CRM, Customer Relationship Management, is an absolutely necessary tool for businesses.
The goal of CRM software is to improve and automate sales, marketing, and customer support by creating a true control center that cancollect and keep all of each customer's data, history of activities they have done with the company, reminders, and more.
A large number of software can be found on the market, each with its own characteristics. So which CRM to choose? The decision can be complicated.
In this article we look at the elements to take into account before making the choice and what are the key features of a great CRM for business. We then introduce you to Odoo's CRM, a secure, efficient and integrable software.
How to choose CRM: 4 elements to consider
Before moving on to the software decision phase, it is a good idea to set the requirements that the CRM will need to be able to meet.
Here are four elements to take into account:
- Analysis of internal processes
- Searching for the right features
- Requesting a demo
- Rely on CRM supported by a network of partners
1. Analyze internal processes
In order to choose the right CRM software, it is necessary to analyze in detail the company's internal business processes, that is, all those functions that are put in place in the company especially at the level of sales, marketing and customer management.
Analyzing internal processes means being clear about the main purpose for which you decide to invest in CRM software and how it will need to be integrated with other business software.
2. Research the features you need
It is important to choose an effective and flexible CRM so that it can quickly adapt to the dynamics of your business. Therefore, attention should be focused on what processes to automate, what business areas will be supported by the CRM, and what features the software should have.
The main goal of CRM software is to improve business management, starting with the evolution of relationships and interactions with one's customers.
3. Request a demo
Before actually choosing a CRM, it is best to request a demo. It is the best tool to fully understand the potential of the software and see if it is the right one for your business.
Usually the demos are very comprehensive and allow you to study in depth all the features and functionality of the CRM. You can then get an idea of the ease of use, speed, and efficiency.
4. Choose CRM supported by a network of partners
It is also important to choose a CRM that has a partner in Italy.
Relying on a CRM with Italian partners is undoubtedly the best solution, as it allows you to receive accurate and clear information and quick assistance with any issues.
Which CRM to choose: the 6 key features it must have
There are many features to consider when purchasing a CRM. Let us see below what the six most important features are.
1. Easy to use
The first relevant aspect is ease of use: it is important that the software be intuitive so that the whole team can easily learn how to use it.
A major role is played by theinterface, which must be user friendly and ensure a simple and streamlined user experience on different devices (computer, tablet, mobile).
Indispensable elements of a CRM are also quickness , practicality and speed in performing certain actions.
2. Customizable
Another feature to take into account is the possibility of CRM customization. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as there are so many business areas and business needs.
It is important to choose a CRM that allows you to customize each tool and feature from your needs. Remember that the software must adapt to your company and its business processes by improving them and making them more efficient, not the other way around.
3. Can be integrated with other software
Seamless integration of CRM software with other applications is an option to consider: it is indeed important to have multiple systems integrated so as to create a single flow of data between different business areas.
Therefore, it will be critical, for example, that the CRM communicate instantaneously with the ERP, with the software that manages inventory and sales, with the email marketing system, and with the one that handles payments, so as to avoid having to export or import data manually, slowing down business processes.
4. Scalable
When considering which CRM to choose for your company, scalability should also be considered.
Scalable CRM software is software that can grow with the business: the more business needs increase, the more CRM must accompany these changes, integrating new features and enhancing existing ones.
5. Safe
Security must always be put at the forefront. A company has a very large amount of financial, economic and personal data. CRM, which precisely handles the contacts of customers, suppliers, and partners, contains sensitive data that must be protected.
CRM software must have stringent security systems in place to prevent attacks and data loss, as well as the ability to access data even if attacks occur.
6. Accessible from mobile
The CRM software to be chosen should also be usable on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to carry out operations and keep track of data even while on the move, when you are at customer and supplier sites or when you cannot use your computer.
Therefore, it is critical to make sure that the CRM software you choose is compatible and has dedicated applications or a good interface for all Android and iOs devices and operating systems.
Which CRM to choose? Odoo is an effective and integrable CRM
There are numerous CRM software on the market. We are Ready Partner of Odoo, a suite of integrated applications that covers all the needs of a business.
CRM is efficient, secure, viewable from multiple devices, and customizable to your needs. It allows you to keep track of all interactions with potential and actual customers and schedule activities according to your sales schedule (phone calls, meetings, e-mails, and quotes).
It has numerous features; among others, it enables these activities:
- Create campaigns to automatically send emails tailored to potential customers' key segments and activities;
- Rank your customers based on explicit and implicit criteria (pages viewed, location, time of day);
- Establish rules for assigning potential customers to the right salesperson or sales team, based on quotas and segments;
- View the complete history of activities attached to each customer: opportunities, orders, invoices, total amount, and others.
Odoo CRMcan also be integrated with other applications, such as warehouse, expense report management, e-commerce: instead of having many programs to talk to each other, you will have only one with lots of features!
Effectively manage your customer relationships
Choose for your company a CRM that is secure, customizable, easy to use and can be integrated with other applications.
Contact us: we will introduce you to Odoo CRM and provide a free demo.