Apricot Works
Updated September 22, 2017
Apricot Works
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Apricot by Social Solutions
We use Apricot as a client database and a volunteer engagement database. We use it to record and report all client-focused services and events as well as outcomes and impacts. We use the webforms tool for clients or volunteers to apply to the agency as well. This was one of the key factors in our decision to use Apricot.
- Apricot is very user-friendly. I'm a social worker; not an IT engineer. I find Apricot to be very easy to use.
- You can design your version of Apricot to exactly meet the needs of your company/agency. It is exceptionally customizable.
- Customer Service is very good.
- Reports could be more customizable. I love that they can be exported to Excel, but I'd like to see more options regarding the display of the data.
- One problem keeps coming up with Apricot nearly every time they make an update. They usually fix it quickly, but there's no warning when it happens and it seems they should beta test a little more thoroughly for that specific problem since it is so consistent.
- It might be getting to be time to update the look and feel of the product. This isn't vital, but if you're looking for potential growth areas, you might consider this.
- Apricot has saved time. Previously, we were using Excel. This was a huge leap into the new century.
We use the information learned from Apricot to help fine-tune our programming. We have established various outputs, outcomes and impacts that we measure using Apricot and we review that data monthly, quarterly and annually. Because of the reports we've designed (with help from the Apricot team), we are able to compare data year by year and learn the trends that drive our program delivery.
I can't say that Apricot has helped us secure more funding or secure more diversified funding streams. We are very mission-focused and decline to seek funding outside of our mission. We do use the data recorded in Apricot and pulled from Apricot in grant reporting. Apricot does make is much easier to pull this data. So, you could say that is a way in which Apricot has helped regarding funding.
I cannot think of the name of any of the software programs we compared to Apricot because it was nearly 4 years ago and we didn't choose any of them. The primary reasons we selected Apricot at that time were 1) WebForms; the ability to have clients go to our website, click a link and complete an application; 2) Customer Service; and 3) program flexibility.
Using Apricot by Social Solutions
15 - We originally purchased and began using Apricot as a Case Management software. We had previously been using a spreadsheet for all of our client data. After thoroughly reviewing 4 alternative software programs and at least identifying several others, we decided on Apricot. We find the program to be so accessible and useful that we have expanded it for use by our Volunteer Engagement and Development departments.
I know it sounds odd, but I am the only 'support' person in house for Apricot. And, I spend no more than 1/10 of my time performing that function. The initial set up took time and thought, but the ongoing management and support of the system is not challenging. I'm not a database administrator by training or profession, but I'm able (with the support of Apricot Customer Service) to get the job done in an average over the year of 1-2 hours per week.
- Client data management
- Cloud based data accessibility
- Volunteer Engagement management
- Webforms! This was one of the primary reasons for selecting Apricot. We can link our application to our website and clients can complete it online without having access to any other client information in the system.
- I don't know if it's considered innovative usage, but Form Logic has streamlined our application process, making it less confusing for our clients.
- I've seen that it can be used for donors data management, but I haven't looked into that adequately to know.
Evaluating Apricot by Social Solutions and Competitors
Not Sure
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
- Third-party Reviews
Apricot is very user-friendly and does not require an IT expert to manage it. With just a couple of hours of support from the Apricot team, I, a social worker with minimal computer experience, became the 'Administrator' of Apricot for our agency. I've learned much more over the past few years, but none of it has been painful.
I would only consider programs that allowed a trial period with their software. Every program looks easy while a person who is an expert in that particular software clicks around a screen to show you what it will do. However, when they walk away and you're on your own, reality sets in. With Apricot, that reality was that nearly anyone can use this program!