Below are new features we’re excited about implementing as part of the CRM modernization:
NMSDC Transformation Informational Hub
The NMSDC Transformation Informational Hub will be your one-stop shop for all things NMSDC transformation. If you have questions that are not addressed below, please email us at transformationoffice@nmsdc.org and we will be happy to get those answers to you.
Certification Modernization Project Timeline
Below is our current Zoho CRM implementation project timeline with our implementation partner iDatalytics.
*The Executive Committee recommended slowing the deployment schedule to allow time to clear backlogs. The deployment window has been extended from 1Q24 and 3Q24 to all of 2024 if required. We will maintain the ability to advance the schedule as the existing work queues are cleared.
Please Note: The use of AdaptOne for search, certification, and reporting will be terminated as a part of this project.
Key 1Q24 Deliverables:
- MBE Search system rollout to Corporations, Councils, and MBEs.
- Certification system User Acceptance Testing began
- Data migration implementation.
- Detailed certification release planning.
- Member management system build and test.
- Region ZIP code alignment finalized.
Certification Migration/Implementation Schedule
Wave 1 (June)
- NMSDC Growth Initiative.
- Chicago MSDC.
- Mid-States MSDC.
Wave 2 (July)
- Florida State MSDC.
- Northwest Mountain MSDC.
- Puerto Rico MSDC.
- Southern California MSDC.
- TriState MSDC.
Wave 3 (September)
- Eastern MSDC.
- New York & New Jersey MSDC.
- Ohio MSDC.
- Southern Region MSDC.
- Southwest MSDC.
Wave 4 (October)
- Carolinas-Virginia MSDC.
- Georgia MSDC.
- Greater New England MSDC.
- Houston MSDC.
- North Central MSDC.
Wave 5 (November)
- Capital Region MSDC.
- Dallas-Fort Worth MSDC.
- Michigan MSDC.
- Pacific Southwest MSDC.
- Western Regional MSDC.
(Schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the project.)
Latest News
- 02/29/24 – NMSDC Joins the Certified Shared Database
- 12/11/23 – MBE Search and Certification Update Presentation
- 10/26/23 – NMSDC Transformation: MBE Profiles, Search, and Certification
- 10/16/23 – NMSDC Database Adds Improved MBE Profiles
- 10/16/23 – Enhanced MBE Search is Coming to the NMSDC Database
- 10/16/23 – NMSDC Launches New Website as Part of Organization Modernization
- 06/26/23 – NMSDC Partners with iDatalytics to Modernize CRM Database
- 05/16/23 – Join Us on Friday for a Member Transformation Update Webinar
- 05/13/23 – NMSDC Transformation Update
- 04/13/23 – Transformation Plan Webinar Recording, Slide Deck, and Q&A
- 03/10/23 – Transforming the NMSDC Network to Better Serve You
- 10/26/22 – NMSDC Transformation Update from the CEO and President
Spotlight on Zoho
With over 55 apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho is one of the world’s most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 12,000 employees. Its CRM platform allows organizations to harness the power of omnichannel presence, segmentation, KPIs, predictive intelligence, and more to deliver personalized experiences that breed customer loyalty. For more information, please visit www.zoho.com.
Spotlight on iDatalytics
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, iDatalytics is an NMSDC-certified MBE and full-service technology solution consulting provider catering to the diverse needs of clients across the globe. It believes in offering transformational information management solutions to its clients, aptly reflected in its mission statement, “To serve as the catalyst for transforming information into insights for the connected world.” Learn more at www.idatalytics.com.
New Feature Spotlights
UNSPSC Codes
NMSDC is adding new a criteria option to the search tool and certification process. The United Nations Standard Product and Services Codes (UNSPSC) are managed by the GS1 US for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and represent open, global, multi-sector standards for efficient, accurate classification of products and services. This system allows for a single global classification system that can be used for
- Company-wide visibility of spend of analysis
- Cost-effective procurement optimization
- A full exploration of electronic commerce capabilities
The system uses a five-level hierarchical classification code set that allows for grouping levels relevant to needs. For more information on the codes and to download a list of current codes visit https://www.unspsc.org
We have included this new code to create a more detailed description of service offerings and expand the matching opportunities. There will be more information coming to explain how MBEs will be given the option of adding this additional code to their profiles in the coming weeks.
MBE Search
This new search tool will centralize our network into one database allowing for an improved user experience, streamlined system updates, and more cost-effective platform for our network overall.
In the coming weeks, we will be sending out various communications to keep the network abreast of important dates and information regarding the deployment. The next communication to be released will provide a calendar of the planned training sessions that members will be able to sign up for in preparation of this deployment. Please keep an eye out for these training dates and be ready to sign up for the session that best fits your schedule.
Previous Transformation Informational Webinars
Below are several past webinars that we have held to provide updates to various stakeholders.
NMSDC's New MBE Search
February 2024
Certification Update Meeting for RMSDCs
January 2024
Transforming Access and Expanding Opportunities
October 2023
Certification Project Update
October 2023
Certification Project Update for Regional Councils
August 2023
Transformation Plan Huddle: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going
July 2023
Member Transformation Update Webinar
May 2023
NMSDC Transformation Plan Webinar
April 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions that have come up over the last several months. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please email us at transformationoffice@nmsdc.org.
For a full listing of our frequently asked questions, please see our NMSDC Transformation Frequently Asked Questions PDF. If you have a question that is not addressed, please email us at transformationoffice@nmsdc.org.
How will NMSDC determine the staffing requirements and potential employment opportunities for the new certification processes?
Staffing requirements will be based on the new certification and certification renewal workload being migrated from the councils by wave. Staffing will be slightly frontloaded to allow ample time for staff members to gain experience with the processes, tools, and system. Time will also be planned for significant training, approvals/quality audits, and feedback activity.
NMSDC Human Resources will facilitate the hiring and onboarding of staff based on the implementation plan and existing hiring procedures. Additional communications regarding hiring needs and schedules are planned for the regional councils in the event any existing certification staff wish to be considered for a role in the national certification team.
For more certification information related to the transformation, please see our NMSDC Transformation Frequently Asked Questions PDF.
Will there be a standardized cost for certification and recertification under NMSDC’s new certification process across the country? If so, what will that cost be?
Final decisions regarding standardizing rates have not been made at this time, although various options will be considered over the next several months, including the potential to charge by a combination of business structure and business size. We do expect to move to one pricing model that would govern certification for the network.
For more revenue and financial information related to the transformation, please see our NMSDC Transformation Frequently Asked Questions PDF.
How will NMSDC address regional vs corporate membership in the future to maintain flexible options relevant to their budget, geography, and goals?
We will be establishing more defined guidelines so that members do not need to secure membership both on the regional and national level which will assist members with their budgetary constraints.
For more membership information related to the transformation, please see our NMSDC Transformation Frequently Asked Questions PDF.
How did NMSDC address concerns raised by regional affiliates?
When the concerns were raised as part of the work of the Certification workstream, we tried to address the concerns raised by the regional presidents and asked the regional affiliates to provide data on multiple occasions, however, we did not receive any. In an effort to keep the progress going, NMSDC conducted a separate data analysis to support the recommendation to the board.
Additionally, we held a focus group on the concerns, dedicated a special board meeting to address them, held an in-person meeting in Phoenix, 2-day strategy session in January, and we’ve held monthly touch bases. A senior vice president of network success position was also created as a liaison to the regional affiliate presidents to ensure any ongoing concerns are addressed
For more general information related to the transformation, please see our NMSDC Transformation Frequently Asked Questions PDF.