When it comes to managing client relationships and staying ahead in business development, having a powerful CRM (customer relationship management) system is essential. And that’s where Deltek’s CRM systems come in.

Deltek CRM—especially Deltek Vantagepoint—stands out in a crowded field. It’s not just about tracking contacts or logging interactions. It’s about managing the entire project lifecycle and keeping teams in sync.

In this article, we’ll break down the core features and benefits of Deltek CRM, focusing on Deltek Vantagepoint CRM, its capabilities, and how it can be implemented to help your business thrive.

What is Deltek CRM?

Let’s start with the basics. Deltek CRM systems are client relationship management software that is designed to help firms, particularly those in the professional services industry, manage client relationships, business development, and pipeline management. Deltek offers a couple of different CRM systems, including Vision CRM and Vantagepoint CRM, 

These systems are known for their ability to help firms identify potential projects early, track project financials, and simplify marketing campaigns. With Deltek’s CRM systems, your team can stay informed about project pursuits, making sure they are focused on the right projects for maximum profitability.

What’s the Difference Between CRM and ERP?

It’s a question I get a lot, and if you’re new to the world of enterprise software, it’s easy to mix up CRM and ERP. So, here’s a quick breakdown: CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is all about client relationships. It’s focused on the front end—managing leads, tracking interactions, and nurturing business development opportunities. According to the research firm Gartner, over 91% of businesses with over 11 employees now use CRM systems, making it a very popular choice!

On the other hand, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) handles the back end—things like project financials, resource management, and accounting. ERP software is designed to simplify business processes and improve efficiency by integrating all aspects of a company’s operations into one system. It’s more focused on internal operations and managing resources for maximum profitability.

What are the Different CRMs Deltek Offers?

Deltek offers different CRM options to fit the specific needs of different businesses. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Deltek Vision

Deltek Vision is a legacy system designed for firms to manage project pursuits and client relationship management. It’s ideal for businesses that need to manage both the project lifecycle and financials in one place. Vision is known for its integration with accounting and project management modules, helping firms maintain a strong pipeline of potential projects.

Deltek Vantagepoint

Deltek Vantagepoint is the next generation of Deltek Vision, designed to modernize the CRM process. It combines project management, resource planning, financials, and CRM in one solution.

It offers more advanced features such as mobile accessibility, interactive dashboards, and integration with other Deltek Vantagepoint modules. Vantagepoint CRM offers firms secure access to client data, a robust mobile interface, and tools for managing project pursuits with ease.

Who Should Use Deltek Vantagepoint CRM?

Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is tailored for industries that juggle complex projects, multiple clients, and long project lifecycles. Let’s break down how it serves specific sectors:

Architecture Firms

In architecture, managing both design projects and client relationships can get overwhelming, especially when you have multiple projects running simultaneously. This CRM is a powerful way to manage pipeline development and client relationships, helping you identify which clients are most worth pursuing and which projects fit your firm’s expertise. It’s designed to simplify the proposal process, track project pursuits, and keep key metrics easily accessible, all while making sure your team is informed across the board.

With architecture projects often spanning months or years, keeping track of project financials, client expectations, and project timelines is essential. Vantagepoint CRM allows architecture firms to manage all this data in one place, reducing the risk of communication gaps and making it easier to manage long-term project goals.

Engineering Firms

For engineering firms, project complexity often comes with a range of stakeholders, from contractors to government agencies. This CRM for engineers is ideal for managing these complicated relationships. 

It not only helps you stay on top of project pursuits but also makes sure you have access to the latest business development intel—keeping you ahead in a competitive market. The system’s ability to handle pipeline management and manage resources effectively allows you to track potential projects early on and make better decisions on where to allocate resources.

If you are interested in learning more, visit our blog for more information about the best CRMs for architects and engineers.

Construction Firms

In the construction industry, project timelines and budgets can change quickly. That’s where Deltek Vantagepoint CRM excels—giving construction firms a bird’s-eye view of their project pursuits, client relationships, and potential risks in the pipeline. Construction firms often deal with an array of stakeholders, and keeping everyone informed is key to keeping projects on track. With Vantagepoint, teams can track client needs, make sure that all contact details are up-to-date, and monitor the progress of multiple construction projects simultaneously.

For construction firms, where the ability to identify resource needs early can make or break a project’s profitability, Deltek Vantagepoint CRM offers the tools to make sure resources are allocated effectively. Plus, the system’s integration with financial modules helps track project costs in real time, so you know exactly where you stand with project budgets.

To learn more, check out our comprehensive blog on CRMs for construction firms. 

Consulting Firms

Consulting firms rely heavily on client relationships to drive new business and secure repeat clients. Deltek Vantagepoint CRM helps consulting firms manage these relationships effectively, from the first touchpoint to post-project follow-up. 

It enables you to nurture relationships over time and ensures that business development teams have the information they need to make informed decisions on which clients to focus on. With a focus on pursuit strategies and managing ongoing marketing campaigns, Vantagepoint CRM helps consulting firms maintain a steady stream of project work.

The system’s customizable interactive dashboards let consulting firms track key metrics, making it easy to monitor client engagement and evaluate the success of their business development efforts. Additionally, consultants who are constantly on the go will appreciate the ability to access client data and project details through the Vantagepoint mobile app, making sure they’re always up-to-date on the latest client needs.

6 Benefits of Deltek Vantagepoint CRM

When you’re choosing a CRM, you want more than just the basics—you need a system that adapts to your firm’s specific needs and goes beyond simple contact management. So, what makes Deltek Vantagepoint CRM stand out from the rest? Let’s break down its unique advantages.

1. Tailored for Project-Based Businesses

Unlike generic CRMs that are often one-size-fits-all, Deltek Vantagepoint is specifically designed for project-based businesses. Architecture, engineering, and construction firms don’t just need to track clients—they need to manage entire project lifecycles. From initial client interactions and business development to tracking project financials and resource allocation, Vantagepoint CRM is fully integrated with these processes. The system helps firms seamlessly connect client relationship management with the actual execution of the project, something most CRMs don’t offer.

Most traditional CRMs focus solely on customer data, leaving you to piece together project data and financials from separate systems. Deltek Vantagepoint brings everything under one roof, giving you a unified platform to manage project pursuits, client relationships, and project execution.

2. Integration with Project and Financial Modules

One of the biggest differentiators for Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is its ability to integrate directly with other Deltek modules, such as resource management, accounting, and project financials. In most CRMs, you’re stuck trying to manage business development separately from your project tracking tools, often leading to silos and miscommunication. But with Vantagepoint, all of your data—from contact records to project timelines to firm details—is connected.

This level of integration means you can make decisions with real-time data, reducing the risk of missing key details or having to reconcile data across multiple platforms. Whether you need to evaluate a new project pursuit or review the financial health of ongoing projects, Vantagepoint provides a 360-degree view of your firm’s operations, making it easier to align your teams and meet client needs.

3. Customizable Dashboards for Key Metrics

Many CRMs give you pre-built dashboards that, while helpful, don’t always match the exact needs of your firm. Deltek Vantagepoint CRM offers customizable dashboards, allowing each team member to tailor their view to the specific key metrics and data that matter most to them. Whether you’re in business development, project management, or marketing, you can easily configure your dashboard to show the data that’s most relevant to your role.

For example, business development teams can focus on pipeline management and upcoming project pursuits, while project managers might want to track project financials and resource allocation. This level of personalization making sure that everyone has instant access to the information they need to make informed decisions and keeps the whole team on the same page—without cluttering the interface with irrelevant data.

4. Mobile Accessibility for On-the-Go Teams

Let’s face it, today’s work environment is not tied to a desk. In industries like architecture, engineering, and construction, teams are often on the move, whether they’re meeting with clients, visiting project sites, or traveling for business. The Vantagepoint mobile app is a game-changer, offering full mobile device functionality so you can manage projects, track client data, and stay connected no matter where you are.

While many CRMs offer mobile access, few are as robust and tailored to project-based workflows as Vantagepoint mobile. The mobile app makes it so you’re not limited by location, giving you the ability to access contact details, track project updates, and even manage project pursuits in real time. It’s a level of flexibility that most CRMs simply don’t offer, especially in industries where real-time updates and instant access to data can make or break a project’s success.

5. A Focus on Data Security and Compliance

Security isn’t just an afterthought for Deltek Vantagepoint CRM; it’s built into the system from the ground up. In industries where compliance and data security are paramount, Vantagepoint offers secure access features that makes sure sensitive client and project data is only accessible to authorized users. While many CRMs claim to offer security, Deltek Vantagepoint goes further by providing customizable crm security access controls, allowing you to set specific permissions based on job roles and project needs.

This level of granular control over data access is something you won’t find in many traditional CRMs, especially those not built with complex, multi-user environments in mind. If protecting sensitive client information and maintaining industry compliance is critical to your firm, Vantagepoint’s security features are a big differentiator.

6. Industry-Specific Functionality with Transparent Pricing

Many generic CRMs will lure you in with a low base price, only for you to discover later that important features come with costly add-ons. With Deltek Vantagepoint CRM, what you see is what you get. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges down the line. The pricing is transparent, and you get full access to the features your firm needs from the start—whether it’s pipeline management, interactive dashboards, or mobile access.

But beyond pricing, it’s the industry-specific functionality that really sets Vantagepoint apart. Most CRMs aren’t built with the complexities of project financials, project pursuits, and long-term client relationships in mind. Vantagepoint is tailored specifically for firms like yours that need to balance client management with detailed project execution, giving you a clear edge over competitors using more generic systems.

How to Get Started with Deltek Vantagepoint CRM

Getting started with Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is a straightforward process, but there’s more to it than simply flipping a switch. Let’s look at how to implement Deltek Vantagepoint CRM:

Plan Your Implementation Strategy

Before anything else, you need a solid game plan. This involves understanding the unique challenges and opportunities your firm faces, as well as identifying how Deltek Vantagepoint CRM can streamline your processes. Here’s a concrete approach to planning your strategy:

• Assess current processes: Take a close look at how your team currently handles client relationship management, pipeline management, and project pursuits. Are there gaps in communication, or is critical information scattered across different systems?
• Identify goals: What do you want to achieve with Deltek Vantagepoint CRM? Is it better business development, improved client relationships, or more organized project tracking? List these goals out to guide the setup.
• Outline areas for improvement: Pinpoint where Deltek Vantagepoint CRM will add the most value. This could include automating project financials, centralizing contact details, or enhancing marketing campaigns.
• Create a timeline: Define a project timeline with milestones for setup, configuration, training, and full use of the CRM system.

Pro Tip: Involve key stakeholders in this planning process—especially team members from different departments, like business development, project management, and marketing, who will regularly use the CRM.

Activate the System

Once the plan is in place, it’s time to activate Deltek Vantagepoint CRM. The activation phase involves setting up the foundational elements that will allow your team to start using the platform effectively. Here’s how to do it:

• Configure user access: Set up CRM security access to make it so that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive client data, project financials, and other proprietary information. Create roles for each department—such as business development, project management, and accounting—to give them appropriate access.
• Input firm and contact data: Start by entering firm details such as your company’s legal information, office locations, and other basic records. Then, import contact records for your existing clients, leads, and partners into the system, making sure to capture essential data like contact details, job titles, and associated projects.
• Set up business development workflows: Deltek Vantagepoint CRM allows you to track and manage potential project pursuits. Define how new leads are captured, assigned, and moved through your pipeline. Establish triggers for follow-ups and set notifications for key client relationship management milestones.
• Establish project financials: Set up your system to track project financials from day one. Connect the CRM to your financial data so you can track the budgets and profitability of each project. This integration makes it so that you’re monitoring both business development and project success in one place.

Set Up Custom Dashboards and Reports

Deltek Vantagepoint CRM’s interactive dashboards and reports are powerful tools for tracking performance in real time. Here’s how to set up your custom dashboards and reports:

• Define dashboard views by role: Determine the specific information each department needs to see. For example, business development might focus on the pipeline, while project managers will want to see project pursuits and resource allocation. Set up different views that are tailored to their roles.
• Add key metrics: Choose the key business development intel or project data points you want to display on each dashboard. This could include revenue forecasts, upcoming deadlines, or open client issues.
• Set up reports: Establish a reporting cadence for team members to generate insights on their work. Create templates for regular reports on pipeline management, project performance, and client engagement.

Install and Configure the Vantagepoint Mobile App

One of Deltek Vantagepoint CRM’s most valuable features is its mobile accessibility through the Vantagepoint mobile app. Here’s how to install and configure the app for your team:

• Download the app: The Vantagepoint mobile app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Encourage your team to download it on their mobile devices for easy access to client data, project updates, and reports.
• Configure mobile access settings: Ensure that mobile access follows the same crm security access protocols as the desktop version. Set up permissions so that team members can access the information they need while on the go without risking security breaches.
• Train your team on mobile features: The mobile app gives you instant access to real-time project and client information. Train your team on how to navigate the app, update client records, and track project pursuits remotely.

Train Your Team

Proper training is critical to getting the most out of Deltek Vantagepoint CRM. Here’s how to make sure your team is fully trained:

• Offer role-specific training: Tailor training sessions based on the roles of each department. For instance, train your marketing team on how to use CRM for client engagement and marketing campaigns, while your project managers focus on tracking project financials and project pursuits.
• Provide hands-on learning: Don’t just rely on lectures or tutorials. Give your team access to the system and let them practice updating contact records, running reports, and customizing their dashboards during training.
• Schedule ongoing training: Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is a robust tool, and team members may need refresher courses or updates on new features. Schedule regular training sessions and appoint an in-house CRM expert to provide ongoing support.

Another good tip is to create quick reference guides or video tutorials for common tasks in the CRM, so users can easily find help when needed.

The Benefits of Using a VAR Like BCS ProSoft

While Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is an incredibly powerful tool on its own, partnering with a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) like BCS ProSoft takes your implementation and ongoing use to the next level. BCS ProSoft has years of experience working with Deltek products and is a Deltek partner- which means we are backed by Deltek and know exactly how to customize the platform to fit your firm’s unique needs. Here’s why working with a VAR like BCS ProSoft makes a significant difference:

• Expert Guidance and Tailored Setup: BCS ProSoft helps you configure Deltek Vantagepoint to align perfectly with your firm’s workflows, making sure your CRM is set up for success from the start.
• Faster and More Efficient Implementation: With proven methods and best practices, BCS ProSoft reduces downtime, accelerates setup, and avoids common mistakes during the implementation phase.
• Custom Training Programs: Receive tailored training designed for your team’s unique needs—whether for business development, project management, or marketing—making faster adoption and efficient use of the system.
• Ongoing Support and Troubleshooting: Get dedicated, long-term support to troubleshoot issues, make updates, and adjust configurations as your firm’s needs evolve over time.
• Advanced Customizations and Integrations: BCS ProSoft provides advanced customizations and integrations, helping you tailor Deltek Vantagepoint CRM to your specific business needs, whether it’s custom reporting or connecting with financial platforms.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: With deep knowledge of industries like architecture, engineering, and construction, BCS ProSoft offers insights and best practices specific to how your firm manages client relationships, pipeline management, and project pursuits.

By working with us, you’re building a long-term partnership that makes sure your CRM is fully optimized, evolves with your firm, and drives measurable success.

Conclusion

Implementing the right CRM is crucial to managing client relationships, growing business development, and handling complex project lifecycles. Deltek Vantagepoint CRM, coupled with the expertise of BCS ProSoft, provides a comprehensive solution tailored to your industry and specific business needs.

With their deep knowledge of architecture, engineering, and construction industries,we offer valuable insights and best practices that will help your firm succeed in managing client relationships, pipeline management, and project pursuits. Together, we can build a long-term partnership so that your CRM is constantly optimized and keeps up with the evolving needs of your firm. Invest in Deltek Vantagepoint CRM with BCS ProSoft today and see measurable success tomorrow.

Key Takeaways

• Deltek Vantagepoint CRM is tailored for project-based businesses, integrating client relationship management with project financials and resource planning.
• It offers robust features such as customizable dashboards, mobile accessibility, and secure access, helping your firm manage project pursuits and stay ahead in business development.
• Integration with Deltek’s project and financial modules makes it easier to track all aspects of a project in one system, offering a 360-degree view of operations.
• Getting started involves planning your strategy, configuring user access, setting up dashboards, and training your team on how to use the CRM effectively.
• Partnering with a VAR like BCS ProSoft brings added value through customized setup, role-specific training, advanced integrations, and industry-specific expertise, making sure your CRM is optimized for your firm’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions