- Sr. Software Adviser
iMIS Nonprofit Software Review
Updated: May 20, 2019
Isn't it time to grow your nonprofits revenue. reduce expenses and improve performance? If so, then the team at Advanced Solutions International, the developer of IMIS, believe it's easy to do with their newest release of the iMIS Engagement Management System (EMS)™ iMIS Engagement Management System (EMS)™ by ASI.
ASI iMIS AMS Software Review
In our ongoing “Search of a Membership AMS Software Series”, we have prepared a quick look at the iMIS software platform, a nonprofit management software for nonprofit organizations such as associations, fundraising organizations, regulatory bodies, faith based organizations, & unions.
Our agnostic insights and software reports are designed for those who would like fair and objective insights into the capabilities of this CRM software for the right nonprofit.
Below you will find a summary of insights based on information curated from various sources including peer review sites, ASI's website verbage, vendor product brochures, white papers, client testimonials, indepedent interviews with sales representatives and service providers, and clients.
For qualified nonprofit executives, we have prepared more detailed information to help in their evaluation of this system and is available upon request.
Introduction to ASI AMS Software:
The team at ASI has a mission to develop "One System to Engage Everyone" iMIS enables you to connect with your members, donors, and other constituents on any device — deepening engagement, improving satisfaction, and increasing retention.
Per ASI, developer of iMIS, their solution fuses database management and web publishing in a single cloud-based engagement management system (EMS)™ — eliminating data silos, improving reporting, and enabling continuous performance improvement. For those interested in learning more about iMIS (EMS)™, we are available to share with you are thoughts about the software and how it fits in the nonprofit software market today.
Purpose Statement from Advanced Solutions International:
ASI believes that the work of non-profits is of vital importance to the world and since 1991 their software has allowed over 4000 organizations in the nonprofit industry to focus on their mission, not their technology, and "achieve great things." Having been around ASI for many years, I have noticed that ASI is committed to their clients and are proud of the difference their clients are making in the world and the role our products and services play in their efforts.
Per ASI's website, their Mission is to keep their "Clients for Life." According to sources, more than 1000 iMIS clients have used iMIS for ten years or longer. They believe that when you partner with ASI you can be assured that not only will you receive a product that meets your needs but you will also be backed by a company committed to your organization's long-term success.
The Functional Aspirations of iMIS AMS:
iMIS 20 is an Engagement Management System (EMS)™ that helps your organization to better engage members — as well as your staff — anytime, anywhere, on any device. It includes member management, member self-service, social engagement, private communities, and mobile access in one seamless cloud-based system. Plus, iMIS 20 has the flexibility to work with your existing Content Management System (CMS) or — for many organizations — the power to manage your entire website.
Ultimately, the functional aspirations of the product rests in the goal of eliminating costly integration efforts and enabling nonprofits to gather better customer (donor, member, constituents)intelligence, and helping nonprofits make smarter business decisions.
Key Features of iMIS Membership Software:
Contact Management - Easily view and manage all the individuals and organizations in your database.
Member Management - Efficiently manage membership levels and information.
Billing with Integrated Payments and Credit Card Processing - Manage and track invoices, receivables, payments, and expenses with just a few clicks.
Event Management - Proactively create events and manage event registrants and sponsors.
Email Marketing-Engage your constituents with personalized, automated, and integrated email campaigns.
Certification Mangement Streamline and automate your credentialing, licensing, and certification processes.
Communities Empower your constituents to connect, communicate, and collaborate online.
Directory - Fully control and publish directories from your database information.
Events Expo - Exhibitors can be a key revenue stream for events. Manage exhibitors and vendors, as well as conference registrations, including session selection, discounts, and promotions.
Fundraising - Manage fundraising campaigns for both pledge-based and non-pledge based donations.
Crowdfunding - Turn your best supporters into your best fundraisers.
API Access- Pull data from several popular software programs into your AMS and vice versa.
Mobile Access Obtain access anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Self Service Enable your constituents to do business with you anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Automation: Improve staff productivity by automating manual tasks and communications.
Dashboards allow organizations to achieve continuous performance improvement through real-time measurement of KPIs.
Chapter Management- Manage chapter structure, allow membership applications to be tied to a chapter, provide chapter-based public website content and manage member communication at the chapter level.
Advertising Management Track and manage advertising opportunities from sales through insertion.
Social Media Integration Build tighter relationships with your constituents through social media integration.
Scoring: Easily measure, track, and improve engagement with your members, donors and constituents.
For a complete list of feature videos, you may find value in going to the ASI YouTube page here.
Where Does iMIS CRM Fit?
Built on top of the proven Microsoft SQL Server and Internet Information Services (IIS) platforms, iMIS is fully capable of the full scalability features that they provide as well.
Unlike some systems who are limited to certain size organizations or boundries, iMIS has no built-in limits or constraints that prevent taking full advantage of scaling up numbers of channels or users as SQL Server and IIS natively provide for through conventional configuration choices for data clustering or load balancing.
While this system has many of the functions that a nonprofit enterprise would desire, iMIS straddles in the middle of a Tier II or Tier I system option. In addition, it has some unique items which are present too which may put them nicely into organizations who place a high priority on items such as:
Risk: iMIS for many is a low risk solution, due to the time in market. Nonprofits who desire a very stable, reliable, and recognized brand.
All in One: Desire "all in one" solution with strong core membership management functions. Those organizations which place high importance on managing their needs within one proprietary enterprise class solution. iMIS is designed for organizations that don’t want to build a new solution from a base template and then have to deal with the never-ending responsibility of future development and testing.
Fundraising: Organization with fundraising needs alongside membership features.
Complexity: NGO which have unique billing rules and financial requirements.
Email Marketing: Place high importance on having solid integrated Email Marketing Communications and want to avoid 3rd party offering costs in this area.
Community: Built in community management functions (not just forum functions).
Size: For i20, typically Mid to Large size membership based organizations who may require some tailoring or integration due to unique business requirements.
Types: Suitable for trade and other associations who run many of the common programs such as billing, events, member management, self-service, and e-Commerce etc.
Service: Desire large user base and extensive service provider network. iMIS has dozens of support partners to help ensure lower post-sale support costs, ensure faster response times, and provide an accountable local partner who knows you. Nonprofits who place a high priority on direct and indirect service options.
Users: Organizations who value a strong users group to draw upon for collaboration & third party application ecosystem.
How Much Does iMIS Membership Software Cost?
Like many membership management products on the market today, iMIS is “cloud-based". IMIS has a flexible pricing model with various levels of functionality. An Association may start by selecting the right package (Standard, Advanced, and Extendable) for your needs and organization size in order to grow accordingly.
As of 1st quarter 2018, there are three packages which are cited on their website: Standard, Advanced, and Extendable. The standard license starts at $175 per user per month.
Please consult ASI, developers of iMIS, directly for the most up to date pricing.
What is the 911 Peer Software Review on the iMIS Software?
Like software options today, software peer review sites are all over the internet. Below you will find several with various comments on iMIS from it's users:
Before you check out the feedback found on these sites, my recommendation is that you please review our article on how to utilize these site and comments on various resources here.
iMIS Membership Software Explained:
Learn more about the iMIS All in One Database:
Is the IMIS CRM the best fit for you?
To answer that question, we have curated, interviewed, and prepared more detailed information for executives, like you dedicated to the not for profit association industry.
To be sure, our software analysis is not a brochure, "marketing noise." or a "sales pitch."
Rather, we provide a free objective dialogue and insights designed to help nonprofit executives make a smarter software business decision.
Our objective insights will be able to provide a full view of this membership software tool for nonprofits. Our full review and thoughts are available upon request only.
More AMS Nonprofit Software Reviews?
Please stay tuned to our ongoing "Searching for A Smart AMS Software" where we will continue to provide further insights into membership database software options designed for 501(c) 6 nonprofit membership focused organizations.
For the most recent published reviews, please click below:
AMO
NOAH Membership Software
Nimble AMS
ESX Catalyst
Weblink Connect
Altai Membership Software
The Databank
NeonCRM
Bloomerang
MemberCentral
Blue Tahiti
Missio CRM
Little Green Light
Impexium Membership Software
ClubExpress
Virtuous Donor Software
i4a Membership Software
Fonteva MemberNation
Member365
GrowthZone AMS Software
Timberlake Membership Software
IMIS AMS Software
Membersuite
NoviAMS
Aptean GoMembers OnDemand AMS
And, to obtain a sample list of the database software reviews we have, you may follow the link here.
If you work for an AMS database software system and you would like us to include your firm in our software review process, please contact us.
Until next time, keep SmartThoughts in mind. Happy Software Buying!
Software Advice for Serious Software Buyers