FAQ

1. - How much does it cost?

Our system is Software as a Service (SaaS) and so there are no huge capital costs for servers, hardware or software. For your security a ‘perpetual user licence’ can be purchased. We offer our system as an out-of the-box service, which for the one fee includes front-end web design, delivery, project management etc. There are no hidden fees. Our price is very competitive and in our experience within the scope of most membership organisations.

Contact us to find our more about our flexible pricing plans.

2. - How long will it take to deliver?

We use the Microsoft Solutions Framework as the project management methodology to deliver all of our projects, and we have Prince 2 qualified Project Managers. Our aim is to deliver a system ready for testing and training within 60 days of contract confirmation. This reflects the strengths of tried and tested software and processes implemented by a dedicated and experienced team. We would work with you to devise a role out plan of the live system that suits you and your business, usually staged module by module to keep risk and disruption to a minimum.

3. - What is not included?

The price includes the software license, hosting, website design, delivery, consultancy, upgrades and support. It does not include migration of data from legacy systems. This is a process that we are very able to do and have an extremely skilled and experienced team to lead you through this, but we do not include it in the price as it is such an unknown. We can, and will, provide a separate fixed price to migrate your data into our system. If it is straight forward, there may not even be a charge.

 

We are also able to provide full service digital marketing (SEO, PPC, Social Media, email etc), as well as traditional marketing services and support at an additional cost.

4. - What support do you offer?

Once you start talking to us, we’ll appoint a dedicated Technical Account Manager who will look after you right through the delivery, roll out, go live process and beyond – nobody will know your system or processes better. Provided by telephone and email, and included in the price, their support will help you and your team on a day-to-day basis.

5. - What about bespoke work and upgrades?

Our system can be ‘bespoked’ to meet your exact requirements using a unique ‘configuration layer’ that does not disrupt the underlying software code. This configuration can be done by us, or by you once you get ‘hands on’ with the system. There are no bespoke development or change request processes, which can be expensive and take a lot of time. Because the ‘bespoke’ work takes place in the configuration layer, it does not create problems with system upgrades, which are included within the license price. All of which means you can have our system how you want it, change and alter it without the costly need of development and stay at the cutting edge with free upgrades.

6. - What is the technology?

Ah the clever or boring bit. The core product on which our system is built is Librios, which has been used in the publishing industry for a number of years for content and information management. The underlying code of the system is ASP.NET and MSSQL, on top of the core code there is an XML configuration layer. The XML layer is the clever part, it’s what makes the system very quick, flexible and cost effective to deliver, adjust and maintain – dispensing with the need for expensive bespoke development.

7. - Who else uses the system?

The system is used in the UK, Europe and USA by the AA, A&C Black, Bloomsbury Publishing, F&W Media, National Office of Animal Health, NHS, Pfizer, Uniboek, Big Picture TV and Sixth Sense Magazine

8. - Who have we worked with?

Between Refreshed Membership management, Librios and the rest of the team at Emerge, we’ve worked with an impressive and varied list of clients: AA, A&C Black, Bloomsbury Publishing, F&W Media, National Office of Animal Health, NHS, Pfizer, Uniboek, Big Picture TV, Sixth Sense Magazine, International Bar Association, British Plastics Federation, British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, Fine Art Trade Guild, Society of Garden Designers, British Water, Iraqi Bar Association, European Plastics Federation, Office of Manpower Economics, English Nature, London Borough of Islington, Taylor Woodrow, Comet, P&O, Complete Cruise Solutions, Maybourne Hotel Group, British Institute of Facilities Management and many more.

9. - Is your data secure?

The simple answer – yes. It’s as a secure as any other data storage system, whether that be online, in a local server or in a filing cabinet. All data storage carries risks. We can provide advice and consultancy on these risks, including disaster recovery, and how to minimise the risks and exposure without compromising functionality. As a starter, all our passwords held within the system are encrypted, we do not advertise the fact that our systems are holding data and we do not hold credit card or debit card details within the system.

10. - What happens if the system goes down?

Any system, whether it’s online or local, is at risk from outages. These may be caused by power cuts, blown fuses or loss of the broadband connection. If the outage is within our domain i.e. a server, then we will do everything within our power to get the system running again as quickly as possible. If it is beyond our domain i.e. a power cut or if your broadband goes down, you could always work from home or another location with broadband and power. Our aim is to provide 100% up time and the best possible service – so we constantly monitor all our systems and servers 24 hours per day.

11. - Can we integrate your system with our website?

If you already have a website or Content Management System that you wish to retain, we can integrate the modules of our system you wish to use to provide you and your members with a seamless online experience. We already have a full integration programming interface (API) written and documented for use.

12. - Can we integrate your system with our CRM/member database?

Yes, we can integrate any of our modules with your existing database, this is especially powerful if your current database is accessible online.

13. - Do we have to take all the modules?

No. You can use the modules from our system which suit your current requirements, needs and budget.

14. - What do we do about members who aren't online?

Our system has a fully functional back office, so you can continue to serve your members or prospects who wish to interact offline. For example conference bookings, membership applications, membership updates and invoice payment can all be entered through the back office.