Generally, ERP and CRM systems are the most commonly used integration in business management but many companies use them separately. Both the systems gather a massive amount of business data. However, there are some drawbacks to using them individually. Some may think that managing both systems separately is easy but integrating ERP with CRM will make your business more efficient and increase its productivity.

First, let’s look at the drawbacks of using them independently :

1. No synchronization between two systems

If there is no synchronization between the two systems, the data may become outdated and a lot of time will be wasted in double data entries. Under these circumstances, the overall work processes slow down.

2. Double data entries and updated in both systems

Having the need to update and enter data in both systems, you run the risk of errors and duplicates in data and transactions. So, it raises the questions on the accuracy of data. There is also an additional level of an increased amount of work in updating data in both ERP and CRM.

Now, we will move on to know How integrating ERP with CRM empowers small businesses:

1. Common shared database

By the integration of ERP with CRM, users don’t need to enter data separately in both systems. A common shared database will be there to create a single location where you can access and share data without having second thoughts in mind about its reliability. Any modification done in one system will be automatically reflected in other systems. This keeps both the system updated all time and removes duplicate results from it.

2. Real-time access to vital information

ERP and CRM integrated system gives you the freedom to retrieve data at all times. With just the click of a button, employees can access inventory data and customer data including order history, shipments, payments, pricing, returns, etc. Through this timely information, they can serve their customers in a more better way. The sales team can save their time as they will not need to interact with the inventory and purchase team every time. In addition, users can utilize this information to find out what customers like the most in terms of products and choices.

3. Better View of Customers

A fully integrated ERP and CRM provides a complete view of your customers. This is one of the best advantages of this collaborative system. Now, you will have access to complete information about your customers like their buying habits, purchase history, their needs, choices, etc. Thus, it helps you to make stronger customer relationships. Overall, connecting these two systems gives you a 360-degree view of customers and other activities taking place in your company. As you get access to all information in one place, you can analyze and make decisions accordingly.

4. Collaboration

Employees will get the information in one place. It prevents them from connecting to other teams or other sources to access/get data. Now, they have shared information which can be used by both teams. Integrating ERP with CRM improves collaboration between teams and they can use shared information to manage daily activities.

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