While many organizations will eventually rely on both CRM and ERP systems, the main difference between the two is that the former is primarily for the finance department and the latter for the sales and customer service department. Both systems will exist within the user business environment, so why not choose a solution that will provide both ERP and CRM in a single system?

What is a CRM System?

CRM software controls how a customer interacts with a firm. CRM elements were initially designed for sales divisions and were sometimes referred to as sales force automation (SFA). Other systems were quickly created to handle customer service interactions and marketing, notably in the call centre — or, as it became called, the contact centre since the telephone was reduced to merely another channel for customer care.

Software companies began to merge these disciplines under one banner, dubbed customer relationship management. Some CRM systems offer sales performance monitoring and sales incentive compensation, although due to their complexity, they are frequently marketed separately.

For example, with a centralized CRM system, sales representatives would know whether the customers they’re visiting have outstanding quotations and will be able to act accordingly. Customer service, on the other hand, can rapidly determine if a caller is a high-value customer or a prospective high-value customer and send them to the appropriate service tier.

What is an ERP System?

Material needs planning (MRP) developed into enterprise resource planning (ERP), which was a method for manufacturers to understand and manage the resources required to run a successful organization. ERP functions as a common database for all areas of a company. Finances, comprising the general ledger (GL), accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting, are at the heart of this.

However, ERP encompasses inventory management, order management, supply chain management, and data pertaining to clients. ERP also includes procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and fulfilment. Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS), CRM, and eCommerce are all available in some ERP systems. 

Adopt a solution that unifies ERP and CRM

Companies that use ERP frequently concentrate on the finance module, which manages basic accounting processes and allows stakeholders to see available cash and the flow of money, but a CRM that can increase customer relations is the next natural step.

ERP systems with CRM functionality built on the platform provide several benefits. Unified ERP and CRM systems are typically less expensive than acquiring discrete point solutions, and the unified data model ensures that all information is updated in real-time, without the need for batch uploads or middleware connections. Systems designed from the bottom up for ERP are better suited to transactional operations, which implies simpler programming, modifications, and third-party tools.

How will SB360 meet your business requirements?

Function SB360 ERP CRM
Financial Management / Accounting
Order Management
Production Management
Inventory Management
Procurement
Sales Team Automation
Customer Service
Contact Center
Marketing Automation
Quote to Cash (Q2C)
Procure to Pay (P2P)