5 key benefits of ERP & CRM integration

The intense competition among growing businesses makes the customer experience an important parameter that distinguishes them. ERP and CRM integration provides a 360-degree view of your customer so that you have all the necessary information at your disposal. You can get a complete insight into customer history, payments, buying patterns, and product preferences. How fast and effective the sales call will be if the customer wants to have any information, like the status of his order, and the caller has all the right information at his fingertips! A common database for ERP and CRM provides ways to help you to cater to your customer needs and enhance their relationship with your company. This retains your existing customers and builds your business reputation.

Storing data in different systems is time-consuming and makes your departments work as separate entities. This creates a virtual boundary within your organization and creates information silos. It also affects the visibility of the processes and hinders your ability to make informed decisions. ERP and CRM integration gives you better interdepartmental collaboration and communication. All the detailed information related to your customers will be stored in a single database throughout your enterprise. This will ensure that your departments are using the same information and working towards the same goal. Access to real-time information gives clear visibility of business processes, provides accurate data and helps you make decisions without any hesitation.

With ERP and CRM integration, there is a streamlined flow of information across your enterprise. For example, consider there is a proposal for an order created in the CRM. This will automatically be turned into an actual order which can be processed in the ERP software. Such integration saves a lot of time to process the order and helps to effectively manage inventory and quote. A seamless flow of data ensures quick and timely shipments, thereby also increasing customer satisfaction. Delivering products on time helps you gain a competitive advantage and uplifts your image. With a single database for ERP and CRM, you have to enter or edit the data only once. This provides accuracy and agility in your business processes and reduces the risk of time wasted on errors.

If you implement ERP and CRM software separately, consider the number of training sessions that will be required to adapt to two different software technologies and also the amount of cost involved. You will have to bear the expenses and ensure proper maintenance of both the systems. You might also face resistance from your staff due to excessive training and to use multiple software. If you integrate, you can significantly reduce your IT support costs. ERP and CRM integration will not only save costs but also save a lot of your time and help your employees spend their energy wisely. Having a single database for both software will help you in doing better analysis of the data and in making the right decisions that give maximum returns.