ERP vs CRM: What’s the Difference?
ERP and CRM are two software applications that help businesses manage data, employees, customers, and finances. They use similar tactics to track a company’s industry, produce sales reports, and create strategies for successful marketing. CRM is a more comprehensive version of ERP because it combines software applications across the enterprise to cover all aspects of the business. Here are the differences between the two.
Production of Reports
ERP in netsuite implementation partners is a system that manages the data and features needed to support operations. CRM focuses on customer retention, acquisition, and growth through the sales cycle. At the end of the process, both systems create detailed marketing reports to display to the customer. ERP produces reports that tell the story of a company’s progress through an objective view. CRM displays data in a customer-centric fashion that highlights key metrics and options for improvement.
Sales Force Management
ERP and CRM are used to support sales personnel in closing deals. The most important feature of both applications is their ability to track leads and emails, which provide all of the information necessary for optimal follow-up with customers. CRM’s tracking features are more complex in that they can include website information, phone calls, and emails into the sales cycle. With ERP, a salesperson must manually track the items required to contact prospective customers.
Application Architecture
CRM is specifically designed for use by sales personnel and operations managers who must access information at any time of day or night. The ERP system must be accessed only during regular business hours through a user-friendly interface. ERP systems can be used at any hour in the day to track customer leads, employee activity, and sales data. A CRM system can only be accessed during regular business hours.
Use of Software Platforms
ERP systems are used to manage enterprise-wide databases, networks, and business processes. ERP software programs may also include accounting and inventory applications. CRM solutions use software platforms that focus on marketing functions only. They are not capable of managing business operations or customer service data.
CRM software is specifically designed to optimize sales and marketing, while ERP applications are used to manage a company’s financial activities and business functions. CRM software programs can be installed on servers that operate ERP systems. This allows companies to use a single software program for all aspects of their enterprise. Businesses choose which application will provide them with the most support in regards to their industry, business structure, and management style.
