Working with Cobalt is a breath of fresh air – they kept us involved every step of the way, from helping clean up our data during migration to launching a self-service portal that lets our members pay dues online. Their collaborative approach and attention to detail have truly transformed how we operate and serve our members.
Mary Hitchcock, Vice President, Systems and Office Operations, National Grain and Feed AssociationClient Overview
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) represents and serves 10,000+ employees of nearly 700 businesses involved in the grain, feed, and related commercial sectors. With a strong focus on advocacy, education, and networking, NGFA provides its members with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a competitive industry. However, their operations were bogged down by an outdated system that was both inefficient and frustrating, prompting them to look for a better solution.
The Challenge
NGFA’s legacy system was more of a burden than a help. Processes like paper-based invoicing were time-consuming and error-prone, often leaving staff scrambling to fix mistakes and meet deadlines. The organization needed a way to modernize its operations, clean up its data, and give members the ability to manage their accounts more easily. The goal was clear: simplify, streamline, and serve members better.
The Approach
NGFA teamed up with Cobalt to implement Engagement Dynamics, a modern Association Management System (AMS) built on Dynamics 365. From the start, the partnership felt different. Rather than disappearing for months and delivering a finished system, Cobalt kept NGFA involved at every step. Together, they tackled data migration, with Cobalt’s team helping to clean up years of records to ensure a smooth transition.
One of the most impactful changes was introducing a self-service portal. Members could now pay dues online, eliminating the back-and-forth of paper invoicing and freeing up staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Cobalt didn’t stop there – they provided extensive training for NGFA’s team, giving them the confidence to hit the ground running when the system went live. The whole process felt collaborative and transparent, making a potentially stressful transition surprisingly smooth.
Insights & Results
The implementation of Cobalt’s Engagement Dynamics has transformed the way NGFA operates. Here’s how:
- Improved Efficiency: With the self-service portal, members can manage their dues online, significantly reducing administrative tasks for staff.
- Data Accuracy: The data cleanup during migration means NGFA now works with more reliable and organized records.
- Streamlined Processes: Automated workflows have replaced time-consuming manual tasks, allowing the team to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Positive Member Experience: Members love the convenience of online payments and easy access to their information.
For NGFA, working with Cobalt wasn’t just about getting a new system – it was about finding a true partner. The collaborative approach meant NGFA always felt in the loop, and the hands-on support during data migration and training made a huge difference. Staff quickly saw the benefits of the new system, from smoother day-to-day operations to happier, more empowered members.
This partnership has set NGFA up not just for success today, but for growth and innovation in the years ahead. As one staff member put it, “It feels like we’ve finally got a system that works with us, not against us.”
