Best Practices for Managing Sticky Contacts
Introduction to Sticky Contacts
Sticky contacts are a feature within the CRM that allows the system to "remember" a contact's information and automatically populate forms with their data when recognized. This feature is intended to streamline the process of filling out forms for returning contacts, saving time and reducing the likelihood of errors. However, understanding how to manage sticky contacts is crucial to prevent unintended overwriting of contact information.
How Sticky Contacts Work
When a form or survey is filled out with a contact's information, the CRM can be set to remember this information for future interactions. If sticky contacts are enabled and the same user attempts to fill out another form for a different contact without changing their session (e.g., using the same browser without clearing cookies or using incognito mode), the new contact's information might overwrite the previous one. This is because the CRM assumes the user is still interacting with the first contact.
Best Practices for Managing Sticky Contacts
To ensure that sticky contacts enhance your workflow without causing data integrity issues, consider the following best practices:
Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies: Before filling out a form for a new contact, team members should either clear their browser cookies or use an incognito window. This prevents the CRM from associating the new contact information with the previous session's contact.
Disable Sticky Contacts When Necessary: If your team frequently enters information for different contacts in quick succession, consider disabling sticky contacts for those forms or surveys. This can be managed in the form or survey settings, allowing for a fresh start with each new contact entry.
Training and Awareness: Ensure that all team members who interact with forms and surveys are aware of how sticky contacts work and the best practices for managing them. Regular training sessions can help reinforce this knowledge.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: What happens if I accidentally overwrite a contact's information?
- A: If you notice that a contact's information has been overwritten, you can manually edit the contact to correct the information. For future prevention, follow the best practices outlined above.
Q: Can I recover overwritten contact information?
- A: The ability to recover overwritten information depends on the CRM's data backup and recovery features. Check with your CRM administrator for specific recovery options.
Q: How do I disable sticky contacts for specific forms?
- A: Disabling sticky contacts can usually be done in the form or survey settings within the CRM. Look for an option labeled "Sticky Contacts" or similar and adjust accordingly.