To succeed in today’s competitive market, sales and marketing teams need the right tools to drive growth and improve margins. Modern solutions can make all the difference, and one tool that stands out is Salesforce.
Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to help businesses improve their sales, marketing, and customer service. It’s a game-changer for many organizations. For example, a large bank struggling with poor customer service and disconnected teams used Salesforce to transform its operations. The result? A 30% shorter sales cycle, streamlined processes, and higher productivity.
However, managing customer interactions is only part of the equation. To achieve even bigger goals, companies must also make operations like finance and inventory management more efficient. This raises a key question—can Salesforce address such operational needs too? Or does it need to work alongside other tools to provide a complete solution?
Where Can You Find ERP Functionality?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems help businesses manage their everyday work more smoothly. They bring different processes—like finances, inventory, and supply chain management—into one single system. This makes it easier for teams to work together, spot mistakes, and make better decisions since all the data is in one place.
Salesforce, on the other hand, is a CRM platform. It’s built to help businesses with their sales, marketing, and customer service processes. While it’s great at managing customer relationships, Salesforce wasn’t designed to handle things like finances or inventory, which are the main jobs of an ERP system.
That said, Salesforce is very flexible. With additional tools and add-ons available on its AppExchange, some businesses use it for certain tasks that ERPs usually handle. However, it might not fully replace a dedicated ERP system, especially for larger or more complex operations.
Why Combine Salesforce and ERP Systems?
Salesforce and ERP systems work well together because they cover different parts of a business. Salesforce manages sales, customer service, and marketing, while an ERP handles tasks like finances, inventory, and supply chain management. Combining them connects the front and back ends of a business, creating a complete solution.
- Seamless Data Flow happens when Salesforce and ERP systems work together, making it easier for sales, customer service, and operations teams to share information and stay on the same page.
- Improved Customer Service is possible when Salesforce and ERP systems are combined, as teams can check inventory and delivery details to give customers accurate updates.
- Reduced Manual Data Entry is a key advantage of using Salesforce and ERP systems together, as automation handles repetitive tasks, saving time and lowering errors.
- Faster Response Times are achievable with Salesforce and ERP systems, as they provide real-time updates that help teams quickly solve problems and respond to customer needs.
- Better Inventory Management becomes easier by combining Salesforce and ERP systems, helping businesses track stock levels and avoid running out of products.
How to Connect Salesforce with ERP Systems
Bringing Salesforce and an ERP system together doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
1. Check Your Current Systems
Look at how your Salesforce and any ERP systems are working now. Spot any gaps or problems where integration can make things better, like improving how teams share data.
2. Set Clear Goals
Think about what you want from the connection. Do you need real-time updates or better inventory tracking? Knowing your goals will help you focus on the right areas.
3. Pick the Right ERP System
Choose an ERP that matches your business needs and works well with Salesforce. Make sure it’s easy to scale and has the features your business needs.
4. Use Handy Tools
Tools like MuleSoft and Jitterbit are there to help link Salesforce with ERP systems. They make the process smoother by offering pre-built connectors.
5. Test Everything
Before fully launching, test how the systems work together. Make sure data flows correctly and everything runs smoothly. Don’t skip this step—it’s important!
Best ERP Options for Salesforce
Here are some of the top ERP systems to consider when integrating with Salesforce:
1. SAP
A strong choice for big businesses, SAP works great with Salesforce to manage finances, purchasing, and supply chains.
2. Oracle NetSuite
A cloud-based ERP designed for businesses wanting advanced tools to handle finances and inventory while connecting easily with Salesforce.
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365
This ERP works well with Salesforce and offers helpful features for both managing customer relationships and business operations.
4. Infor
A good pick for specific industries like manufacturing or healthcare, it easily connects with Salesforce to improve workflows.
5. Sage
A simpler ERP perfect for small and medium businesses, Sage improves things like accounting and inventory while working nicely with Salesforce.
How Much Will It Cost and What Can You Gain?
Using Salesforce with an ERP system comes with some costs to keep in mind. First, you’ll pay for Salesforce subscriptions, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per user. based on your needs. Then, there’s the cost of your ERP system. Some ERPs charge monthly fees, while others may require a larger, one-time payment.
On top of that there are integration costs. You might need tools like MuleSoft or experts to set everything up and customize it for your business. These costs might seem like a lot, but they bring big benefits in return.
When Salesforce and your ERP work together, it saves time by automating tasks and reduces mistakes with accurate, shared data. Your team can work faster, and your customers will appreciate quick updates on orders or inventory, which can lead to repeat business.
Over time, this setup often pays for itself by saving money, improving productivity, and helping your business grow. While the exact return will depend on your goals and business size, many companies see great results from this investment.