DemandTools vs. Informatica Cloud Data Integration vs. SMARTe Data Platform

DemandTools is perfect for any system that constantly adds new records to its database. For example, in higher education, we are constantly purchasing search names from various vendors and DemandTools allows us to make sure we are not doubling up on the same records. It saves us money in the long run as we are not mailing out multiple copies of our brochures to the same person.

We use it a lot for importing data. We transform the incoming data to match the formatting of our CRM. We also match on existing records to avoid creating duplicates. Informatica handles all of this exceptionally well. Our users are system administrators. The tool is not well-suited for users who do not have a technical background

Incentivized

1. SMARTe was purchased to serve three purposes. To to act as a secondary source of enrichment to another product. Our lead qualification processes rely on accurate data being populated and enriched. SMARTe boosts our enrichment rate by 20% in some areas vs our other supplier. We performed this analysis during renewal which confirmed their complimentary functionality in this area. From this point of view it runs silently in the background without maintenance making it perfect for our needs.
2. The ability to correctly classify free Text job titles into segmentable values. Most enrichment platforms will provide values with a job title they provide which is ok, but SMARTe will categorise any title we send regardless of if they match the contact. This has a large impact to how we can successfully make use of our data from segmentation to Lead Scoring.
3. New contacts - we have two options here, download straight from their humungous dataset using the filters provided (including being able to upload accounts to match). Or, use their bespoke service which ranges from desk based research to GDPR compliant phone qualifies contacts. One area that could improve is the integration with HubSpot. A robust API means we have managed to integrate, but Native integration would be preferred.

• PowerGrid can review and make the updates simultaneously.
• Single Table Dedupe makes merg[ing] the records easy and can make updates at the same time.
• BulkBackup [is] just one click, majority data got updated.
• Scenarios save a lot of time for similar working load.

Incentivized

• Data synchronisation
• Data replication
• Data integration

• Unlocking Phone Number from a contact
• Unlocking Email from a contact
• Tracking the relevant role within the company
• Understanding companies organization

Incentivized

• I wish I could make changes to my existing scenarios using save rather than having to create a whole new scenario. Maybe you can, I just haven't been able to.
• Some features aren't user intuitive and it takes a while to learn.

Incentivized

• There is a moderately steep learning curve
• Has some idiosyncrasies
• Can be finicky with date formats

Incentivized

• UI could be better.
• Automate the product buying experience.

It's a great product. The only thing that holds us back is it was frustrating working with their sales team. We also don't like that when Validity purchased DemandTools they immediately started charging us quite a bit while it had been free for non-profit users when CRMFusion owned it. They also don't let you buy it for just 1 or 2 seats, you have to pay, I believe, in batches of 100 seats.

Incentivized

Allows for control in uploading lists, saved processes for checking duplicate records.

Allows for backup files and quick reverts if something goes wrong.

Extends reporting when Salesforce.com cannot support specific pieces of info being put together in a report.

Automated processes for set and forget hygiene tasks

There is a learning curve with Informatica. It is not always intuitive to use. It is best suited for technical users such as system administrators

Incentivized

There has not been a time since I started 9 months ago that I've encountered any kind of downtime.

Incentivized

DemandTools is a bit clunky and slow at times

Incentivized

Support can be slow so do not expect quick turn for urgent issues.
Help for specific queries not not there. Product tech support is offered. It would be great if query support, even if paid, was offered
The training webinars help with the basics but not much if you need advanced functionality.

The trainings are free live webinars that give you a solid base for getting started with the program. The only weakness is they don't have any advanced classes.

I had just started using Salesforce about 3 months before I did the implementation myself, and it was easy to do just following their step-by-step instructions.

Though RingLead has much more to offer in terms of automation (and it is in Salesforce rather than a separate program), DemandTools still has our heart. DemandTools is very cost-friendly and we were able to increase the value of DemandTools by programming in additional saved scenarios. I decreased admin time in the DemandTools suite by approximately 25% after implementing saved scenarios for every reoccurring update or list upload.

Incentivized

It is really easy to comply and understand its features.

We use them to compliment each other, there are areas that Clearbit provides matches that SMARTe does not and visa versa. This applies at both a contact and an account level. Where SMARTe really stands out (for me) is the ability to classify any provided Job Title. This really has dramatic impact to our processes. Clearbit does have a native integration that offers data refresh.

It's done everything we've needed it to do.

Incentivized

• It is a tremendous time saver. It does things Salesforce doesn't even have the capability to do. Tasks that would take hours to manually complete.
• We can process a tremendous amount of data daily through one person, vs. weeks for the data to be cleaned, reviewed, routed and input.
• Saves on headcount by allowing a dedicated user to set up batches and jobs for other teams to ensure their data integrity.
• The return on investment isn't easily quantifiable but it is FELT in our department.

Incentivized

• Really greatest than any other conventional application.

• More contacts available
• Increased response rate thanks to more way to reach out
• Increased conversion rate

Incentivized