Many companies use both CRM and ERP solutions. However, these systems are often not connected, leading to data inconsistencies, inefficient processes, and other challenges that can hinder business growth. In this blog post, you'll discover why integrating ERP with Salesforce is essential for modern, data-driven business models.
When it comes to Customer Relationship Management (CRM), leading companies worldwide rely on Salesforce. This is no surprise, as Salesforce offers numerous ways to enhance customer communication, streamline sales processes, and significantly drive business growth through data analytics.
Most large companies also use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software alongside their CRM platform. ERP systems collect data from various departments (e.g., finance, HR, manufacturing, logistics) and automate numerous processes while providing crucial information for business forecasts and decisions.
If CRM and ERP systems run in parallel instead of being integrated, so-called data silos emerge. This leads to situations where information is not easily accessible across departments or requires cumbersome system changes. Manually copying data from one system to another is not only time-consuming and inefficient, but it also increases the likelihood of errors due to copy-paste mistakes or incorrect categorization. Moreover, it’s difficult to ensure that data is available in the right place at the right time.
What are the benefits of integrating an ERP system into Salesforce?
Combining CRM systems like Salesforce with an ERP system enables effective data integration and allows data to flow seamlessly between both systems. As a result, employees gain a comprehensive, cross-departmental view of all relevant data—such as customer information, inventory, accounting, and product price lists.
A unified view of ERP data in the CRM system forms the foundation for informed, data-driven decisions, higher productivity, and increased customer satisfaction. Process automation and AI-based tools can only be utilized effectively when the underlying data is as comprehensive and complete as possible.
Key benefits of ERP integration with Salesforce include:
Centralized Information Source
Integrating CRM and ERP data creates a Single Source of Truth (SSOT) for businesses, providing consistent information from various departments. This enhances customer interactions and relationships, as sales teams, service agents, and other departments gain access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Stamm- und Kommunikationsdaten aus dem CRM allein reichen oft nicht aus, um Aufgabenstellungen zum Beispiel im Vertrieb und in der Kundenkommunikation schnell und effizient abzuarbeiten. Entsprechend wichtig ist es, dass den Mitarbeitern auch Informationen zu verfügbaren Produkten, Preisen, Rabatten, Rechnungen, offenen Posten und weiteren wichtigen Daten aus dem ERP-System bereitgestellt werden.
Employee Relief
The integration streamlines business operations, particularly in connecting service, sales, and marketing departments with areas like warehouse management and accounting. Automation of manual processes reduces errors and allows employees to focus on more strategic, value-added tasks.
Automating manual tasks relieves teams from repetitive, time-consuming, and error-prone processes. This not only increases efficiency but also allows employees to focus on more strategically important and value-adding tasks by automating simpler, repetitive activities.
Moreover, consolidated data enables more accurate forecasts and provides a foundation for actionable insights, such as identifying cross-selling and upselling opportunities during customer interactions.
Enhanced Team Collaboration
Many departments still work in isolated silos, limiting cross-functional communication and collaboration. ERP-Salesforce integration breaks down these barriers by centralizing processes, providing all teams with real-time access to the same data, and fostering better collaboration.
By centralizing processes through ERP integration with Salesforce, businesses can break down departmental silos and foster cross-functional collaboration. With a Single Source of Truth (SSOT), every team—whether in sales, finance, or HR—has real-time access to the same data.
Effective Data Analysis
Integrating Salesforce with ERP systems combines data from sales, customer service, and operational areas like finance and inventory management into a single platform. This gives companies a comprehensive and consistent view of customer behavior or the availability of products and personnel for potential projects, while also benefiting from improved data quality and more accurate analyses.
Increased User Acceptance
The seamless access to integrated ERP data through a CRM system like Salesforce streamlines workflows, reduces the need to juggle multiple systems, and provides a consistent view of various business processes. An ERP system integrated with Salesforce simplifies work across departments and offers the best conditions for cross-functional usage, with practical benefits immediately evident to employees.
How does ERP integration with existing systems work?
Often, ERP systems come with pre-configured connectors and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that enable easy integration with common software solutions. This allows integration with existing CRM, HR, and supply chain management systems in various ways.
Typically, there are three main options for ERP integration with Salesforce:
Native Integration in Salesforce
Salesforce offers native integration features that allow seamless communication between CRM and ERP systems. This integration option eliminates the need for third-party tools and simplifies the setup process. Native integration enables real-time data synchronization, allowing users in Salesforce to access ERP data and vice versa. However, depending on the ERP system used, native integration may have limitations regarding flexibility and customization.
Third-Party Integration Tools
Various third-party integration tools facilitate the integration between Salesforce and ERP systems. These tools offer pre-built connectors and workflows that streamline the integration process. Popular third-party tools include Talend, MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and Jitterbit.
When selecting such a tool, factors like user-friendliness, scalability, and support play an important role. Additionally, these tools can not only transfer data from one system to another but also intelligently link and consolidate data or act as intermediaries between different data structures.
Custom Integration Solutions
Custom integration solutions may be the best option for companies with unique requirements or complex ERP systems. Custom integration involves creating a tailor-made solution using APIs and middleware platforms. While custom integration offers the highest level of flexibility and customization, it requires more development resources and expertise. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and support costs may arise, so weighing the costs and benefits is essential.
ERP Integration in Salesforce with COViS
As a certified Salesforce partner, we have extensive experience in integrating ERP systems with Salesforce. We are both system solution developers with agile development methods and system integrators. Our work is always based on the needs and business processes of our clients.
COViS offers the Integration Manager, an intelligent interface management tool, and has extensive expertise in Salesforce Clouds and associated middle or additional solutions, including Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Reporting, Power BI, and much more.
We combine proven and tested systems with intelligent interfaces and workflows using a best-of-breed approach. This helps us avoid costly and time-consuming migration processes and enables our clients to seamlessly integrate ERP into Salesforce.
Conclusion – Integrating ERP into Salesforce and Harnessing Synergies
Integrating ERP systems with Salesforce offers numerous advantages for companies looking to optimize operations and maximize the value of their CRM and ERP systems. By following best practices and choosing the right integration option, businesses benefit from seamless data flow, improved cross-department collaboration, greater employee efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. Our experts are ready to answer all your questions about ERP integration with Salesforce and help you choose the right integration method.
