In the fast-paced business world, success depends on a combination of smart decisions and effective execution. A productive workforce, from senior management to floor employees, is crucial in ensuring that a company stays on budget, reaches its sales targets, and maintains customer satisfaction. In order to stay competitive in today’s market, businesses must embrace technology and automation as powerful tools to increase efficiency, reliability, and completion time.

Two major software solutions, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), play an integral role in automating core business processes. While ERP centralized all organizational information, processes, and operations into one central database, CRM deals with customer interactions, support, and service.

A company may need ERP software when they have multiple software installed for different purposes across various departments, when accessing business information is difficult, or when accounting takes longer and is harder. On the other hand, a company may need CRM software when the lead flow is not managed, when it is difficult to access consumer data, or when the growth route is unclear.

For companies that want to take their automation game to the next level, integrating ERP and CRM software is the way to go. Integrating the two systems allows for a linked, 360-degree view of customers, improved quote accuracy, and decreased manual data entry. With this integration, staff can offer quick, informed, and individualized customer support, making your business stand out from the competition.

Comparison of ERP and CRM software

Basis of comparison	ERP	CRM
Definition	ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, a software solution that integrates all the organized information into one central database.	CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management, a software solution that deals with all customer queries, provides support and services, and streamlines sales processes.
Focus	The focus of ERP software is to reduce costs, improve visibility, streamline business processes, and increase sales.	The focus of CRM software is to improve customer relationships, streamline sales processes, turn prospects into opportunities, and analyze customer interaction and purchase patterns.
Benefits	ERP software offers several benefits, including: • Planning department and enterprise-level strategy • Tracking real-time business process information within and across departments • Managing manufacturing and supply chain processes • Tracking recruitment and hiring initiatives • Managing payroll benefits and personal information of employees • Processing orders, updating, and triggering automatic alerts to fulfill those orders	CRM software offers several benefits, including: • Pursuing new leads more effectively • Building effective marketing campaigns • Ensuring quality service • Automating repetitive tasks • Facilitating consistent and high-quality service support • Customer self-service • Features and Functions
Features and Functions	ERP software offers features and functions such as: • Financial Management • Order Management • Production Management • Warehouse Management • Procurement • Supply Chain Management • Automating Salesforce	CRM software offers features and functions such as: • Customer Service • Marketing Automation
Examples	Some popular ERP software examples are NetSuite ERP, SAP ERP, SAP Business One, and SAP S/4HANA.	Some popular CRM software examples are Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and Hubspot CRM.

When does your company need ERP software?

Your company needs ERP software when:

• You have to install multiple software for different departments
• It is difficult for you to access information about your business
• It takes longer and is harder to do accounting
• Your IT requires too much time and complexity

When does your company need CRM software?

Your company needs CRM software when:

• The lead flow is not managed
• It’s challenging to find customer data
• You are unaware of the activities of your sales personnel
• You need to manage valuable, long-term accounts
• Your growth route is unclear.

Conclusion:

ERP and CRM are two powerful software solutions that help businesses to streamline their operations, increase efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. While ERP focuses on reducing costs and improving visibility across different departments, CRM is designed to improve customer relationships and streamline sales processes.

Businesses can choose to implement either one of the solutions or integrate both to get a 360-degree view of their clients. Integrating ERP and CRM provides a linked and informed view of clients, improving quote accuracy and reducing manual data entry.

As a company that specializes in providing SAP services, TEKROI understands the importance of implementing effective software solutions to drive business success. With our expertise in SAP and experience in providing seamless integration of ERP and CRM systems, we are confident in our ability to help businesses take advantage of these software solutions to achieve their goals. Contact us today to learn more about our SAP services and how we can help your business grow.