You’re thinking of moving from a CRM to a full ERP to boost performance. That’s a solid move!
Doing this can greatly improve how data flows within your company and put customer relations right at the core of your processes. But you’ll need to move carefully! Making this transition from CRM CRM to an ERP system calls for patience and careful thought. If you rush it, you risk stalling the project or pouring in resources without getting any real added value in return.
Here are a few tips to help you move from CRM to ERP.
Key things to look out for when moving from CRM to ERP
An integrated management software suite will cover all your company’s activities. Moving from a CRM to an ERP means fully embedding customer relations within your company’s overall ecosystem.
You’ll therefore need to analyse your current setup in depth to decide which ERP will best meet your present and future needs.
Let’s take Behring as an example: after trying out a CRM, the company wanted a more complete solution to gain more functional capabilities and manage all its activities in a more centralised way. The French manufacturer of new-generation water coolers had extended its customer relationship management software by building new processes to monitor its machines and coordinate maintenance services.
A CRM can carry out these tasks through specific developments. However, this can be costly and complex because of factors such as maintenance and upgrades. A sudden switch to an ERP can also be challenging. It is therefore better to start an ERP deployment project once you begin to reach the limits of your CRM software’s capabilities, rather than trying to force your existing software to fit your needs.
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CRM to ERP: which service provider should you engage?
Achieving a smooth transition from CRM to ERP requires a well-planned strategy
Engaging an IT service provider is essential to complete this transition quickly and efficiently. But which one?
First, it’s important to identify a Digital Service Company that can understand your processes. How do you use your current CRM? How do your teams work with this CRM and the various digital solutions within your organisation? Your future partner should have a clear view of the CRM market and its components in order to understand your organisation’s situation.
Next, look for a service provider who also specialises in ERP. They must also be familiar with broader issues related to the information system and any technological bridges that will need to be built, etc. Naturally, ask about more practical aspects such as the methodology, the expected productivity gains and how to shorten the time needed to adapt to these new changes.
The service provider should, of course, be able to give you customer references to demonstrate their expertise. Software vendors often award certifications to service providers. These certifications are a good way to ensure that the Digital Service Company you’ve selected is competent (for example, Captivea has Odoo V12 certification and is also an Odoo Gold partner).
On top of that, it’s important that there’s a good fit among all the teams involved and that you share common values to make the process smoother. With an integrator that focuses on the human aspect, for example, you’ll have a dedicated contact and won’t be left feeling like just another number, just another customer. Don’t say you weren’t warned…
Connect your ERP and CRM!
To help you find the ideal synergy between your ERP and CRM, we have prepared an ebook dedicated to this topic. Inside, you will discover:
Data management: which solution should guide the data within your organisation?
Can you do without your CRM?
How do you convince your Sales Director and CFO to integrate using an ERP?
Finding the right service provider to interconnect ERP and CRM
And much more...
Captivea Odoo Gold partner
Captivea supports companies in Odoo Deployment. Captivea is a Gold Partner Odoo Partner and Odoo Certified.