ToucanTech

Avantages

It is an all-in-one system that we can use to engage further with our past students and donors. We transferred over 10,000 records, and each time we send an email out, our data gets cleaned up by people directly updating their details. The daily automated emails you can set up are great and the data stored is easy to access and report on. Their support team and the customer manager you are assigned are outstanding. They reply to your emails and are always available for a training session where required.

Inconvénients

I don't really have any cons; the only two things I think that could be improved in time are; when setting up an email ready for sending, you cannot send yourself or others in your team a test email directly from the template and the other would be to be able to add more than one picture in a news article without setting up a gallery. However, these are minor when you look at all the advantages you gain from the overall ToucanTech system.

Avantages

Using Toucan it is very apparent that it has been thoughtfully developed as the fit-for-purpose tool to handle all aspect of community management. The back end database is allowing us to build and record a quality data set that will enable Brentwood School to continually improve communication, engagement, and fundraising in our wider school community ('Association').

Having this one stop hub makes our day to day easier as a Development team, but also offers convenience and consistency to those in our Association. Working with Toucan we are able to execute best practice through a well presented and user friendly system.

Inconvénients

Toucan was built as a bespoke "all in one" system when they recognised many of the alternatives were slow moving or just repurposing more generic systems. This means they are still developing some integrations with third parties, but we have always found an option that works.

Avantages

It does everything we need it to do. Great as a database, newsletter facility, bespoke website, events & fundraising platform.

Inconvénients

When I’m not using functions every day it’s sometimes tricky to remember the source for alterations.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Avantages

Easy to use. Keeps records, fundraising, and comms all in one place

Inconvénients

I sometimes struggle with the design elements -- however, the team are giving me lots of support with that.

Avantages

The friendliness and efficiency of all the ToucanTech team, from the initial sales enquiry and contract negotiation through to the onboarding, data migration, training and support. The whole team have been extremely supportive and patient when at times we were not in a position to make immediate decisions.

Inconvénients

We have found nothing that we dislike in our use of the product to date.

Alternatives envisagées 

HubSpot CRM

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

Because our product was not giving us what we needed in term of a system that links a CRM database, fundraising, events and communications.

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

1. Because we felt there was a more professional approach and consistency in handling the enquiry. 2. The internal and external user experience was preferred. 3. It was not the cheapest of the three products but overall, when all things considered, we felt that we got better value for money.

Avantages

The whole team is very approachable and helpful, the tech team takes onboard all our comments and implements most of them and the software is very intuitive and user friendly. The software is also very complete with both an alumni and fundraising platforms.

Inconvénients

I absolutely love everything about Toucan Tech!

Avantages

The team are incredibly helpful. Our account manager has worked in a school before so knows exactly what we need and can always see things from our perspective. The product is user-friendly and intuitive.

Inconvénients

It is a product that is still developing - but the team take on feedback and work in an agile way.

Avantages

Its features are intuitive and user-friendly. It handles all our alumni database needs.

Inconvénients

Can't think of anything at the moment. I appreciate that if there are certain things we can't do at the moment, it is included for consideration for future development updates.

Avantages

Such an accessible, user friendly and intuitive system. There was so much support throughout the whole on-boarding process and working in a school they met us with patience throughout long periods of busy patches.

Inconvénients

I can't comment on anything further than the team already know about some functions/changes to some features that would really benefit schools using the platform, but they were already on it and I was impressed by the response to my feedback

Avantages

Great staff, always keen to help and get back to you. There are lots of training videos and guides.

Inconvénients

As with any database, it won't always do what you want it to do, but the team work hard to get fixes in place where possible. The cost is probably market average, but it is still a big investment.

Avantages

A logical system that enhances productivity, Toucantech offers an easy-to-use interface supported by an excellent customer service team. Highly recommended.

Inconvénients

It would be great to have more 'bite-sized' training videos to reference

Avantages

The Customer Service Team was exceptional

Inconvénients

Some design features could be more user friendly.

Avantages

As a team of 0.5 FTE Toucan Tech is easy to use for Newsletters, comms, and fundraising appeals

Inconvénients

Hard to say but it would be great to allocate seating for events

Avantages

What I like most about ToucanTech is the excellent support team—they are always very helpful. Additionally, the platform offers a lot of functionality, making it a versatile tool for our needs.

Inconvénients

There isn't anything I dislike about ToucanTech. However, if you're not tech-savvy, you'll need to dedicate some time to learn and understand the platform's functionality. That said, it's manageable because the support team is fantastic and provides great assistance throughout the process.

Avantages

Creating our site with ToucanTech has been incredible for our school community and far exceeded our expectations. We started with the goal of having a central place for events, news & information, and a way for parents to network. All of these goals have been met and with better results than anticipated. The Event function, probably our most used, has brought our community together so that our events are more discoverable and inclusive. The number of events, type, and number of participants have all increased. For news and photo/video galleries, our site has lessened our reliance on email and allowed us to share more and have a central place for parents to search for anything they may have missed in newsletters (so much better than searching through emails). We have also expanded our offering of parent interest groups, allowing parents to take the initiative to create and manage groups on their own. This has been really fun and helped to create the “close-knit” community we hoped to build. Another great function has been networking – great for parents, but also great for our high school students looking for guidance about universities and career paths. It feels like the sky is the limit!

Inconvénients

There are a lot of functions the site has to offer that we have not yet fully explored & mastered. Our plan was to start slowly and then expand, but the lure of all of the features and potential positive impact for our community-led us to take on a lot all at once. We are still finding our way with managing content, and I think we will have a better plan in place for our 2nd year. Our first year was amazing, but we just made it up as we went along. Next year we’ll be more organized in our approach.

Avantages

The overall SaaS solution is helpful in tht all new features automatically show up without any delay or work on our side. Donation and now membership management are the two most critical aspects of what we use Toucan for. Our communications strategy is also well enabled by toucan. Their support is second to none. Always responsive, helpful and ready to support Occasionally a design expert comes to us to show how they could help make things look even better.

Inconvénients

Toucan could have more payment integration to enable less costly payment methods like direct debit or bank transfers. Being able to mass update fields and custom fields would help remove administrative burdern. In general they are able to take on feedback and look to build into the platform what we need.

Avantages

I like that you get to know the staff at Toucantech; and that they get to know you as well. This means we all better understand how to deal with problems.

Inconvénients

Although "glitches" appear in the software from time to time, even this "down arrow issue" is usually dealt with speedily and efficiently. I assume rival software also can have these problems, so I prefer to work on the basis that Toucantech resolves them more quickly than its rivals.

Avantages

The look of the system and how easy it is to use and manage. The Events feature is great, it has really helped me plan, organise, track attendance and promote our events. I also like the Advanced Filtering function where you can drill down specific user groups to send mass emails and analyse the data i.e whose reading your emails. The Fundraising section is excellent and direct payments updates the record automatically saving time and resource.

Inconvénients

I do not have any dislikes, we are very pleased with the system. The only one thing I recommend is that you need to keep your data as up to date a possible. You data is only as good as the information you put in.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

Raisers Edge was too complex and we only used the basic of the functionality. We felt it was more geared to Universities.

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

It was an all in one crm system which has all the functions we required and is easy to navigate. ToucanTech support and data team were so helpful and continue to support us. We are so pleased we made the move.

Avantages

I like the user friendly platform. I think every organisation has different needs and TT are first class at customer service. We have not used it to the full, but are trying to engage our users and drive traffic to the platform. The database is excellent for segmenting and creating a pipeline.

Inconvénients

I do realise that I need to learn more on reporting to present to our board. I would like to see families recognised in the database for fundraising as we work with the family unit.

Avantages

The best part of the software is that it is a one stop shop, so you have your database, fundraising, online portal, and events functions all tied into one package rather than needing different software options to answer different needs.

Inconvénients

We are generally very happy with this product, but of course as with all products, there are occasional glitches. However, the customer support team always respond very quickly and efficiently to these and they are constantly working to improve and to bring out new features.

Avantages

One software for alumni relations, communications, donations records, moves management and online community feature
Ease of use
Excellent support and training
Attractive user interface
Continual expansion and development of the product following feedback from users
Ease of migration from previous provider to Toucan Tech
Commitment and knowledge of the product from all the staff from top to bottom
An understanding of Development Office work and what customers want

Inconvénients

No major complaints - any queries have been dealt with quickly and efficiently

Avantages

This is easy to use and intuitive. Its an excellent way of keeping in touch with former pupils and updating records. Recently we have launched our first fund raising campaign using the site and have found it invaluable, keeping us up to date with donations, making gift aid claims simple and linking back to the record of the donor.
We also love the ease of setting up news items and galleries and sending mass emails.

Inconvénients

We have a number of donors who give on a regular basis. Each of these donations have to be added manually each month. It would be really helpful if this happened automatically. This is the most difficult part of the site to navigate

Avantages

Accessibility. You do not have to be a database or IT professional to use it. With the good training provided, most people will be able to do pretty everything they want or need to do.Support. Excellent, quick and helpful support for those jobs which you cannot do yourself.

Inconvénients

Minor layout features which could perhaps change. Nothing important. It is good that if we have something we would really like changing it is immediately put into the system for review and if thought to be a good idea for all TT users then the change happens.

Avantages

It's easy to love a great product, it's easier to love ToucanTech because in addition to the amazing product, they offer a second to none service. The team at ToucanTech met us every time we had a question, an issue, or simply wanted to discuss improvements to the platform.

Inconvénients

There is really nothing that we do not like about the service or the product which is why we were one of the first international schools to jump on board and continue to be a loyal customer.

Avantages

- A fantastic feature that ToucanTech offers is the Activity tracker – it shows us how people are engaging with our programme – from which emails they have opened to how many events they have attended. We are even able to sync external communications to the activity tracker so that all members of the team can view ongoing conversations.
- The events module and particularly how bookings are made is a lot easier to handle than our previous database.

T

Inconvénients

improved integration with other platforms. e.g.PASS

Avantages

ToucanTech has a simple to use and navigate user interface. It manages multiple functions which is great for a small office. The customisation is good and I have been impressed by the product enhancements and development since we started using the software.

Inconvénients

The fundraising and donation logging feature could be improved. I would also like to see more ability to managed the news images that are uploaded.

Avantages

All features are designed to be user friendly and iterative yet don't compromise in terms of sophistication which is the hallmark of great CRM software. Sending mass emails and creating events are particularly impressive features and surpass anything else on the market.

Inconvénients

Integration between third party payment providers and customer records was a little problematic but the data team resolved a complex issue through a combination of perseverance and in depth knowledge.

Avantages

The best thing about this software is the front page it gives and the ease of use for both administrators and members. It's super easy!

Inconvénients

Sometimes there is not enough information about processes or how to change things, but a quick message to the Helpdesk normally resolves everything.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

e-Tapestry was a database only. We needed the landing page.

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Although they were a similar price, the smallness of TouchTech was more appealing. I felt that they would have more time for me if there was a problem.

Avantages

We have been using our new alumnae platform, which is powered by ToucanTech, for about a year now. It offers much greater functionality than the previous site and the engagement levels have soared accordingly. It allows events to be organised efficiently and effectively and we are now seeing increasing use of the more interactive elements of the platform, such as our mentoring schemes and alumnae clubs. Over the past 12 months, ToucanTech have continued to develop and improve the software and are always working on new features and welcome additions to their offering.

Inconvénients

The ToucanTech support team offer an effective and well-run helpdesk and customised training. They were very hands on with the set up and integration of the new platform. The software has designed to be very user-friendly. The team work hard to resolove any issues or queries.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

We wanted to be able to offer greater functionality and customisation.

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

It offered the best-looking, most user-friendly, bespoke solution specificially for alumi and fundraising, which is exactly what we were looking for.

Avantages

As with most state schools every investment is carefully considered for return on investment and as an early adopter of Toucan Tech we are delighted with the added value it has given to our school Development and communication function. It enables us to create specific, targeted comms to specific community segments and to monitor the impact. Customer service is excellent.

Inconvénients

As a technophobe I've found parts of it a little more challenging to learn to use but overall delighted with the product.

Avantages

I find it easy to use, adding events and news stories is intuitive and can be done with very little training. Accessing the data is also very easy and can be done quickly on a PC or on your phone.

Inconvénients

I think the only thing we would like to add is an Instagram feed to our Home page.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

We felt that it was the best option for us, we wanted a website and a database in a single package, it also offered good value for money.

Avantages

The product is easy to use and I like the logic of the search function. The support team is great and it's very helpful to have the tutorial pages.

Inconvénients

Data hosting. This is an issue for overseas users as different countries have different data privacy standards.

Avantages

I have used a number of member databases with online portals in my time in alumni relations and by a long stretch, Toucan Tech is the most intuitive and easy to use. It looks lovely with all the different colours and is clear and not overly complicated. If you can't figure something out initially , there is a brilliant list of resources on their support website. When we have had the odd further complication, the support team have worked through the problem with us on the phone until it is solved. The system really allows the administrator to feel like they have both ownership of and a brilliant overview of their data. Our alumni seem to find the online portal and interactive features easy to use and appealing aesthetically. When we have fedback to the support team that we would like a certain feature included, they have responded positively and actioned this when they can.

Inconvénients

There honestly isn't much to criticise! Small gripes are currently the list of member records does not come up with the most recenty viewed first, which I have found a useful feature in previous systems for instance if you working through a load of data entry. When you are embedding a video in a news article, you have to have a static image at the top of the page (and the video link beneath) whereas due to social media and Youtube users now expect to be able to click on the image and go straight into a video playing. That's about it!

Avantages

The set up process was pain free, and from this support has been readily available with hints and tips being shared regularly. Overall, the ToucanTech software is easy to navigate and offers a lot of features. We have mostly been using this to maintain our alumni database and to promote and manage our events and news, however there are plans to build up our mentor network, open an online shop and to eventually begin fundraising - the fact that we have a piece of software that can do it all is fantastic.

Inconvénients

I don't have any particular negatives about ToucanTech. The staff there have been completely supportive from the initial contact to today (4 years later!). The software can take a bit of time to discover and there are some steps that you need to remember, but that is no different to any other platform.

Avantages

ToucanTech is an incredibly user friendly piece of software and it's very easy to build the online portal. The features we use the most are the mass email function, the events page, the online shop and the news section. Recently we've launched a second online portal for a different section of our community that can all be managed from the same database.

Inconvénients

There isn't a feature of Toucan that I would say I like the least. We were early customers of ToucanTech and the features and functionality that have been developed since we first used the software have only improved what was already a very good product.

Avantages

The human touch that is behind the company. From the sales representatives to the support team, everyone treats you with utmost care and attention, providing exceptional customer service. The product itself is very easy to use, you can customize and personalize the site so that it matches your needs. After much research I decided to go for Toucan Tech and I couldn't be any happier.

Inconvénients

There are no cons that stand out. There is a learning curve to learn how to use the product to its full potential but the tutorials and guides their support team provides are very useful.

Avantages

We were offered a tailored training day before setting it up - we could specify the main features we would use so the training was adapted to our needs, eg, how to produce reports we needed to replicate.
It is pretty intuitive, but online / telephone support is good when needed. The team are very friendly and helpful, and will 'take over' the PC to talk you through solutions if necessary.
The weekly support emails are helpful and let you keep on top of new developments.
Graphics are good, we have had good feedback about the 'look and feel' of communications from our alumnae community.

Inconvénients

Integration was quite a significant task due to volume of data but it was well managed on both sides.
The advanced filters and mass emails are possibly the least intuitive parts to use but this was resolved with good support and increased user familiarity.

Avantages

Ability to create and email excellent digital newsletters to membership

Inconvénients

Data issues. We import via Wonde from our school database, but there is a need to amend the data and add in missing fields.

Avantages

Everything is in one place. You can track, record and maintain you relationships for fundraising, communications and events. It is intuitive. The reporting stats are easy to read.

Inconvénients

I was nervous of the migration of data over but with the support of the TT team I overcame this very quickly.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

Required good customer support. Needed something easy and intuitive to use . Needed something that was cost effective and housed in the one place to help us build our relationships.

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Mainly price and I liked the fact the product housed so many functionalities in one place and was very easy to use.

Avantages

The design hub is extensive so you can really personalise your network, however at the same time, it is straightforward to learn and implement and helps to create a professional looking site. I particularly like the customisable layout of the homepage and the types of menus you can select. The recent update allowing drop-down menus is also beneficial in creating a more user-friendly network.

Lastly, the content editor is simple and allows for excellent article-creation in no time at all!

Inconvénients

I feel there is further scope to boost engagement, such as enhanced capabilities to 'like', 'comment' and 'share' other users' content.

There are often small bugs or technical errors when using the 'advanced filters' to organise records for emails etc.

Avantages

Database management and ability to track donations and produce appropriate reports.

Inconvénients

Have run into some technical issues that needed support's help

Avantages

Easy design features to result in a professional looking website with no specialist knowledge. The ability to tag records to build up a comprehensive relationship history for each alumni member is great (and saves a great deal of time). We are just starting to the the fundraising module but so far it's been a great experience.

Inconvénients

Importing our database was a huge task but now that is done it's much easier. Understanding how filters work was a little tricky at first but after training and support it's now much simpler and v intuitive.

Avantages

I have no experience administering a website so was a little daunted at first. However, the training we received was effective and practical. After being shown the features of the site I found it was set up in a logical way that was easy to understand and use. Adding content and news items is very simple and they look great when published. I also like the flexibility of the design hub which gives me the ability to change the design to suit our corporate branding. The integration of our database was managed by the Toucan Tech support team and our IT department and and was fairly seamless and easy. After the data transfer we were able to send mass email communications to our alumni very easily. The design of the emails is customizable and they look very professional. I also like that we can share our stories straight from the site to our socials.

Inconvénients

Some of the advanced filters are difficult to master. However, the support site is very helpful and has lots of resources available to use when we are stuck, or we email the support team for advice.

Avantages

Database management and growth. Enabling us to utilise content to attract our community to engage with us further. A virtuous circle.

Inconvénients

Some of the user journeys could be further refined but I know the product team work continually on this with new improvements all the time.

Alternatives envisagées 

Graduway

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Toucantech more suites to our community. Kore personalisation options in design.

Avantages

The Customer support is excellent, quick and effective & patient!

Inconvénients

Updating the system quite often leave "my" IT skillset behind.

Avantages

The ToucanTech software is engaging from the word go! Its bright, colourful appearance does not betray what lies beneath. The best thing about the software is its intuitive design which make operations simple, straightforward and easy. Almost everything you want to do/find is underpinned by logical thought and programming, so that the user can navigate easily around the software.

Inconvénients

I am honestly not sure there is an answer to this question. My whole experience with ToucanTech to date has been positive, from sales, to customer service to to the user end of the software. Although a cost is involved, I would say the value for money and customer care makes this well worth the expenditure.

Avantages

It's very easy to use and the support Toucan Tech provide is very personal and they always resolve any issues you send. Having our alumni website, fundraising data and email manager in one database has been the biggest advantage. This allows us to much more effectively report on engagement, identify new prospects and link up better between fundraising and alumni relations.

Inconvénients

The initial move was tricky as our data is quite complex. However, the data team are very used to migrations like ours and helped us through the process. Any issues are very quickly fixed even when you've moved to the live site.

Avantages

It is very customisable, simple to navigate and has provided us with the ability to better engage our alumni. The business directory and groups functions are excellent.

Inconvénients

No ability to create or upload a searchable file.

Avantages

It is an all-in-one product so we did not have to purchase a separate database. It is user-friendly making it easy to use and understand. It has revolutionised our ability to contact our alumni and store information on both alumni and current pupils . The support team are always willing to help and are constantly offering webinars and networking days. The analytics offered enables us to tweak our communications to meet our customer needs.

Inconvénients

I have nothing negative to say about this software.

Avantages

It is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate with clear and simple titles. The team are often improving the software and listen to the end users requirements.
The 'Dashboard' gives and instant picture of activity within the alumni community and the statistics provided are clear and concise.

Inconvénients

I would like a spell check built into the system.