dollars. With 130+ systems available, you need an objective filter. Our Tier Classification Assessment is a proven, just 13-question tool that instantly determines your association's operational scale (Tier I-IV) and provides a precise Tier level vendor shortlist, ending the guesswork in your search.
👉 Click to Request Your Tier Classification Tool Access
FAQ Section On AMS Tier Assessment
Why Do Associations Waste Time Selecting AMS Software?
Executive Directors and Membership VPs are busy driving revenue, retention, and chapter success. You can't afford to lose weeks evaluating systems that are either too complex (Tier I/II) or too basic (Tier III/IV) for your needs.
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The Pain Point: "Googling" leads to hours of unqualified demos and lost staff time.
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The Solution: Get classified first. Our framework is the essential strategic step before engaging a single vendor.
What is the AMS Tier Classification Framework?
Developed by SmartThoughts through 20+ years and hundreds of successful projects, this framework segments the fragmented AMS market into four categories based on your organization's size, complexity, and budget.
How Does the 13-Question Assessment Work?
Simply request access to the assessment by clicking the button below. You obtain a link with a unique login to take the assessment.
This 13-question objective assessment ensures you only consider software that genuinely aligns with your operational capacity.
Which Tier Is Right for My Association Size?
After completing the assessment, you will answer the question above and get even more including the following:
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Your precise Tier Classification (I, II, III, or IV)
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Red flag warnings for potential vendor mismatches
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Vendor Category Suggestions for your tier
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Optional: Tier-Up Capability assessment
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Optional: Software reviews on three-tier level options
How long does the AMS tier assessment take?
A: 10-15 minutes. You'll receive your tier classification and vendor recommendations immediately.
What determines my association's AMS tier level?
There are a multitude of factors, including organizational size (employee size/revenue), operational complexity (chapters, certifications, events), and technology budget allocation. The questions in the assessment are all focused on keying in on the important items.
Can my association use software from a different tier?
Of course, but are you wasting money by doing so? Through our "Tier-Up Capability" assessment, we can quickly identify if your operations justify enterprise-level features despite a smaller size.
How many AMS vendors are evaluated in each tier?
A: Tier I (enterprise): 15-20 vendors; Tier II (mid-size): 25-30 vendors; Tier III (small to growing): 40+ vendors; Tier IV (micro starter): 50+ vendors.
Do You Have a Sample Guide for AMS Tiers?
We can certainly provide one. But, there are many factors that go into determining an associations suggested Tier. But, it's important to note that this methodology is not etched in stone. Rather, simply a way to make sense of all the 130 plus systems in the market today. This an example of a comparison guide with simply three variables. For more you may do so by
How Does An Association Executive Learn More About The Concept of Tiers in AMS classifications?
We suggest that one read the following articles found below: