Redtail, Morningstar Partner on CRM Tech

Redtail and Morningstar say the new CRM software solution is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014. They hope the software tools will help advisers streamline and simplify practice management and client servicing.

“Throughout the development process, we’ve looked carefully at feature requests and suggestions from our users that have gathered the most support,” explains Brian McLaughlin, CEO of Redtail Technology. “We’re implementing hundreds of those ideas in this release, while also improving overall performance, design and ease of use.”

Tricia Rothschild, head of global adviser solutions for Morningstar, says the goal is also to provide advisers with a more integrated, holistic workflow. “As advisers increasingly use Redtail, we’re pleased to offer easier access to investment and portfolio-level information where and when they need it,” she adds.

In addition to integrated Morningstar reports, analytics and data, the Redtail CRM user interface offers enhancements to key features, including:

• improved calendar functionality, both at the contact and database user level;
• more precise and user-friendly advanced searches;
• expanded note formatting and commenting capabilities;
• a new automations engine that helps advisers manage daily activities and processes more efficiently; and
• a new projects feature with a revamped workflow management system.

Redtail CRM subscribers who upgrade to the new version will be able to conduct research and stay abreast of timely market information from Morningstar, according to the firms. Without leaving the Redtail platform, subscribers may view the Morningstar Report, an on-screen research report for mutual funds, stocks, closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds. Advisers can also view various Morningstar market-monitoring tools on the Redtail dashboard, including the Morningstar Market Barometer, Sector Delta graphics, fair value estimate chart and Morningstar news content.

In addition, Redtail CRM subscribers who also have a license for Morningstar Advisor Workstation or Morningstar Office will gain access to other reports and research, directly from the Redtail platform. These advisers will be able to view client portfolios and generate Morningstar portfolio-level reports—including Portfolio Snapshot, Portfolio X-Ray and Stock Intersection. Advisers also will be able to generate investment detail reports for funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds.

If they choose to subscribe to the capability, Morningstar Advisor Workstation and Morningstar Office users will also have access to analyst research and ratings within the Morningstar Report directly from the Redtail platform. Later this year, Morningstar Office users will also have access to client portfolio data within the Redtail CRM.

“The primary goal of all of our integration efforts is to make those tasks that advisers have to perform on a day-to-day basis easier and more streamlined,” McLaughlin says. “This is only the first part of our coordinated integration effort, which will deepen significantly over time.”

Redtail says subscribers may switch to its new CRM or continue to use the previous version. Redtail will continue to support the previous CRM and keep all existing training information available, but will base new training materials on the updated user interface. New users who sign up for a free trial will instantly have access to the new interface. Redtail will offer multiple weekly webinars to educate users about the new features available and has an expanded training staff available to provide help and support throughout the transition.

More information on the Redtail CRM solutions is at www.redtailtechnology.com.