Client Database vs CRM – 12 fundamental questions
Many businesses implement one and/or the other but not always for the right reasons; this can turn out to be costly not only in terms of dollars spent but also in terms of Productivity and Business Development. As well, one doesn’t necessarily go with the other. At least not always or not necessarily.
It seems that everyone has been in CRM mode since the beginnnig of the New Millennium; CRM 1.0, CRM 2.0, Social CRM, CRM-in-the-Cloud, etc., it’s the Buzz word of the moment. Surprisingly, we forget that the 90’s was the Golden Age of Database; at the time every business invested heavily in a Database. Who doesn’t recall VisualFoxPro, the technological feat of Microsoft that was both a Database (data-centric object-oriented) and used a procedural programming language. But that was another time…
The fact is that it’s all well and good to put into place a sophisticated CRM with advanced management functions, with or without plug-ins for Social Media; it will never compensate for the deficiencies or the absence of a Database that properly reflects the reality of your business situation. Equally, you are no further ahead if your CRM system database needs to interface with other IT systems used to run your business.
When it comes to choosing between a CRM and a Database, one must evaluate needs that vary depending on the size, industry sector, and above all the size of the Sales Force/ Customer Service and customer base of your company.