Important Considerations in CRM, ERP, and POS Software Selection
Published: 8/17/2019 12:00:00 AM
When it comes time to buy business software for your company, it's important to know how to find and compare features, especially for B2B business solutions. Whether you're looking at Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, or even something as essential as Point-of-Sale (POS) software, identifying the specific features and benefits of each software package—before you purchase it—is the first order of business.
When taking a look at CRM software, it's important to identify the types of software deals and offers available, and to choose the kind of CRM application that fits your organization's needs. CRM software comes in different forms—operational CRM systems focus on incorporating all of a customer's data into one useful file, while sales force automation CRM systems keep records pertaining to various stages of the sales process, helping employees automate things like scheduling calls and mailings.
Analytical CRM systems analyze customer data in an effort to help determine better sales and marketing strategies, and collaborative CRM software focuses on integrating external contacts—like vendor information—and making that information available through an extranet. There are even campaign management CRM packages that combine the features of analytical and operational systems, and sales intelligence CRM systems that function similarly to analytical systems, but are geared towards helping sales staff analyze trends and sales performance.
When it comes to ERP systems, there are generalist applications—which probably represents the largest market in ERP software. Generalist systems are adaptable, and feature strong customization and integration features. Though still a fraction of the total ERP market, open-source ERP applications provide companies with the flexibility to develop and integrate their own apps into the ERP software—which is useful for organizations that have developers on staff. Niche ERPs that serve specific industries or business types are called "vertical" ERPs, and are intended to be used for specialized purposes. Finally, there are small business ERP solutions, which are generally off-the-shelf, modularized packages with comparatively fewer features than some of the more specialized solutions.
Even POS solutions, which are usually a great deal simpler than either CRM or ERP applications, still have a range of functions and features that are important to consider. From inventory management to employee management, as well as the ability to track and analyze various sales data, it's important that the POS solution you choose meets your needs.
Luckily, when it comes time to buy software online, you can consult with the knowledgeable professionals at Warebuy. Contact us with any questions you may have, and we'll be happy to help guide you in the right direction.
When taking a look at CRM software, it's important to identify the types of software deals and offers available, and to choose the kind of CRM application that fits your organization's needs. CRM software comes in different forms—operational CRM systems focus on incorporating all of a customer's data into one useful file, while sales force automation CRM systems keep records pertaining to various stages of the sales process, helping employees automate things like scheduling calls and mailings.
Analytical CRM systems analyze customer data in an effort to help determine better sales and marketing strategies, and collaborative CRM software focuses on integrating external contacts—like vendor information—and making that information available through an extranet. There are even campaign management CRM packages that combine the features of analytical and operational systems, and sales intelligence CRM systems that function similarly to analytical systems, but are geared towards helping sales staff analyze trends and sales performance.
When it comes to ERP systems, there are generalist applications—which probably represents the largest market in ERP software. Generalist systems are adaptable, and feature strong customization and integration features. Though still a fraction of the total ERP market, open-source ERP applications provide companies with the flexibility to develop and integrate their own apps into the ERP software—which is useful for organizations that have developers on staff. Niche ERPs that serve specific industries or business types are called "vertical" ERPs, and are intended to be used for specialized purposes. Finally, there are small business ERP solutions, which are generally off-the-shelf, modularized packages with comparatively fewer features than some of the more specialized solutions.
Even POS solutions, which are usually a great deal simpler than either CRM or ERP applications, still have a range of functions and features that are important to consider. From inventory management to employee management, as well as the ability to track and analyze various sales data, it's important that the POS solution you choose meets your needs.
Luckily, when it comes time to buy software online, you can consult with the knowledgeable professionals at Warebuy. Contact us with any questions you may have, and we'll be happy to help guide you in the right direction.
