How a CRM integrates with common ERP systems
Of the 18 ERPs with documented integration, many legacy systems do not expose a full public API, requiring data exchange via files or direct database access. The practical consequence: the integration method, rather than CRM functionality, determines how quickly a company goes live.
18
ERPs with documented platform integration
3
data exchange methods: API, file, database
30
retail chains with pre-mapped EDI flows
15/30/45
days of hypercare included after go-live, across three levels
Collection methodology
- The study database consists of ERPs for which CRMconnect has documented and production-tested integrations at real clients.
- For each ERP, we recorded the vendor-supported data exchange method, flow direction, and transmitted objects: product catalogues, partners, stocks, orders, invoices, and payments.
- We excluded ERPs where integration is only promised. The list is updated with every new production integration.
The integration method dictates project duration
An ERP with a documented API allows for near real-time synchronisation and document-level error handling. An ERP without an API integrates via files exchanged at intervals, meaning stock levels in the CRM always have a lag, and duplicates must be prevented using stable identification keys.
In practice, companies often underestimate this point: they choose a CRM based on the interface and discover during implementation that their ERP cannot deliver data at the required pace.
| Method | Capabilities | Practical limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Documented API | Event-based sync, document-level error handling | Dependent on rate limits imposed by the vendor |
| File import and export | Catalogues, stocks, invoices at set intervals | Data lag; requires stable keys to prevent duplicates |
| Database access | Fast reading of stock levels and balances | Requires written consent from the ERP vendor and strict access control |
What actually flows between CRM and ERP
The accounting ledger remains in the ERP (such as SAP Business One or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central). The CRM handles the operational layer: quotes, orders, deliveries, invoices, and payments. A healthy flow uses a single source of truth for each data type, rather than two systems constantly correcting each other.
| Data | Source | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Product catalogues and prices | ERP | CRM |
| Available stock | ERP or WMS | CRM and B2B portal |
| Partners validated by the national tax authority | CRM | ERP |
| Confirmed orders | CRM and B2B portal | ERP |
| Invoices and e-invoicing | CRM | ERP, for accounting records |
| Payments and balances | ERP or bank | CRM, for collections |
Frequently asked questions
Why not simply replace the ERP?
Because the accounting ledger, history, and the relationship with the accountant have value. CRMconnect works both autonomously and as an operational layer over your existing ERP, such as Sage or Odoo.
What happens if our ERP is not on the list?
If it exposes an API or can export structured files, integration is possible. The analysis starts with the formats supported by your vendor.
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Data may be cited freely, provided CRMconnect is credited with a link to this page. Last updated: 2026-09-05