Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can be integrated with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This would give businesses a complete view of their customers, from sales and marketing to the delivery of goods and services. The ERP integration would also allow companies to automate tasks and processes between the two systems.
ERP Integration
ERP integration is sharing data between your CRM and ERP system. When a customer is created in your CRM, their information is automatically populated in your ERP. The two-way sync between the systems keeps data consistent in both applications. This means that when a customer’s information changes in your CRM, it is updated in your ERP–and vice versa.
At SourceDay, our software contributes to the success of ERP-integrated CRMs by automating purchase order (PO) changes and enabling supplier collaboration. Our software integrates with your ERP to streamline workflows and improve communication between you and your suppliers.
Advantages of Integrating Your CRM
The benefits of integrating your CRM and ERP are numerous. The most obvious benefit is that it saves you time. You no longer have to enter data into both systems manually; it’s all done automatically.
In addition, by integrating your CRM and ERP data, you get a complete view of your business. For example, if you’re trying to decide whether to offer a discount to a customer, you can easily pull up their purchase history from your ERP to see how often they buy from you and how much they typically spend.
CRM and ERP integration can help you close deals faster from a sales perspective. Having all relevant information in one place can quickly put together quotes and proposals. During invoicing, the process is streamlined since all the necessary data is already in your ERP.
There are a few different ways to integrate CRM and ERP systems. They include:
Data Sharing Between the Two Systems
CRM and ERP systems share data by exchanging information through a shared database. This type of integration requires that both systems have access to the same database.
Connecting the Systems Using an Application Programming Interface (API)
An API allows these software applications to communicate with each other. Using an API, you send data from one system to another and vice versa.
Connecting the Two Using a Middleware
Middleware is software that acts as a bridge between CRM and ERP applications. The benefit would be to connect these systems by enabling data to be transferred between them.
Using a Web Service To Connect the Systems
A web service is a way to communicate between two systems. Using a web service lets you send data from one system to another and vice versa.
Manually Transferring Data Between the Two Systems
The most basic way to integrate ERP and CRM systems is to manually transfer data from one system to the other. It requires that you have a good understanding of both systems and how they work.
Other Methods
There are several other methods to use for ERP and CRM system integration. These include:
- Using a third-party application
- Installing an integration module
- Building a custom integration
- Using a cloud-based solution
Integrating your ERP and CRM systems have many benefits, including:
Improved Customer Service
Excellent customer support is essential for any business. By integrating your CRM and ERP systems, you provide your customer service team with the information they need to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. There are numerous benefits to improved customer service, including increased customer satisfaction and loyalty and enhanced sales. For example, if a customer calls with a question about an order, your customer service team easily accesses the information they need from your ERP system and provides the customer with an answer.
Increased Efficiency
Integrating your CRM and ERP systems will help you streamline your business processes and improve your overall efficiency. When data is shared between the two systems, you avoid duplicate data entry, eliminate manual entry errors, and save time. This leads to increased efficiency and productivity in your business.
Improved Decision Making
By integrating your CRM and ERP data, you get a complete view of your customers, inventory, finances, etc. This information is extremely valuable when making decisions about your business. You make informed decisions to help your business grow and succeed with the correct data.
Greater Visibility Into Your Business
Integrating your CRM and ERP systems gives you greater visibility into your business. When data is shared between the two systems, you can track customer behavior, monitor inventory levels, and better understand your finances. This information is beneficial in identifying areas of your business that need improvement.
Increased Sales
When data is shared between the two systems, you easily identify sales opportunities and convert them into actual sales. This leads to a significant increase in revenue for your business.
Improved Customer Retention
Another benefit of integrating your CRM and ERP systems is improved customer retention. When data is shared between the two systems, you easily identify at-risk customers and take steps to keep them from leaving.
Integrate your CRM and ERP
Overall, CRM and ERP integration are win-win for businesses. It saves you time, gives you a complete view of your customers, and helps you close deals faster.
SourceDay leverages the power of your ERP and provides additional functionality to fill in critical gaps, delivering true end to end PO lifecycle management. Schedule a demo today to see how.