PaulMarshall

I am happy to announce the first public release of ActionTracks, a workflow driven direct marketing CRM for managing direct marketing campaigns and sales workflow. ActionTracks is based on a complex workflow driven system I developed using Goldmine. The concept for a web-based version was initially included in a business plan for suite of products for mortgage brokers. When I returned to software development full-time in 2008, I decided to use this concept to learn CakePHP.  I have used this as a test platform to prove concepts and prototype features. What has resulted is a mostly working proof of concept. While the product is functional it certainly needs a lot of work.

When the product is complete i should support the same type of system I used as a mortgage broker to automate and manage my business. My process worked like this:

I used Pay Per Click campaigns to drive niche traffic to landing pages to receive free reports for first-time homebuyers, investors, etc. In order to receive the report, the user had to provide basic contact information. The contact info is automatically imported into the CRM where a Track is attached to the new contact. If the visitor requested the first-time homebuyer report, they would receive the report. After receiving the report, they would receive a series of emails spaced every few days or weeks. If the prospect submitted an application or called for a loan, the first-time homebuyer emails would stop, the Contact Type would be changed to Borrower and the contact would start receiving a series of letters and emails walking them through the loan process and keeping them informed about what steps are still to come. As the loan moved through the loan process, the borrower and other related contacts such as Realtors, appraisers, and escrow officers would receive email, fax, or letter notifications as the status of the loan changed. When the loan was closed, a gift was scheduled and the the borrower starts receiving follow up communication to stay in touch with borrowers and ask for referrals. My system required more than 200 messages and letters.

The idea for ActionTracks was to make the process of setting up these workflows much easier. Producing the content for these can be the most daunting task. In the mortgage business, there are several companies that provide content in the way of letters, flyers, and other marketing material. I wanted a system that would support easily importing this content from content providers such as Loan Toolbox, Dave Hershman, and Brian Sacks.

I am no longer in the mortgage business and really have no need for an application like this, however, I hate to see it sit and rot. I decided to release it as an Open Source application to generate some interest from other developers or companies interested in this type of system.

If you are interested in implenting or getting involved with the development of ActionTracks, please let me know.