The best CRM for manufacturers is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer in nurturing customer relationships and streamlining business processes. In the competitive landscape of manufacturing, where every client interaction counts, a tailored CRM system can be the linchpin for success. While the market is awash with general CRM solutions, finding one that aligns with the intricate needs of the manufacturing sector requires a more discerning approach.
Industry-specific CRMs may be rarer gems, but their value in addressing the unique challenges of manufacturing businesses is unparalleled. Whether you’re looking to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, or drive sales, the right CRM platform can make a significant difference.
For those in the manufacturing industry, this guide is your compass to navigating the CRM landscape. We delve into the essential features that a manufacturing CRM should possess, and the advantages of integrating such a system into your operations. We also present a curated selection of six CRM platforms that stand out in their ability to refine and elevate manufacturing processes. Join us as we explore the CRM solutions that are forging stronger connections between manufacturers and their clients.
Every CRM platform should be user-friendly and come with tools and features that are easy to master. If the learning curve is too steep, employees won’t use the platform (or they’ll make costly mistakes when trying to figure it out). A CRM service should be customizable, scalable, and multi-functional as well. This way, once everyone on your team knows how to use the tools on the platform, the service can grow with your company, handle functions from various departments, and streamline various tasks for your marketing and sales teams.
In addition to those basic features that every CRM platform should have, here are a few more must-haves when it comes to implementing CRM technology in the manufacturing industry.
Technology is always developing, and in today’s world, failing to keep up with technological innovations is a mistake. Business leaders should try to learn about new tools that aim to enhance work performance in their given industry. Plenty of smart business owners are investing valuable time in learning about the capabilities of CRM, and in doing so, they’re building a strong edge over their competitors.
Understanding CRM and taking advantage of the opportunities this technology brings not only improves business performance, but it provinces the following benefits as well.
Manufacturing is a unique industry with an array of moving parts. At any given time, manufacturers are performing a series of complicated tasks in which each element needs to be handled correctly to generate success. The right CRM platform stands to simplify business processes, shed light on ways that teams can enhance customer relations, and provide cost-saving techniques that not only reduce financial strain but improve production quality as well.
Let’s explore six of the best CRMs for manufacturers. By going over the offerings that come with each product, manufacturing professionals will have the information they need to research their options more thoroughly. We aim to provide a reasonable place to start exploring your options so that you’re not wasting time looking at products that don’t meet the needs of manufacturing companies.
Hubspot has been a big name in the business market for years, as it is constantly developing new ways to streamline work for busy companies. The contributions Hubspot has made in the manufacturing market are no exception, as Hubspot CRM is often viewed as one of the best platforms for manufacturers. In fact, we offer Hubspot Partner Onboarding to our manufacturing clients as it is our preferred CRM of choice.
Hubspot offers easy data integration, permission management across various departments, robust data analysis, and reporting capabilities that work to support various business decisions.
This CRM platform is fully customizable and allows manufacturing companies to create objects, tasks, and processes that fit the business and the processes that take place therein. On top of ensuring that each business process has the tools needed to yield optimal results, Hubspot’s CRM platform also simplifies partner, vendor, and customer management regardless of where these unique relationships are in the company pipeline.
Though Hubspot’s service comes with a library of useful resources that business leaders can use to enhance the experience of learning the new system, the service also offers stellar customer support.
Salesforce is a popular CRM because it consistently offers exceptional features that manufacturers can use even at a distance. Salesforce has a cloud-based system of features that can be accessed from anywhere, so even when users are working remotely, they’re never without support.
This platform is ideal for midsized companies, and it’s often viewed as one of the easiest CRMs to use. Like Hubspot, Salesforce is incredibly customizable, so regardless of which unique manufacturing processes need to be monitored and enhanced, Salesforce can take things to the next level.
Furthermore, Salesforce has a free version that businesses can use to enable basic tools and features. While the free product likely won’t be enough for manufacturing businesses, it allows users to get a preview of the services and features they’ll take advantage of with a premium subscription.
Zoho is a suitable option for manufacturing CRM software for leaders that want to utilize a set of simple tools for managing inventory and customer accounts. This single platform can provide those services and enhance business processes with easy-to-use tool offerings as well. Such features include price quotes, delivery tools, and basic account management items. The platform also includes selling tools that simplify marketing and selling goods and services.
This platform, though useful for simple CRM tasks, is not as customizable as its bigger-name competitors like Hubspot and Salesforce.
Netsuite’s platform includes a variety of applications and features that simplify business management. It works to automate many business practices and the applications included handle account management, order processing, product production, inventory management, and warehouse operations.
With options that meet the needs of any business size, manufacturing companies can hardly go wrong with Netsuite given the cloud-based. Easy-to-implement features the platform offers. Furthermore, this platform aims to support and enhance business processes during any part of the company’s journey. Whether you’ve developed a manufacturing start-up or your company is growing exponentially, the CRM tools available through Netsuite are sure to be beneficial.
Zendesk’s CRM application allows manufacturers to manage sales, monitor and nurture leads, and engage with customers to improve B2C relationships. It comes with self-service options and includes a sales automation tool that effortlessly integrates business channel management processes.
The lead management feature enables the sales team to collect, organize, and track potential customers, regardless of where they are in the conversion funnel. Lead collection can be done via other marketing platforms, websites, spreadsheets, and other datasets as well, which makes importing information easier to handle. Additionally, Zendesk comes with robust sales reporting features that help teams to monitor goals, determine sales quotas, and set specific tasks for each team member involved.
Zendesk works on iOS, Android, and Windows, and integrates with MailChimp for manufacturers who already utilize this service.
SugarCRM’s features are cloud-based (but the platform offers on-premises options as well) and the tools within the application help manufacturers automate sales, marketing tasks, account management, and CRM processes. It’s relatively customizable, is easy to implement for new users, and offers downloadable plug-ins that aim to further customize user experiences.
This platform also integrates with several other systems and has built-in tools that enable users to create new modules that fit their company’s unique business needs.
Sugar CRM works on both Windows and Mac computers and supports Windows, Linux, SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle systems.
In the dynamic field of manufacturing, leveraging a CRM isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a strategic necessity. These platforms are not just about managing relationships; they’re about revolutionizing how you interact with every facet of your business, from sales to customer service. They’re about turning data into actionable insights and mundane tasks into opportunities for growth.
David Taylor Digital recognizes the pivotal role of CRM in catapulting manufacturing businesses into new realms of efficiency and customer satisfaction. Our suite of services, including digital marketing for manufacturers, is designed to complement the power of a robust CRM system, ensuring that your digital presence is as optimized and responsive as your customer management processes.
If you’re poised to redefine success for your manufacturing enterprise with a CRM tailored to your unique needs, reach out to us. Let’s craft a package that fits your budget and propels you ahead of the competition. With David Taylor Digital, discover how integrated marketing strategies and the right CRM for manufacturers can transform your business landscape.