Popular CRM Tools
There have been remarkable improvements in customer relationship management since the inception of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software. Today, there are hundreds of CRM software applications you can get online. They include both paid and free. Generally speaking, CRM tools can be categorized into two groups; web based and offline.
Web based CRM software tools
Web based CRM applications are also called eCRM. It is a customer relationship management tool that works online. To be able to use it, you need to have an uninterrupted internet connection. Although eCRMs are mostly used by sales forces, they are available to anyone. Unlike offline CRM applications, eCRMs can be accessed by anyone from anywhere. They are cheaper, more effective and multi purposeful.
Features of eCRM
Web based CRMs or eCRMs are multi purposeful. Some of the salient features of eCRMs are given below.
- Ideal for companies working based on mobile sales force.
- Recommended for small-scale businesses.
- Can be configured on company servers.
- Possible to execute on cloud network of the software developer.
Popular Web based CRM software tools
The popularity of eCRMs has encouraged software developers to launch new CRM tools with varying features. Currently, there are hundreds of eCRMs. Some of the tools that top the chart are Concur, AllClients and Salesforce.
Advantages of eCRMs against offline CRM software tools
eCRMs are privileged in many ways against offline CRM software tools. A major advantage of eCRMs is that they allow you to integrate all aspects of customer relationship management together. On the other hand, it is difficult or quite impossible with offline CRM tools. While using eCRMs, companies can access public data like sales trends, current market behaviour, survey results or similar details published by major companies.
Types Of CRM Tools
Usually, such data is shared only among the users of a particular eCRM application. If you are a premium user of a particular eCRM tool, you can access valuable data from other companies and use them to compare the growth level of your company. Conversely, while using an offline CRM application, you have no access to other data.
A CRM tool is inevitable for every business. Notwithstanding this, it is up to you to decide what type of CRM tool you should use. Consider factors like the type of customers and clients you have, work force, the geographical locality and the type of product and service you market. These aspects can be crucial in customer relationship management and thus while choosing a CRM tool.