When selecting a technology platform for managing memberships, events, conferences, CPD, sponsorships, education, and member portals, organisations have the option to choose between Upbeat, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and a robust off-the-shelf solution, and a custom-built Microsoft Power App.
This blog explores the advantages of Upbeat, focusing on implementation speed, cost-effectiveness, scalability, integration, and long-term maintenance.
Introduction
Associations and membership-based organisations require comprehensive solutions to streamline operations and enhance member engagement. The decision between adopting a ready-made solution like Upbeat and investing in a custom-built Power App can significantly impact efficiency, cost, and long-term sustainability.
Key comparisons:
1. Implementation speed and time-to-value
Upbeat:
- Pre-configured for association management.
- Rapid deployment with built-in features for memberships, events,
- CPD tracking, and sponsorship management.
- Industry best practices embedded in workflows.
Custom Power App:
- Requires extensive planning, development, and testing.
- Custom workflows need to be built from scratch.
- Longer deployment cycle before delivering value.
2. Cost-effectiveness
Upbeat:
- Fixed pricing model with predictable costs.
- No need for extensive development teams.
- Immediate ROI with proven functionality.
Custom Power App:
- High initial development costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
- Requires specialised developers and continuous updates.
- Unforeseen costs may arise due to changing requirements.
3. Scalability and flexibility
Upbeat:
- Built on a scalable architecture that grows with your organisation.
- Regular updates and feature enhancements by Microsoft.
- Easily configurable to adapt to evolving needs.
Custom Power App:
- Limited scalability without significant redevelopment.
- Ongoing maintenance required to keep up with growth.
- New features require additional development investment.
4. Integration and ecosystem compatibility
Upbeat:
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, Power BI, and third-party applications.
- Native connectivity with finance, CRM, and marketing tools.
- Unified data across systems for better insights.
Custom Power App:
- Requires custom APIs and connectors for integration.
- Potential compatibility issues with third-party applications.
- Higher dependency on IT teams for maintaining integrations.
5. Security and compliance
Upbeat:
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance with global standards.
- Automatic updates and security patches from Microsoft.
- GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO compliance out of the box.
Custom Power App:
- Security measures need to be custom-built.
- Greater risk of vulnerabilities if not properly managed.
- Compliance audits and updates require ongoing investment.
6. User experience and support
Upbeat:
- Intuitive user interface designed for associations.
- Dedicated Microsoft support and a vast user community.
- Training resources and documentation readily available.
Custom Power App:
- UX and UI design need to be developed from scratch.
- Limited support options beyond internal teams.
- Requires ongoing user training and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
While a custom Microsoft Power App provides flexibility, the high costs, lengthy development cycles, and maintenance efforts make it a challenging choice for associations. Upbeat from Professional Advantage, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive, scalable, and cost-effective solution that delivers immediate value, seamless integration, and continuous innovation.
Organisations looking for a future-proof, industry-aligned, and easy-to-maintain association management solution should strongly consider Upbeat.
