ERP vs. CRM: What’s the difference?

ERP and CRM systems can help you take your business to the next level. Learn what they are and how they can work together to improve processes.

By Emily Miels, Contributing Writer

Published June 16, 2021
Last updated June 16, 2021



If you’re considering investing in a software solution for your company, you need to understand the basics of ERP and CRM systems: what they are, how they work, and—most importantly—how they can work together. Then, you’ll be armed with the information you need to use these tools to their full potential and take your business to the next level.

In this guide, you’ll find:

What is an ERP?


Essentially, ERP systems focus on the organization as a whole. ERP software can help with finances (such as accounting and payroll), order processing, tracking manufacturing and supply chains, inventory management, and much more. Some ERPs even have basic customer management and support capabilities. Rather than using multiple software, companies can use a single ERP’s enhanced reporting capabilities to see a snapshot of the whole business.

Because an ERP collects data from different parts of a company, departments can easily collaborate and share important information through the tool. That level of visibility helps spotlight inefficient processes and opportunities for synchronization, such as automating repetitive tasks. Overall, this increased efficiency saves businesses time and money.

ERP systems are particularly beneficial for sales and support teams because they provide a big-picture view. Sales agents can see outstanding payments or credit status, for instance, when determining whether to upsell a customer. And if support agents get alerts about supply chain or order processing issues, for example, they can proactively let the customer know about potential delays and provide other options.

What is a CRM?


Basically, a CRM focuses on the customer-facing side of your business and front-end processes. CRM benefits include the ability to build customer profiles, automate marketing campaigns, build out self-service features (like messaging and help centers), and track sales. CRMs also make it easy to sync departments that directly connect with your customers, including sales, marketing, and support.

With access to customers’ contact information, purchase history, and previous interactions, marketers can create targeted and personalized campaigns that help attract and retain customers. They can also automate messages and segment their audience lists so messages reach the right people at the right time—without a lot of repetitive work on the back end. Reporting features can give you a unique analysis of sales goals, too, so it’s easy to see what products to promote.


The high-level distinction between ERPs and CRMs is clear: ERPs focus on back-end processes, while CRMs focus on front-end processes and customer management. But you still might not know which one is best for your business. To pick the right tool, you’ll need to consider your organization’s unique operations and needs.

When to use an ERP


Consider using an ERP system if:

  • You want to improve back-end processes. An ERP can help you streamline hiring, accounting, supply chain management, and more to make your operations more efficient.
  • You’re using numerous tools or software. Using multiple software solutions can get confusing and costly. An ERP allows you to consolidate the information you need in one database.

According to Terillium, an ERP consulting company, industries that commonly benefit from ERP systems are manufacturing, professional services, distribution, construction, and healthcare. Whether large or small, these types of businesses all have complex operations and processes—an ERP is essential for keeping all their departments aligned.

When to use a CRM


Consider using this tool if:

  • Your customer relationships are complex. While ERPs may have some customer management capabilities, they’re often not as robust as CRM features. A dedicated CRM will help you handle a large customer base and focus on long-term, valuable accounts.
  • Sticky notes and spreadsheets will only get you so far. When it comes to organizing customer data, a CRM is often a great place to start—especially for businesses that don’t need additional back-end features—because it generally costs less and is easier to onboard than an ERP.


Integrate your ERP and CRM for best results

ERPs and CRMs have traditionally remained separate, even when companies rely on both. But at Zendesk, we recommend a fully integrated ERP and CRM system to give everyone the best of both worlds. All departments will get a real-time view of key information surrounding customers, financials, inventory, pricing, and more.


All in all, integration means greater efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction for your organization.

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