What is a CRM system?
CRM systems are a technical solution that structures and contributes to improved customer relationships. It often leads to increased sales and streamlines processes, which can generate better results.
In short, the CRM system collects and stores customer data, as well as analyzes behaviors and sales trends. Using data analysis, the system creates segmented lists for marketing via email or social media, for example. CRM systems vary and offer different functionalities to varying degrees.
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. The information stored includes contact details, purchase history, and information about all interactions that customers have had with the company.
How do I find the best CRM system?
When investing in a CRM system, you should always start by reviewing the needs and conditions of your business. Find out what budget you have and which staff will use the system. How many of the staff need access to the various functions of the CRM system? Also, consider how user-friendly your CRM system needs to be and to what extent you need support when using it. Make sure to find a solution that meets your specific requirements.
It is often wise to think long-term. A CRM system is an investment, and the system can last with your business for a long time. Therefore, also review any plans for expansion and be careful to choose a system that can grow with you.
Quick guide
Categories related to CRM Software
CRM SoftwareCPQ SoftwareCustomer Success SoftwareEmail Marketing SoftwareMarketing Automation SoftwareMarketing SoftwareOmnichannel Commerce SoftwareQuoting SoftwareSubscription Management SoftwareSubcategories of CRM Software
Cloud-Based CRM SoftwareCRM Software for AndroidCRM Software for ConstructionCRM Software for DistributionCRM Software for Financial ServicesCRM Software for FranchisesCRM Software for iOSCRM Software for IT CompaniesCRM Software for Professional ServicesCRM Software for Service BusinessesCRM Software for Small BusinessesCRM Software for Small Construction CompaniesCRM Software for Small IT CompaniesCRM Software for Small Service BusinessesCRM Software for the Private SectorCRM Software with Phone and Email SupportEnterprise CRM SoftwareOn-Premise CRM SoftwareList of 27 CRM Software
A subscription-first CRM system focused on the Nordic SaaS market. A modern, AI-powered CRM built around SaaS companies' need for visibility into the customer journey and key metrics — elevating insight into customer needs, upsell potential, churn patterns, average customer value, lead conversions, and much more.
Creatio is a global provider of an agentic CRM and workflow platform with no-code and AI at its core, helping organizations digitize workflows, improve customer and employee experiences, and increase efficiency across all business units.
Cinode is the backbone of the consulting business. The platform brings sales, skills and resource planning for consulting firms into one system. See utilisation and availability, match the right consultant to the right assignment and plan staffing before the deal is won. With AI agents and MCP. For consulting firms with 50 to 5,000 employees.
Tribe CRM is an all‑in‑one, AI‑powered CRM with prospecting, automation, integrations, invoicing and project tools — offered as a cloud SaaS with a 14‑day free trial.
A cloud-based CRM platform that unifies sales, marketing and service — offering pipeline management, email campaigns, dashboards, automation and AI features to improve forecasting, customer service and revenue growth.
Pipedrive is a SaaS sales CRM and pipeline management platform that helps teams manage leads, automate workflows, gain insights and close deals faster with mobile apps and AI features.
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A full-featured CRM and sales automation platform with domain-specific AI insights, seamless integrations, and configurable workflows to win, grow, and retain customers.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales is a comprehensive CRM solution that integrates with the Microsoft 365 productivity suite. Dynamics 365 Sales enhances customer relationship management by delivering detailed analytics, sales insights, and streamlined operations through familiar Microsoft applications. It offers real-time data access, AI-driven insights, and customization capabilities to improve sales ...
Efficy offers flexible, scalable all‑in‑one CRM and marketing automation platforms (SaaS and on‑premise) with modular features, GDPR compliance and demos available.
Zoho CRM is a powerful, cloud-based customer relationship management platform that helps automate sales, marketing, and support in a single system.
An all-in-one UK-focused CRM combining contact management, pipeline tracking, invoicing, automation and integrations to streamline workflows and ensure GDPR compliance.
What: A low-code CRM, online forms and web experience platform for building accessible websites, digital services, forms and customer workflows with support and training.
A customisable, cloud-based CRM system offering sales, service, marketing and project management with seamless integrations and UK data hosting.
Oracle provides a complete suite of cloud applications, infrastructure and AI-enabled database services to onboard, train and support users with integrated tools, digital assistants, learning resources and hands-on labs.
A unified Marketing Cloud that centralises data, automates personalised campaigns across channels, and connects customer interactions for smarter decisions and better results.
A comprehensive ERP system that streamlines finance, HR, supply chain, manufacturing and more
Workbooks provides a personalized CRM solution with features like sales forecasting, reporting dashboards and order processing, delivered via a fast SaaS implementation.
An autonomous marketing platform combining AI agents, advanced automation, cross-channel messaging, CRM and analytics to build, launch and optimise personalised campaigns quickly.
Brevo is an AI-powered multichannel marketing automation and CRM platform offering email marketing, SMS/WhatsApp campaigns, automation workflows, forms, deliverability tools and analytics.
Capsule CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management tool offering contact management, sales pipeline, email marketing, analytics, project management and workflow automation.
A unified CPaaS offering delivering virtual numbers (DID, ITFS, UIFN), SMS, voice, AI voice agents and omnichannel contact-centre features with APIs and fast activation.
An AI-powered customer platform unifying marketing, sales, and service tools with a Smart CRM
Keap provides CRM, marketing and sales automation, email & text marketing, payments, appointments and reporting — a single platform designed to help small businesses save time and grow.
Nimble is an all-in-one, AI-enhanced CRM combining contact management, email marketing, prospecting, workflows and pipeline automation to help small businesses capture leads and grow relationships.
Sage CRM provides contact management, lead tracking, email campaigns, social media integration, reporting dashboards and workflow automation, empowering businesses to nurture prospects, convert leads and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Salesforce is the #1 AI CRM platform unifying sales, service, marketing, and commerce on one trusted platform, leveraging AI and data to deliver personalized customer experiences.
Zoho provides a comprehensive cloud software suite (Zoho One and dedicated apps) to manage projects, CRM, finance, collaboration, and analytics with strong emphasis on privacy and integration.
Compare CRM systems
There are many CRM systems on the market, and you need to find the one that suits you best. The systems can be more or less comprehensive. All CRM systems have the same basic functions for storing customer data, but they can differ significantly when it comes to more advanced features.
Many systems have a marketing function where the system can generate segmented lists for targeted messages to different customer groups. In some cases, the system can also offer email dispatches, such as campaigns, follow-up emails after purchases, or a birthday greeting. Over time, the demands on CRM systems have increased to also include social media, which is why some providers offer both traditional customer communication and interactions in social channels.
We at BusinessWith offer a comparison service where you can get an overview of many of the systems available on the market. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
Why should I choose a CRM system? What are the benefits of CRM systems?
The quick answer is that a CRM system saves time and improves contact with customers. Companies that invest in CRM systems often find that many processes become significantly simpler. Instead of using different systems for different tasks, or storing information in spreadsheets or other documents, everything is gathered in one place with a CRM system.
A CRM system provides increased knowledge about customers. It often streamlines sales thanks to the ability to conduct targeted marketing campaigns and improves customer service. With a CRM system, productivity increases, and marketing decisions are made based on data rather than intuition. A smart investment!
Price: What do CRM systems cost?
As with many other systems, the cost of CRM systems varies. Several factors come into play, such as how large and comprehensive the system in question is, and how many will use it. Are you a small business or a large one? Are you planning to expand your operations? Some systems offer pricing per user, while others have a fixed price for the entire system. Different modules may cost different amounts. Often, as a business owner, you can start with a free version and upgrade to paid versions with more features and more licenses.
A CRM system is an investment. It is important to review today's needs and evaluate what you as a business may need from a system in the future. How much does the cost increase when you need more modules? Take that into account.
Thanks to the CRM systems' ability to integrate with other systems, you as a business can often keep the same system for many years. Choose a system that can grow with you and upgrade when the needs arise.
How do I buy a CRM system?
You need to find out what type of CRM system you want in your business. Essentially, it is a program or a more comprehensive software solution. It can be either cloud-based or installed on the company's computers or servers.
Once you have settled on a budget, the company's needs, and how advanced you want your CRM to be, it is time to seriously explore the market.
CRM in the cloud
Included or not included in the price
Description of CRM functions
API integration
Built-in reminders
Calendar and activity integration
Call directly from CRM (click-to-call)
Call lists
Contact/prospect management
Create documents & contracts
E-signature and contract management
Education
Email marketing module
Integrated and digitised sales processes
Lead generation via the web
Lead scoring
Lead tracking
Pipeline management
Quote configurator/CPQ
Reporting and real-time sales forecasts
Resellers
Sales dashboards and KPI tracking
Send newsletter from CRM
Social CRM (social media integration)
