Companies are approaching automated marketing communications process from dozens of different directions, most of them tactical. It is relatively easy to find single application automation solutions, like the automated postcard mailing solutions widely available on the internet.  Fully functional and integrated systems are another matter entirely. 

There are two critical factors to consider with Automated Marketing Communications systems:  data flow and functionality. 

Data flow relates to how information goes from one function within the system to another.  And, this issue can be distilled to one simple question:

Can the system accommodate an application with “streaming data” from one function in the system to another?  In other words, will the system function “real time”?

It is important to recognize that data flow is really the key to automation. If the proposed system can’t accommodate “streaming data”, then it is dependent upon some sort of batching process in which to manage the work flow.  And, if you are subject to a batching process, you are not benefiting from automation. If you don’t have the capability to process “real time”, then you don’t have an automated process. 

Functionality relates to the capabilities of the system.  A fully integrated, comprehensive Automated Marketing Communications System must include all of the following six components:

We have found only one real time system that includes all six functions. All of the other systems we’ve seen offer only three or four of the six required component functions. Most of them also rely on batch methods for data flow. While many of the competitive systems provide web-based access, many do not. Only Streamlyne offers comprehensive functionality including all six functions with “real time” data flow.

It is important to understand that we can, and do work with any automation technologies. We are not limited to only Streamlyne. Streamlyne is just the best system.