1. A centralized database for sales teams

One of the biggest benefits that companies can expect from using a CRM database is a centralized database for their sales organization. By eliminating the need for individual sales reps to do the tedious work required in maintaining their databases, CRM automates the process and makes it easy for anyone in the company to get the latest information from the CRM dashboard.

2. One place for all customer communications

CRM also makes it simple to manage communications with all customers and potential customers in one place. Companies that use CRM can see the company's entire history communicating with each customer with the click of a button. The CRM database also makes relationship management simple, with the ability to set reminders and assign agents to keep deals moving, while providing managers the transparency to make sure leads are being followed up on

3. Automated data entry

Automating data entry is another benefit for companies that implement a CRM solution. Reps and agents don't need to update information about their calls or emails with clients into a different system. Everything is logged automatically in the CRM solution, freeing up employees to do higher-value work to close deals and solve customer problems

4. Organized company contacts

CRM benefits also include powerful ways to organize all of a company's contacts. The CRM makes it easy to see whether the customer has visited a website, contacted support, requested a demo, as well as notes from agents who handled previous interactions. The CRM also makes all of this data searchable, no matter where a customer is in the pipeline.

5. Streamlined communications

Companies that use CRM also benefit from the ability to streamline communications across many disparate teams. Since everyone is working in the same CRM dashboard, whether they're in sales, service, support, or management, it's easy to assign work, track progress, and collaborate with teammates to solve customer problems, keep deals moving, and discover new opportunities.

6. Stability

Another benefit of CRM for growing companies is the ability to keep the same software as the business grows. Companies can add features and functionality not just as customer expectations and needs change but as business software evolves, whether that's new shipping software, social media outlets, or accounting tools.

1. Open source CRM systems

Open source CRM systems are software solutions that are available online and are downloaded and installed on a company's servers. One of the benefits of open source CRM is how it enables companies to build and customize the solution for specific use cases. It also provides total control of customer data and is inexpensive, with many free options available.

2. On-premise

On-premise is another type of CRM that businesses can evaluate. Like open-source solutions, on-premise solutions reside on a company's servers. On-premise solutions also require dedicated hardware and IT staff to manage, operate, and maintain the CRM software. Unlike free open source CRM systems, on-premise options can be much more robust and feature-rich. On-premise solutions are also the most expensive CRM options, as they require a large upfront payment to purchase the software.

3. Cloud-based CRM

With cloud-based solutions, the CRM system runs on the provider's servers. That means companies do not need to worry about maintaining their servers or having a team of IT professionals to manage the system. Cloud-based CRM companies also have large teams of security experts that constantly monitor the system, which also features many layers of enterprise-grade security protocols and measures.