ToucanTech

Avantages

The online alumni community is very impactful, the news stories create a real feeling of community and there are many features such as Clubs, Events, Support Us, Forum, etc. which can be developed over time. I also like the fact that when you capture new members they update their contact details straight into the database. The software is very user friendly and is a pleasure to work with.

Inconvénients

I don't think there is anything I don't like about the software. The company is constantly reviewing and upgrading features and software and respond to customer feedback where appropriate. I am still learning to use the fundraising software and I think it would be great to have some webinars on the fundraising side of the database as well as how to create clubs, etc.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

We find the Galleries page very popular with alumni.No problems with integration.Customer support is excellent.

Inconvénients

No major complaints.To keep the site relevant and attract hits requires a lot of staff time - but that would apply to other providers.

Avantages

I like how easy it is to use on the backend. I'm not a coder or website designer and I'm able to navigate it.

Inconvénients

It would be great to be able to customize the look of our members' offline records, but that's not available yet.

Avantages

My two favourite things about TT are:
1. it's intuitive: you can work out what you need to do, ease of use, common sense approach
2. the online community accessible to our network is part of the package, not an add-on

Inconvénients

I think the app should be included with the annual fee, not as an optional add-on.

Avantages

News, events, obituaries are easy to add

Inconvénients

It takes a little time to get trained up but once you are familiar with the system it is fine

Avantages

I love the mass email tool - which allows the creation of attractive emails and analysis of recipients' responsiveness to the content.
I also love the integration of our website with the database.

Inconvénients

Ideally I would like some more flexibility about some of the pages on our website, but I can probably achieve this by asking for help with creating some bespoke areas.

Avantages

Toucan Tech has helped us tale the first step in establishing and managing our alumni community. The software provides an intuitive all-in-one website, membership management, email marketing and event management platform and so far we've only scratched the surface.
There is a helpful and responsive first-line support desk and I've also enjoyed joining the live training sessions with other Toucan Tech clients. Although these sessions are always recorded and available to watch on demand, I enjoy having the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other customers.

Inconvénients

Nothing of note and if there are any issues then the very helpful and responsive first line team are always available to assist.

Avantages

Not only does the software offer a secure space for our members to communicate but it provides a central database to pool all our contacts with all the relevant data protocols in place. It is easy to use with a handy dashboard in the ‘back office’ for an instant snapshot of activity and engagement.

Inconvénients

The software has developed as Toucan Tech have addressed the needs and requests of their clients so our site has grown with the software and if anything we have had to keep up!

Avantages

Toucan Tech is very user friendly and has been designed with School use in mind - which is fantastic!
Data entry is straight forward. Emails can be designed by template or you can create your own and the fundraising function is superb.

Inconvénients

We have not found too many complications. It can be frustrating having to enter the same address multiple times when adding details of a family.

Avantages

Over my twelve years experience of schools development and fundraising, Toucan Tech is the first software that I have come across and used that provides a communications and a fundraising capability under the same 'umbrella'.

Toucan Tech is advanced, progressive, and highly responsive to user feedback

Inconvénients

Not much not to like. A few niggles to improve on but upgrades coming on stream regularly.

The transfer of data from our old system to Toucan Tech, was more involved and took longer than expected. But Toucan Tech resolved all issues.

Avantages

I find the ToucanTech system to be very easy to use compared to previous databases. It was a fairly easy transition of moving our data across – the data team are very knowledgeable and helpful.
I enjoy using the system!

Inconvénients

The system can run slowly at times. I have had different features not work at times but the team always look into it and resolve the issue.

Avantages

The most important feature s the software itself but this needs to be backed up by the ToucanTech team. The software is very flexible and the support we have received is excellent.

Inconvénients

Only the fact that all change is initially difficult to handle. Thankfully the ToucanTech team have helped tremendously with the transition.

Avantages

I like TT because it is an integrated Database, CRM and CMS - and the system is easy to use with training others a fairly simple process thanks to support from TT. It provides all the engagement tools we need, it's keenly priced, they respond quickly to queries, implement customer product requests regularly, and are constantly refreshing and upgrading their offer.

Inconvénients

Volunteer management could be better, but there are useable workarounds.

Avantages

As a new school (in our third year), building community is a priority. We needed a user-friendly tool to help us do this. It also needs to be GDPR compliant. Our parents are willing to give consent for their child's image to be posted on an internal community such as this one, which allows us to document/celebrate the many wonderful things happening at TASIS Portugal. They are also incredibly eager to connect with each other professionally and the business network allows this.

Inconvénients

None. We were realistic about what we were purchasing -- what it offered/didn't offer.

Avantages

Being completely new to working with databases and similarly-based communication systems the most important aspect for me has been the great help from the Support Teams. They are always very willing to help; extremely patient; thoroughly professional and yet friendly and approachable at all times.

Inconvénients

Again given my inexperience in this area - and I find it similarly with Mail Chimp as well - I can't set up pages and the like in a way that seems obvious to me. Hence, I find the Support Team vital as I slowly learn what can be done and how to achieve it. Normally, I would have delegated such things to a competent professional. The Toucan Support Team has, with great understanding, taken on this delegated role whenever possible.

Avantages

For an IT dinosaur like me I find it very easy and accessible

Inconvénients

None I can think of, it has worked very well for us from the start

Avantages

The platform is extremely easy to use and navigate. If you are stuck, then the service team are always willing to help, either over the phone, a webinar or travel up in person. Truly outstanding service.

Avantages

The product is very easy to use, the interface is not too busy or cluttered, and it is easy to navigate.

Inconvénients

The reporting element could be easier to use- I find it difficult to generate the reports I need.

Avantages

Customer service, issue resolution, responsiveness, new product releases, ease of use, competitive pricing, willingness to find custom solutions, training, and lots of resources, a community of users.

Inconvénients

Can have slow load speeds at times and other bugs (but those are quickly fixed with support)

Alternatives envisagées 

Avantages

The product is very user friendly which is very important when you have "Users" who will not be accessing the system on a daily basis. The Toucan Tech system allows us to combine our internal database system with an Online platform for our Alumni, and this was a very important part of the decision making process when looking to change systems.

Inconvénients

Our previous database system was very limited and so all aspects of the Toucan Tech software are an imrovement for us.

Avantages

Easy to use, fantastic customer service.

Inconvénients

I don't dislike anything about the software.

Avantages

I use the entire system and it makes the role a lot easier, managing and communicating with our community.

Inconvénients

Sometimes the filters can be hard to use but support are always on hand.

Avantages

Central records for all contacts with individuals and ability to see messages read and acted upon.
Newsletter functionality.

Inconvénients

Hadn't used a system like this before, so had to spend a little time thinking about the structure and content, but once familiar was easy to use.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

The integration between database, email communications and a community website where our members can reconnect with one another.

Inconvénients

Generally the system is pretty intuitive and very easy to use, the only section I find a little tricky is reporting but this will be because I don't use it often enough to be familiar with it.

Avantages

The product is easy to use and extremely functional

Inconvénients

Very little, AS and when we have asked for additional functions to be added they have been.

Avantages

Usability, customer service excellence in their support offering, intuitive software, wonderful interface, record management, just a fantastic partner to work with!

Inconvénients

Really can't think of anything; genuinely! I really enjoy the user experience. Which is why we renew our contract year after year!

Avantages

We found everything fairly easy to use and create a great website. When we couldn't work it out there was always someone who could help us.

Inconvénients

We had a few teething troubles, mainly due to our own lack of ability! We fed back where we thought things could improve and TT always took it on board and looked to improve/enhance their product.

Avantages

I like the ongoing updates to the software and fresh ideas

Inconvénients

You need to constantly use it to understand its full functionality. Training is always a must.

Avantages

Intuitive operating system integrating all the key functions of a database and external comms platform designed specifically for use in a development and alumni relations setting.

Inconvénients

Automatic upgrades, particularly affecting page format

Avantages

The intuitive ease of use, the slick layout and constant updating ToucanTech are prepared to do and if you have an idea of how things could perform better they try to work it into the next upgrades which happen really quickly. I like the amount of flexibility we have free of charge with website design, and not having to pay for every little thing which is so annoying with other companies. Very forward thinking and refreshing company to work with.

Inconvénients

The photo gallery portal is a little outdated, both aesthetically and un-user friendly - reordering photos is time consuming and dated.

Avantages

It's easy to use, and can be self taught

Inconvénients

Email template design is not that easy, leading to frustration

Avantages

All the functionality we are after is currently available and ToucanTech are always happy to listen to our feedback and consider ideas for future developments. It is so intuitive for both the administrators and users.

Inconvénients

A few technical things need to be sorted from time to time but importantly, always sorted!

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

The absolutely best part of Toucan Tech is their responsive support and development team. Whenever there have been issues, the team has responded rapidly and with a determined goal of resolving any problems.

Inconvénients

The software is at time clunky and the user experience is not always the best possible, but with little tweaks these can be improved.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

The ToucanTech system has been a great help to join all areas of our team together. It means that instead of having to use multiple different providers for our emails, fundraising, events and community records we can have it all in once place with all our donations, records, emails and events all connected together in one place - so we get a full view of our whole community

Inconvénients

None - This system has been a huge improvement for our team from our previous product

Avantages

Easy to use and personalise, great customer support.

Inconvénients

Currently only accepts small image size uploads, but feedback has been noted by Support Team.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

Ability to be operated remotely, so that central office not required. Ability of membership to contribute to aspects of the website. Different levels of access as required. Ease of integration with previous database.

Inconvénients

Nothing personally, but am not involved with all its function areas.

Avantages

Intuitive, engaging, connected and modern

Inconvénients

Integration remains a problem. This is a universal issue when one migrates data from other systems into a new one. Constituent codes and lables remain 'dirty'.

Avantages

Toucantech helped us create the ideal space for parents to connect with each other. It lets us communicate with them and also gives them the opportunity to independently bond and generate stronger experiences. Parents are satisfied with the information they find on the community and we are grateful to offer that too.

Inconvénients

Sometimes it's hard to spot if someone who joined is really part of the community or not.

Avantages

I find the product design quite intuitive and the support offered by TT fantastic.

Inconvénients

Sometimes I confuse myself when I'm trying to filter the data!

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi choisir ToucanTech 

Pourquoi passer à ToucanTech

Avantages

Ease of use to migrate and deploy the tool

Inconvénients

I find some of the configuration pages ambiguous

Avantages

Email system is very easy to use. Customer Service/ training is excellent.

Inconvénients

I have a small budget and ToucanTech takes up most of that. Not much I can do really as competitors all similar prices.

Avantages

Managing data. Setting up fundraising campaigns. Communication with database.

Inconvénients

As with any software, human error can come into play.

Avantages

Toucan has produced for us an easy to use, excellent value, and brilliantly supported website, online community, and membership database all in one. It has transformed our work.

Inconvénients

Occasionally the system is not particularly intuitive, but the support is excellent and helps almost immediately if needed.

Avantages

The ability to build newsletters within the software, the business directory and the ability for alumni to be in touch with each other safely and without sharing contact information.

Inconvénients

Some things were buggy when they came on line, so my least favourite thing is needing to iron out the wrinkles.

Avantages

Toucan Tech is so easy to use and the few times I needed support, the team was amazing

Inconvénients

I can't think of any - it was so easy to use and they were so helpful.

Avantages

The platform looks very professional and easy to navigate to our users. I love seeing the pictures of everyone and what they are up to. It is easy to operate as an admin and service is always provided.

Inconvénients

In a time when independent schools are struggling due to the pandemic this platform may seem expensive. And it is, if you don't do anything with it. If you use its full functionality it is not and they have created discount plans that help a lot.

Avantages

I'm still a beginner user but Toucan Tech has been easy to use and seems to fulfil our needs in terms of alumni management, with the added bonus of allowing us to track future fundraising initiatives. It has features that allow us to engage with our constituents in a meaningful way on different levels.
Their support staff are also responsive and helpful, even anticipating our needs by providing clarity on any issue we might have (despite the different time zones we're in too).

Inconvénients

Haven't found one yet. Nothing to say here but it won't seem to let me proceed unless I fill up more space!

Avantages

User friendliness
Combined community hub with robust database
Look and feel

Inconvénients

Events module is a little clunky - we have suggested improvements
Being able to run a Giving Day on it
Taking donations/payments via Forms

Avantages

I like how easy the software is to use. It is visually appealing, easy to use and the customer service is amazing. I have the best project manager [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN], who is always there to help and responds usually on the same day I write to her. The Support website is really useful, with clear guides on how to use elements of the tool. Our Alumni are really excited about using the platform!

Inconvénients

So far I have not noticed anything major that I would change. One thing that is not ideal is when someone registers, you have to approve them first, before they can make a donation. This could stop someone from making a donation, but on the other hand, it is important to approve the people to the platform.

Avantages

ToucanTech provides a lot of flexibility in designing and tailoring the web site and data that can be held. It does this in a way that is reasonably intuitive and easy to learn. Support team are very helpful.

Inconvénients

I have found certain usability aspects of the general reporting function a little frustrating, but this is a minor quibble and may be addressed by a new reporting interface which has been rolled out.