Fun with Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Gamification Concepts and Tools Gain Ground

When it comes to user adoption, too many companies discover that, "you can lead a user to Microsoft Dynamics CRM but you can't make him use it."

But what if you made his work seem like fun?

That's the idea behind what's known as the "gamification" of Dynamics CRM.

Last September we told you that Microsoft partner Cole Systems was putting a little "spark" into Dynamics CRM 2011.

At that time, the company launched Spark, an employee incentive solution that changes the way employers distribute internal rewards. Spark is a sales tool add-on that takes the idea of gamification, which adds the game design technique thinking to something that is not a game n this case Dynamics CRM, according to Amanda Raines, Cole's Director of Marketing. 

An add-on to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, Spark lets users earn badges, accumulate points, and be rewarded based on what they've earned. Users in sales, marketing, and customer service can receive badges for positive results.

Earlier that year, Microsoft global partner Avanade began charting a path to gamification for Dynamics CRM in the call center by attempting to keep the best qualities of gamification while maintaining management controls.

Although gamification is still in its infancy in the world of Dynamics CRM, more firms are jumping on the "fun" wagon and rolling out new gamification tools.

WaveAccess recently launched a Microsoft CRM Gamification Tool that aims to help managers increase user adoption and motivate sales teams by adding game elements to everyday routine operations, according ...