When it comes to choosing a customer relationship management (CRM) system, two of the most popular options on the market are Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Both platforms offer a range of features and benefits, but how can you decide which one is right for your organization?
As product agnostic experts, WayPath is here to help you explore some key considerations for a platform selection process:
- Cost — One of the first factors to consider is cost. Salesforce and Dynamics 365 offer different pricing models, so it’s important to compare the total cost of ownership over the long term. Additionally, organizations should consider the cost of training employees (users and IT staff), customizing the platform, and ongoing maintenance and support.
- Features — Another key consideration is the features each platform offers. While both Salesforce and Dynamics 365 offer core CRM capabilities such as lead management, contact management, and reporting, they differ in their additional features. For example, Salesforce is known for its robust marketing automation capabilities, while Dynamics 365 offers strong integration with other Microsoft products such as Office 365 and Power BI.
- Customization — The ability to customize the platform to meet specific business needs is also an important factor to consider. Salesforce and Dynamics 365 both offer a range of customization options, but some organizations may find one platform more flexible or user-friendly than the other.
- User adoption — Even the best CRM platform will not be effective if your employees don’t use it. Organizations should consider how easy the platform is to use and whether it integrates well with existing workflows and processes. User adoption can be influenced by factors such as training, support, and the availability of resources such as documentation and tutorials.
- Industry-specific needs — Finally, some organizations may have industry-specific needs that one platform is better suited to address. For example, Salesforce is popular among financial services companies because of its robust security and compliance features, while Dynamics 365 is often favored by manufacturing and distribution businesses because of its supply chain management capabilities.
Choosing between Salesforce and Dynamics 365 requires careful consideration of factors such as cost, features, customization, user adoption, and industry-specific needs. Ultimately, the best platform for an organization will depend on their unique business requirements and goals. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a CRM platform that will help them achieve your objectives. Working with a trusted Salesforce or Dynamics consulting partner can help you ensure you’re making the right decision when choosing a CRM.
