How to choose the BEST CRM software out there?
If you want to buy the BEST CRM software out there you need to understand first, what kind of Customer Relation management application your business really needs. many times people purchase very high tech and complicate CRM applications when in reality they don’t really need all the gadgets and gizmos that the CRM application comes with.
So the first thing you need to do, before you even start considering how much to invest is to understand the needs of your company TODAY and where do you see your company in the next 5 years. Considering the grow of your company is vital, specially if you are capable of understanding that implementing a CRM software solution is not something you should take lightly. Changing of CRM application in many companies, can take sometimes week of full time work.
To give you an example, that was my first contact with CRM applications. I was working for HP/Compaq dealing with the Customer Support for Unilever international, in HP HQ in Dublin Ireland. The idea was to migrate all the data from the CRM of Unilever (over 100.000 employees) to a Prodigy CMS platform. the result? Over 55 staff working non stop for more than 2 months. Why so long? Because the requirements for the CRM application where in fact huge… this wasn’t just one CRM tool, this was the backbone of the whole Technical support of Unilever..
So that’s why I don’t believe there is ONE top CRM software, instead there are many excellent companies that produce different types and levels of CRM products for different needs. What is your need? Speed? Security? DB capacity? Affordability? Support? or may be training… well, all these points need to be consider before you browse or Google trying to find different companies.
Always trust companies and CRM sellers than have the honesty and the madurity of telling you if an application is simply to big for your needs. Always trust a company that explains you clearly what kind of software they sell, and when their solution is the precise one for you or not.
Remember, don’t buy a Ferrari if you just want to go from your home to the market. Be smart, do your research and you will find the CRM that is right for you.
I agree, You must understand the needs of your company TODAY and where do you see your company in the next 5 years
At Intelestream, a CRM consulting firm, we recommend before choosing among the multitude of options for CRM solutions, to take into account issues like business strategy, ROI, Total Cost of Ownership, Migration, Integration, Scalability and some others issues described in more detailed in this whitepaper “10 considerations before a CRM” that you can find at Intelestream’s web page.
There are so many different CRM software providers out there, each of these providors offer a totally a different package. You should choose the package that fits your company best, internal analysis is key.