Business Automation and Software Blog

4 Crucial Features in CRM Software Selection

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Jan 18, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

Double exposure of businessman hand points human resources, CRM software selection as concept

A business is built on its relationships with its customers. Without a steady stream of them, a company won’t be able to survive for long. Customer relationship software, or CRM, is designed to help you manage your customer relationships, including business reporting and analysis.

In a recent report published by Grand View Research, the market size for CRM was estimated to be USD 52.4 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3% between 2022 and 2030. 

With a growing trend for Software as a Service (SAAS), companies that still rely on legacy solutions will find it more and more challenging to compete. Now is the time for CRM software.

But how should you go about your CRM software selection? We’ll break it down for you right here.

CRM Software Defined

To put it simply, Customer Relationship Management software, or CRM software, manages leads, contacts, opportunities, customer accounts, and customer cases. Any organization can use it as a powerful tool to improve its customer service. You benefit because better customer service means happy customers. Happy customers are loyal customers, which improves your overall bottom line.

The right CRM software will take you through the entire customer lifecycle, from collecting leads and qualifying them, to converting them to actual customers. All customer data is stored there to provide customer support through their entire relationship with your organization. You can access valuable data, including contact information, lead information, quotes, requests, emails, and more.

Learn about how CRM for SYSPRO helps you provide superior services throughout the customer journey in this on-demand webinar.

4 Crucial Features to Look for in Your CRM Software Selection

What features should you look for in a CRM for your business? Brands with these four features should be at the top of your list:

1. Cloud-based System

A CRM that is integrated into a cloud-based ERP system is not only easier to manage, but it’s also more cost-effective than costly on-premises standalone CRM and ERP solutions. 

Instead of the hassles of syncing data and other complex integrations, an integrated CRM/ERP solution's accounting, sales, manufacturing, distribution, field service, construction (and more) data can be managed, synchronized, analyzed, and distributed in real-time from a single source.

2. Consolidated Business Reporting Capabilities

With a single, integrated database, employees across the organization have a consolidated view of all customer records and activities, including such vital information as: 

  • Written quotes
  • Invoices 
  • Support cases

But that’s not all! You can also track campaign expenses and revenue, display lead analysis, and lead response time metrics. Marketing email statistics such as click-throughs, opens, and unsubscribes can also be tracked. 

Your CRM should provide you with the ability to respond quickly to customer requests (including forecasting and demand planning). It will also allow you to share information with every member of your team. 

3. Integrated Sales Quotations Feature

CRM/ERP integration allows users to create multiple quotes for a single opportunity. When an offer is accepted, you can create a sales order and invoice based on the quote. This is simple when inventory, costs, and prices are based on ERP data. Contact addresses easily move between the business account and contact forms. 

4. Customer Support Portal Included

These days, people purchase much of their goods and services online, so a superior customer support portal is essential to good customer service. A good portal should include account management, shipment tracking, support, ordering, and more to meet your customers’ needs.

PositiveVision Is the Source for Your CRM

The right CRM can improve the way you run your business, making it more efficient by improving your customer relationships. PositiveVision will listen to you carefully and tailor your CRM to your current needs, including fast and accurate business reporting. We also ensure that your CRM is poised to grow along with your company. Contact us today to speak with one of our product specialists about our CRM for SYSPRO solution.

Topics: CRM for SYSPRO, CRM Software Selection