Last Updated: April 04, 2024
Glue Up and iMIS are two of the leading options when it comes to membership management software solutions. If you're on the lookout to make your workflows smoother and connect with your members, deciding between these two platforms is a key decision.
Read on for a thorough comparison that covers the features, functionality, ease of use, and overall value offered by each, and determine if Glue Up is a viable alternative to iMIS.
We'll explore the strengths and weaknesses, integrations, scalability, and even what real users have to say. The aim here is to give you all the information you need to choose the platform that best fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Glue Up is highlighted for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set designed to meet the dynamic needs of member-based organizations, including advanced CRM, event management, and innovative communication tools.
- Glue Up offers extensive customization options and integrates seamlessly with third-party applications, enhancing usability and allowing organizations to create a branded experience for members.
- Glue Up is the First Global AI-powered AMS that incorporates AI features, such as AI Copilot, to simplify content creation and personalize communication, a feature currently not available in iMIS.
- Both platforms offer scalable options suitable for organizations of various sizes, with Glue Up starting at a lower price point but both necessitating consideration of long-term costs.
- Glue Up is recognized for its intuitive navigation and comprehensive support resources, making it accessible for users without extensive technical knowledge, while iMIS is noted for its efficiency but requires more time for mastery due to its complexity.
What is Glue Up?
Glue Up is a robust cloud-based platform, particularly designed for the dynamic needs of member-based organizations. Its comprehensive suite of features simplifies all aspects of managing your membership workflow, from events and emails to finance and community management.
Glue Up is suited for organizations of all sizes worldwide, ranging from multinational enterprises, through chambers of commerce and associations, to start-ups and NPOs.
Key aspects of Glue Up include:
- Advanced CRM: Glue Up excels in simplifying the tracking and management of member information, offering multiple custom fields for detailed member profiles.
- Efficient Event Management: It supports the planning and execution of events with ease, enhancing the overall experience.
- Innovative Communication Tools: It provides integrated email marketing and survey tools to facilitate better member engagement.
- Streamlined Financial Transactions: The platform allows for easy handling of online donations and payments, simplifying financial management.
- Insightful Reporting and Analytics: It offers valuable strategic planning and decision-making insights.
Additionally, Glue Up's user-friendly interface and compatibility with other third-party popular tools make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking an all-encompassing solution for member management, event coordination, and fundraising.
Pros and Cons of Glue Up
Here are the advantages of using Glue Up:
- AI-Powered: Glue Up is the First Global AI-powered management software for associations and chambers.
- Ease of setup: Set up a member database with ease and store data in one place.
- Easy to use: An intuitive interface enables members to navigate without guessing or getting lost easily.
- Automatic payment reminders: Send renewal reminders through automated emails and push notifications.
- Excellent website builder: An intuitive drag-and-drop website comes with a set of unique templates making your organization stand out.
- Multilingual software: Not limited to English, but also supports Spanish, Korean, Russian, Chinese, French, and Portuguese.
- Customer support: Easily speak to a customer representative 24/7–may it be through email, phone, or live chat.
- Mobile apps: Two mobile apps available on both iOS and Android devices for convenience.
Glue Up's only disadvantage is there’s no free version that allows you to explore its platform and use its basic membership management features.
What is iMIS?
Source: Capterra
iMIS, standing for Integrated Membership Information System, is also a management software for membership organizations.
At its core, iMIS focuses on:
- Membership Database Management: It simplifies member tracking and engagement.
- Event Coordination: Aids in planning and executing successful events.
- Effective Communication: It enhances outreach with email marketing and surveys.
- Financial Handling: Facilitating online donations and payments.
- Reporting: Offering analytics for informed decision-making.
While iMIS also serves associations and nonprofits with a range of features, it is more suited for those needing very specific, customizable solutions. (SourceForge)
Pros and Cons of iMIS
Here are the advantages of using iMIS:
- Memberships: Use the platform to guide you through managing chapters and committees, processing membership fees, and analyzing membership
- Community: Manage your contacts, chapters, committees, marketing campaigns, and more,
- Fundraising: Set up your organization’s fundraising campaigns, add gift items to your site, and manage your donations.
- Events: Create events online, add survey questions for events, and view your event calendar.
- Commerce: Find and add products, manage promotions, and process automatic payments.
- Marketing: Manage list definition and perform campaign tracking.
- Certification: Use an integrated tool when managing your organization’s certification programs.
iMIS comes with a few disadvantages too:
- iMIS isn't the easiest system to configure, we have a consultant to deal with the implementation and setup. (Capterra User Review)
- The learning curve is a little steep with new users. (Capterra User Review)
- Lack of flexibility in creating fields for different metrics. (GetApp User Review)
- Lack of support, low number of partners, and limited selection. (GetApp User Review)
- Events in IMIS are not suited for a full meeting, and most partners recommend 3rd party solutions with additional cost. (G2 User Review)
- The object/panel/page relationship is a bit clunky unless you have a true UI designer on staff. (G2 User Review)
- There is a definite learning curve for new staff, especially those with little or no previous database experience. (G2 User Review)
Optimizing Membership Management: Choosing the Right Membership Management Software
Choosing the right membership management software is crucial for any organization. Here's how to make an informed decision:
- Feature Assessment: Match the software's capabilities with your specific requirements.
- User-Friendliness: Evaluate the ease of use and the workload it places on staff.
- Customization Options: Look for software that adapts to your unique needs.
- Scalability: Ensure the software can grow with your organization.
- Budget Considerations: Compare pricing and overall cost.
- Security Protocols: Examine how well the software protects sensitive data.
A key component of long-term success is choosing the right software, which enables your organization to thrive and adapt over time.
Key Features Comparison: Glue Up vs. iMIS – A Close Look
Source: Capterra
Member Management
When it comes to membership management, both Glue Up and iMIS present themselves with a suite of impressive features, each catering to different organizational needs:
I. Membership Database Management
Glue Up: Glue Up takes the lead with its dynamic and user-friendly approach to database management. It not only offers customizable fields but also introduces unique features like automated member segmentation, smart lists, and integrated member analytics.
iMIS: While it supports complex member relationships and customizable options, iMIS does not include the advanced segmentation found in Glue Up. (Capterra)
II. Membership Dues and Renewals
Glue Up: Glue Up stands out with its advanced auto-recurring payments system and renewal reminders through emails and push notifications. This level of personalization and automation simplifies the dues collection process significantly.
iMIS: Offers flexible dues structures and automated renewal notifications, but does not support push notifications. (Capterra)
III. Member Communication and Engagement
Glue Up: Glue Up has a mobile community app designed to foster member engagement. The app allows members to connect and engage with the community as well as the organization.
iMIS: There is no community app for iMIS clients. (Capterra)
IV. Member Directory and Profiles
Glue Up: Glue Up goes a step further by offering public directories and customizable member profiles with the option of connecting and sharing business cards. This not only enhances member engagement but also boosts the visibility of your members.
iMIS: Provides a member portal for updates and directory integration, but does not offer the interactive elements and community app available with Glue Up. (Capterra)
Event Management
i. Event Creation and Management
Glue Up: Offers an intuitive event creation process, with options for various event types, including virtual events. Additionally, its drag-and-drop interface makes it user-friendly.
iMIS: Provides comprehensive event management tools, though it can be less intuitive than Glue Up.
ii. Online Registration and Ticketing
Glue Up: Features a seamless online registration system with customizable ticketing options. It also supports QR code check-ins.
iMIS: Offers online registration but lacks some of the advanced ticketing customization features found in Glue Up.
iii. Event Attendance Tracking
Glue Up: Provides real-time attendance tracking with mobile app integration, making it easy to manage attendees on the go.
iMIS: Supports attendance tracking but may require additional integrations for similar mobile functionality.
iv. Event Reporting and Analytics
Glue Up: Provides real-time attendance tracking with mobile app integration, making it easy to manage attendees on the go.
iMIS: Supports attendance tracking but may require additional integrations for similar mobile functionality.
AI Features
Glue Up
Glue Up is the first membership management software that has included AICopilot in the platform. This first AI-enabled community platform simplifies the creation of engaging content for events, surveys, and campaign descriptions.
In addition to empowering you with robust writing capabilities, it also personalizes communication to foster meaningful connections with your members.
iMIS
iMIS currently lacks the integration of artificial intelligence capabilities within its system.
Communication and Collaboration
i. Email Marketing and Automation
Both Glue Up and iMIS offer email marketing templates and automation features for member organizations.
ii. Communication Tools
Glue Up: Includes efficient internal communication tools like forums and chat to facilitate collaboration.
iMIS: iMIS does not have advanced community features like Glue Up.
Reporting and Analytics
Glue Up: Highly customizable dashboards and reports, offering detailed insights tailored to specific organizational needs.
iMIS: Offers customizable reports but with a slightly less intuitive interface compared to Glue Up.
Pricing and Plans - Which One is Best Value for Money?
Source: Capterra
Glue Up Pricing
Price starts at $125/month and that makes it affordable but enough when you’re just starting out.
However, Glue Up also provides scalable options billed yearly to meet growing demands, thus giving more allowance for new members, virtual events, or speed networking sessions.
If you're interested in learning more about the pricing structure, you can visit the pricing page here.
iMIS Pricing
iMIS's costs can vary, much like Glue Up, with their basic plan starting at $200 per month.
However, the iMIS Professional package starts at USD 7,200 per year for a minimum of 3 users, accompanied by a one-time installation fee starting at USD 15,000. For more information, you can refer to their pricing page by clicking here.
Ease of Use and Implementation
Glue Up
User-Friendly Interface and Intuitive Navigation
Glue Up is known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to navigate and utilize its features without extensive technical knowledge.
Comprehensive Training and Support Resources
Glue Up has a training academy that offers a range of training and support resources to help organizations maximize the use of its platform.
Self-Service Onboarding and Implementation Options
Glue Up also provides self-service options for onboarding and implementation, making it easier for organizations to get started.
iMIS
User-Friendliness and Learning Curve for iMIS
iMIS has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features, but it’s highly efficient once mastered.
Availability of Training and Support Resources
iMIS also provides ample training and support, ensuring users can effectively utilize its features.
Implementation Process and Time Requirements
The implementation of iMIS can be more time-consuming, given its comprehensive nature. (Software Advice)
Integrations and Customization
Glue Up
Glue Up seamlessly integrates with a range of third-party applications, enhancing its usability. It also provides extensive customization options for brand management.
One of the best features of Glue Up is that it offers white-label features to organizations looking forward to creating a seamless, branded experience for their members and attendees.
This customization allows for a more personalized and professional presentation, enhancing user engagement and reinforcing brand identity.
iMIS
iMIS also offers robust integration capabilities with various systems, enhancing its functionality. It also allows significant customization to fit the specific needs of an organization.
Since iMIS does not have a mobile app for its users, the range of customization is not as extensive as Glue Up.
Deployment and Support Options
Source: Capterra
Glue Up
In addition to its cloud version, Glue Up provides deployment options for Windows and Mac, as well as mobile. Their support services include an email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, and 24/7 live chat.
iMIS
iMIS does not support desktop platforms Windows and Mac. Their support services include email/help desk, FAQs/forum, knowledge base, phone support, and chat. However, they do not offer a 24/7 live representative, unlike Glue Up. (Capterra, Software Advice)
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Glue Up
Glue Up gives us a single platform to manage all the activities our volunteer organization is putting on. Our board members can quickly and independently create, manage and launch campaigns without a big learning curve. Glue Up is key to running our organization.
Jan S, Head of Marketing - Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) - View the review on G2
Glue Up has an overall rating of 4.5 on Capterra with an 86% likelihood for recommendation. The platform is particularly praised for its superior engagement management capabilities and intuitive interface, making it highly user-friendly.
iMIS
Solid customisation options. Worked with consulting firm several times to build out custom features, expand on existing features, build out pages and user authentication. Accompanying documentation is thorough, helpful for the administration/technical staff.
Christopher S, Membership Database Analyst - view the review on G2
iMIS has an overall rating of 4.3 on Capterra with a 79% likelihood for recommendation. The software is often praised for its extensive feature set and exceptional database management capabilities.
However, it has a steeper learning curve than Glue Up.
Summary of Key Findings
The comparison reveals that both Glue Up and iMIS offer robust features for membership management.
While Glue Up stands out for its user-friendliness, advanced automation, AI features, mobile apps, and robust customization, iMIS excels in database management and advanced features.
Recommendation for Choosing an MMS
When choosing between Glue Up and iMIS, consider organizational size, technical expertise, and specific needs.
Glue Up may be better for those seeking an intuitive, all-in-one solution, while iMIS could be ideal for organizations needing advanced database management.
iMIS vs. Glue Up: Which is Better?
While both platforms have their strengths, Glue Up's user-friendly nature and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling alternative to iMIS, especially for organizations looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform.
It offers advanced customization options, brand management, community management, and AI features that are missing in iMIS. If you also want to consolidate all your membership workflows into one software, consider requesting a demo of Glue Up's functionalities here.
Additionally, you can contact us for more information or read this ebook for a more detailed outline of managing your organization in less than 25 minutes a day with Glue Up.
FAQs
1. What are the primary differences between Glue Up and iMIS in terms of membership management capabilities?
Glue Up offers more modern, mobile-first solutions for event and membership management, focusing on seamless communication and networking among members. iMIS, on the other hand, provides a robust AMS with advanced reporting and fundraising capabilities, suitable for complex membership structures.
2. How do Glue Up and iMIS compare in ease of use and implementation for organizations of different sizes?
Glue Up is generally seen as more intuitive and user-friendly, with a quicker setup, making it ideal for small to medium-sized organizations. iMIS, while scalable and feature-rich, might require more extensive training and setup time, fitting larger organizations with complex needs better.
3. Can you provide examples of how Glue Up's AI features enhance membership engagement compared to iMIS?
Glue Up leverages AI for personalized event recommendations, automated email marketing campaigns tailored to member preferences, and predictive analytics to forecast membership trends, which can significantly enhance engagement levels compared to the more traditional approaches of iMIS.
