Association Management System
Encyclopedia
An association management system (AMS) is a computerized system which provides a non-profit organization basic database features to run its operations, such as member services, dues, event management, communications, product databases and fundraising.
Typically, an AMS will be linked to an association's public-facing website so that members and customers may interact with the association. These interactions may include purchasing memberships, products, events, and more. Interactions could also include non-financial transactions such as updating contact information and sharing documents through participation on committees or task forces.
Just like many other modern software packages, AMS started off as desktop software, progressed to client-server
model and now a web-based (aka software as a service
model is being rapidly adopted. In web-based systems AMS become tightly integrated / interlinked with CMS (website content management system
).
Many small associations and clubs use a homegrown custom-developed AMS based on existing database programs and external software for specific needs, such event registration, online payment and newsletters.
Some 100 AMS systems are commercially available. Many of these will focus on specific target markets. For instance, very large complex associations, small and medium size associations with little resources, and association management companies that manages multiple associations using a single system.
Complexity of the membership structures that the software needs to manage is an important factor in selecting this type of software. If the membership base is a persons-only scenario with no company relationships then a simple spreadsheet or data table can often be used. If complex company and person relationships exist, and billing is optionally to a person and or to a company on a consolidated basis then relational database models need to be employed.
An AMS may also categorize and track member interests and manage service offerings to members based on the particular profile of the member.
Typically, an AMS will be linked to an association's public-facing website so that members and customers may interact with the association. These interactions may include purchasing memberships, products, events, and more. Interactions could also include non-financial transactions such as updating contact information and sharing documents through participation on committees or task forces.
Just like many other modern software packages, AMS started off as desktop software, progressed to client-server
Client-server
The client–server model of computing is a distributed application that partitions tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called servers, and service requesters, called clients. Often clients and servers communicate over a computer network on separate hardware, but both...
model and now a web-based (aka software as a service
Software as a Service
Software as a service , sometimes referred to as "on-demand software," is a software delivery model in which software and its associated data are hosted centrally and are typically accessed by users using a thin client, normally using a web browser over the Internet.SaaS has become a common...
model is being rapidly adopted. In web-based systems AMS become tightly integrated / interlinked with CMS (website content management system
Content management system
A content management system is a system providing a collection of procedures used to manage work flow in a collaborative environment. These procedures can be manual or computer-based...
).
Many small associations and clubs use a homegrown custom-developed AMS based on existing database programs and external software for specific needs, such event registration, online payment and newsletters.
Some 100 AMS systems are commercially available. Many of these will focus on specific target markets. For instance, very large complex associations, small and medium size associations with little resources, and association management companies that manages multiple associations using a single system.
Complexity of the membership structures that the software needs to manage is an important factor in selecting this type of software. If the membership base is a persons-only scenario with no company relationships then a simple spreadsheet or data table can often be used. If complex company and person relationships exist, and billing is optionally to a person and or to a company on a consolidated basis then relational database models need to be employed.
An AMS may also categorize and track member interests and manage service offerings to members based on the particular profile of the member.