Canadian Health Food Association

Member Management Technology Strategy and Implementation

Key Outcomes

Successfully implemented a modern, integrated Membership Management System
Decommissioned the legacy MMS and replaced it with a robust, cohesive ecosystem.

Enhanced member value through new features and improved user experience
Introduced gated content access, a functional member directory, and eCommerce capabilities, driving increased engagement.

Centralized data management for better efficiency and decision-making
Eliminated reliance on spreadsheets and workarounds by consolidating all data within the new system.

Enabled future growth and integration capabilities
Equipped CHFA with a scalable platform to expand offerings and integrate additional systems.

Managed project costs and vendor relationships effectively
Ensured cost-efficient project delivery.

The Challenge

CHFA was facing challenges with their legacy Membership Management System. Heavily customized over the years, the system had become rigid, preventing upgrades and forcing the organization to rely on cumbersome workarounds and add-on processes.  

Members, meanwhile, derived minimal value from the system, reinforcing the need for a more functional and engaging solution.

Recognizing the importance of a strategic approach, CHFA sought to partner with an experienced team to guide the selection of a replacement solution and manage the complexities of rollout, integration, and organizational change.

Our Process

Our role as the primary liaison between CHFA and external vendors ensured clear communication and alignment, saving CHFA time and reducing missteps by bridging gaps between all parties. Here’s how each phase of our process delivered tangible value to CHFA:

Stakeholder Engagement and Vision Setting

We worked with the project sponsor to define success measures and create a unified vision for the project. This collaboration gave CHFA confidence that the MMS would meet their specific needs, foster buy-in across teams, and ensure a smoother rollout.

Custom Integrations with Existing Systems

During implementation, we coordinated the process of developing custom integrations between the new MMS and other technology tools like ExpoGenie and Microspec, building a seamless technology ecosystem. For CHFA, this meant streamlined operations, reduced manual processes, and fewer errors, freeing upstaff to focus on higher-value tasks rather than juggling disconnected systems.

Data Migration Oversight

We collaborated with the CHFA team to ensure all member information transitioned accurately into the new MMS, eliminating CHFA’s dependence on external data sources. This activity provided CHFA with a single source of truth (SSOT), opening up new reporting options and decision-making while enhancing data security and accessibility.

Enhanced Member Experience Features

We worked with the internal team to introduce features like gated member content, a functional member directory, and eCommerce capabilities, directly elevating the value CHFA could offer its members. These enhancements opened the door to increased member engagement and satisfaction while at the same time reinforcing CHFA’s relevance and value to their member community.

Testing, Launch, and Training

We coordinated comprehensive testing and a well-executed launch, minimizing disruptions to CHFA’s operations. Additionally, we provided tailored documentation and training, empowering CHFA staff and members to adopt the system confidently. This reduced the learning curve, ensured operational continuity, and maximized the system’s immediate impact.

Post-Launch Support and Optimization

After launch, we monitored performance, addressed feedback, and provided ongoing senior IT leadership. This ongoing support ensured the MMS remained reliable and adaptable, giving CHFA peace of mind and a strategic partner to integrate the system into their broader technology roadmap, setting them up for long-term success.

Proactive Project Management

Throughout, we collaborated with the project sponsor to proactively manage scope, risks, and stakeholder alignment. The project was delivered within budget and successfully met CHFA’s immediate needs—such as improving operational efficiency and member satisfaction - while also positioning them for future growth and innovation, including scalability and new digital offerings.

“Differly provided strong technology strategy leadership at a critical time in our modernization efforts. The team helped us replace our outdated Membership Management System with a modern, integrated platform—improving operational efficiency, member engagement and data management. Their ability to work across the organization, align stakeholders, and manage multiple stakeholders was instrumental. We now have a more scalable, efficient technology road map that will support our growth.”

Michele Cole, Senior Director, Internal Operations