The customer
The Microbiology Society (the Society) works with members and students to advance the understanding and impact of microbiology by connecting and empowering communities worldwide.
The support we received from GetSavi helped us feel ready to move into delivery with confidence
Background to the proejct
The Society recognised the need to modernise its CRM platform to better support members, strengthen operational efficiency and ensure its technology ecosystem could evolve alongside the organisation’s future ambitions.
However, with significant strategic and operational implications attached to this decision, the Society wanted confidence that it was selecting the right long-term solution.
GetSavi partnered with the Society to provide independent expertise throughout the early stages of the programme, helping define requirements, build a robust business case and run a transparent supplier selection process. Through a structured and evidence-based approach, the Society gained the clarity needed to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence
The challenge
The Society’s existing CRM platform was becoming increasingly misaligned with its evolving organisational requirements. While replacing such a critical system offered opportunities to improve member engagement and internal processes, it also carried substantial risk if the wrong decisions were made.
Key challenges included:
- Ensuring future technology investment aligned with long-term organisational goals
- Understanding the strengths and limitations of the existing CRM environment
- Defining detailed business and technical requirements across teams
- Building a compelling business case to support investment decisions
- Running an impartial and transparent supplier evaluation process
- Selecting a technology partner capable of supporting future growth and transformation
To navigate these challenges successfully, The Microbiology Society required an independent advisor that could provide strategic insight, robust governance and expert guidance throughout the procurement process.
GetSavi provided reassurance and structure at a critical transition point for the organisation. It made us confident that the project would be a success.
Our approach
Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, GetSavi delivered a structured programme of strategic consultancy and supplier selection support.
Discovery and requirements gathering
We facilitated a comprehensive discovery process to understand existing challenges, business priorities and future aspirations. This provided a clear picture of the Society’s operational needs and informed the development of detailed requirements for the future solution.
Business case development
Drawing on the findings from discovery, we developed a robust business case that articulated the case for change, aligned technology investment with strategic objectives and provided a clear framework for decision-making.
Vendor selection process
GetSavi designed and managed a transparent supplier evaluation process, ensuring vendors were assessed consistently against agreed criteria. This enabled The Microbiology Society to compare options objectively and identify the solution that best aligned with its current and future needs.
Strategic partner selection
We supported the organisation throughout the final stages of supplier assessment, helping stakeholders evaluate strengths, risks and opportunities associated with each option before selecting a technology partner capable of supporting the Society’s long-term ambitions.
Successful project implementation
We provided weekly project management support throughout the project, working in a blended way with the internal Society team to ensure adoption and beneficial change as well as a successful go-live.
Working with GetSavi was a pleasure. Their team was knowledgeable, responsive, and always went the extra mile.
The results
The engagement provided the Society with the clarity, structure and confidence needed to make a significant technology investment decision and then execute it to completion.
The programme delivered:
- A clear organisational direction supported by a robust and evidence-based business case
- A comprehensive understanding of future CRM requirements
- A transparent and well-governed supplier evaluation process
- The appointment of a technology partner closely aligned to the Society’s strategic goals
- Increased confidence in transitioning to a new vendor relationship and moving forward with CRM modernisation plans
- Successful delivery of an organisation wide CRM, membership, events and CPD management system, a new website and fully integrated online self-service and e-commerce portal.
Key takeaways
- Independent expertise can help organisations make critical technology decisions with greater confidence.
- A structured discovery process creates stronger alignment between technology investment and organisational strategy.
- Well-defined requirements improve supplier evaluation and reduce implementation risk.
- A transparent procurement process supports better decision-making and stakeholder buy-in.
- Early strategic planning lays the foundations for long-term digital transformation success.
- A focus on the people-side of change and project implementation delivers benefical results as well as technology change
