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CRM compared to ERP, Excel and other business systems

CRM covers the commercial process before the order; ERP handles execution and recording after. Excel remains useful for ad-hoc analysis, not as a system of record. Overlaps are resolved by establishing a single source of truth for each data type.

The most expensive software decisions stem from incorrect comparisons: buying an ERP to solve sales problems or expecting a CRM to manage inventory. The following sections define responsibilities across the data flow.

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The other topics in the CRM guide

  • Definitions and Terminology

    What CRM means, common terminology in practice, and how the international B2B market interprets each term.

  • Types of CRM

    Operational, analytical, collaborative, cloud or on-premise, free or paid - a comparison of the key differences.

  • Features and Modules

    What a CRM actually does: pipeline, leads, quotes, activities, reporting, and automation.

  • Cost and acquisition

    Pricing models, implementation budgets, migration, selection criteria and ROI calculation.

  • Adoption and Operations

    How to drive CRM adoption, why projects fail, user training, GDPR compliance, and maintaining data hygiene.

See how it works in CRMconnect

Native modules for sales, quoting and reporting, integrated with the ERP you already run.