Gets the job done, for some
August 06, 2014
Gets the job done, for some
Score 4 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Other
Modules Used
- Data Import
Overall Satisfaction with eTapestry
eTapestry was primarily used to manage donor contacts and track charitable gifts to my organization. All employees referenced eTapestry in that respect. It also was used by a smaller number of employees to track recurring memberships, annual solicitation reminders and event attendees. Finally, one employee used the product to occasionally reconcile with our bookkeeping software.
- eTapestry's "User defined fields" offered quite a bit of flexibility. I was able to create database structures customized to the needs of my organization.
- The query and reporting system was fairly easy to use. It required training for employed but they eventually got it.
- The chat support is excellent. This is the strongest feature. Chat and phone support made a huge difference.
- eTapestry hasn't received any major modifications since shortly after its purchase by Blackbaud. I do not see it as a well supported platform with a long term future.
- eTapestry has always been weak in event management and moves management. The moves management module was sorely lacking and event management did not exist.
- The biggest challenge our staff faced was reporting. After years of working with the platform, I still don't think our executives were getting satisfactory reporting. I was an expert at eTapestry and felt very confident manipulating the reporting and query structure but I was the only one. That skill left when I left. It involved memorizing dozens of rules and tricks that allowed a user to get accurate data to answer a given question.
- Better customer service.
- Better reporting to board and executives
- Better access to data analysis
- Difficulties in reporting often led to corrupt lists and slow reports.
Ages ago I built several donor databases in Access. I've been a system and data administrator (among other things) for many years, but have never worked with a competitive product. I inherited my eTapestry system when I joined the organization and spent five years working with it.