--- title: "ERP vs CRM: Different Approaches to Meet Your Business Needs" description: The relationship between ERP, CRM, and how you can decide whether to choose between the two. We will break down all you need to know about these options. image: https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_297993411.jpeg --- [![ERPlogo](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/ERPlogo.svg "ERPlogo")](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com) [**](tel:8664998550) [**](mailto:info@erpadvisorsgroup.com) [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/erp-consultant-consultation) We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and support our analytics. To manage your preferences, visit our [cookie settings page](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/cookie-preferences). Continue × Cookie Settings # ERP vs CRM: Different Approaches to Meet Your Business Needs ![](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_297993411.jpeg?width=600&height=300&name=AdobeStock_297993411.jpeg) Setting your business up for success involves navigating different technologies that will get you there. When it comes to automating your business processes, ERP and CRM integration are two solutions worth considering. But what is the relationship between ERP and CRM, and how can you decide whether to choose an ERP or a CRM solution? We will break down everything you need to know about these two different software offerings. What is CRM? CRM, or [Customer Relationship Management](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/how-to-find-best-crm), is a system designed to manage your interactions with customers. The purpose of CRM software is to prioritize the customer experience by finding ways to keep your existing and potential customers happy, allowing you to better nurture leads and push people to close business. CRM software gives you instant access to customer data when you need it most and provides key functionality, including: - Organizing leads - Automating sales and workflows - Integrating email - Managing the sales pipeline - Managing leads and prospects Other useful features to look for in CRM software include data reporting with analytics overview, and sales forecasting to understand better sales metrics to determine where your business is headed in the future. What is ERP? ERP, or[ Enterprise Resource Planning](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/what-is-erp), is designed to improve the overall efficiencies of your business. These systems are useful in gathering and sharing information and resources across all departments so there’s an all-encompassing view of the entire enterprise. Using data-driven insight to take action allows your business to successfully streamline its processes in real-time. Some of the key features of ERP include: - Sharing business data in real-time - Alerting employees about potential issues in the processes - Managing benefits and payroll information - Creating and implementing business strategies - Processing orders It’s important to note that some ERP systems have a built-in CRM component, but CRM software never includes ERP. How to Choose: ERP vs. CRM The main difference between ERP and CRM is management focus. CRM delves into customer experience organization while ERP focuses on managing processes throughout the entire business. Deciding which option makes the most sense for your business depends on your current operations and future goals. CRM, at the forefront, is essential in tracking customer interactions. This can help a great deal in the evolution of the business. As your business matures and you start to achieve higher volumes of leads, sales orders, purchasing, planning, forecasting, and accounting, that’s when it’s time to switch to an ERP platform that can navigate all of these processes together. Still not sure if you need ERP or a CRM? ERP Advisors Group can assist. Our [independent ERP consultants](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/independent-erp-consultants) can break down your wants and needs to determine if an ERP is suitable for you. We know you don’t have time to evaluate all of your ERP and CRM options, but we do. We can help pair you with the perfect software solution that gets you to your bottom-line goals. [Contact us](https://erpadvisorsgroup.com/contact) to learn more and get started today. Looking for more information? Click the link below to download your own CRM guide. [![Download the Guide to Finding the Best CRM](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5825957/4d2e983d-2c60-479b-8920-5085c1d51b02.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5825957/4d2e983d-2c60-479b-8920-5085c1d51b02) RELATED [![](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/Thumbnail-1.jpg) ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/how-to-maximize-the-value-of-your-erp-system) [How to Maximize the Value of Your ERP System](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/how-to-maximize-the-value-of-your-erp-system) June 26, 2026 [ Read more ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/how-to-maximize-the-value-of-your-erp-system) [![Indy Bains and Shawn Windle](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/Leaders%20in%20ERP%20Social%20Graphic%20-%20Jeff%20Weiss%2c%20CMiC%20(Youtube%20Banner).png) ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-jeff-weiss-chief-revenue-officer-at-cmic) [Leaders in ERP: Jeff Weiss, Chief Revenue Officer at CMiC](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-jeff-weiss-chief-revenue-officer-at-cmic) June 11, 2026 [ Read more ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-jeff-weiss-chief-revenue-officer-at-cmic) [![](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/May%20ERPA%20Thumbnail-1.png) ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/an-expert-guide-to-erp-implementation-success) [An Expert Guide to ERP Implementation Success](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/an-expert-guide-to-erp-implementation-success) June 10, 2026 [ Read more ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/an-expert-guide-to-erp-implementation-success) [![Indy Bains and Shawn Windle](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/NEW%20Leaders%20in%20ERP%20Social%20Graphic%20-%20Indy%20Bains%2c%20Workday%20(Youtube%20Banner)-1.png) ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-indy-bains-vp-global-industry-vertical-solution-marketing) [Leaders in ERP: Indy Bains, VP, Global Industry & Vertical Solution Marketing](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-indy-bains-vp-global-industry-vertical-solution-marketing) May 13, 2026 [ Read more ](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/leaders-in-erp-indy-bains-vp-global-industry-vertical-solution-marketing) [![ERPlogo](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/ERPlogo.svg "ERPlogo")](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/erp-advisors-group) - [**](https://twitter.com/erpadvisorsgrp) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/erpadvisors) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCghOaZuJFBpzvmXkIwBNvKw) ![Footer logos 2026_CFMA Addition](https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/Footer%20logos%202026_CFMA%20Addition.jpg "Footer logos 2026_CFMA Addition") Services About EAG Resources **Colorado** 390 Union Boulevard, Suite 540 Lakewood, CO 80228 [866-499-8550](tel:866-499-8550) [303-350-3087](tel:303-350-3087) [info@erpadvisorsgroup.com](mailto:info@erpadvisorsgroup.com) **Florida** 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 379  Clearwater FL 33755 [866-499-8550](tel:866-499-8550) [info@erpadvisorsgroup.com](mailto:info@erpadvisorsgroup.com) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Shawn Windle" }, "dateModified" : "2020-06-22", "datePublished" : "2017-08-15", "description" : "What To Do When You Outgrow Your Accounting Software", "headline" : "What To Do When You Outgrow Your Accounting Software", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/5825957/Imported_Blog_Media/Outgrowing-screenshot.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://google.com/article", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : "60", "url" : "https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/hubfs/eag60.png", "width" : "60" }, "name" : "ERP Advisors Group" }, "url" : "https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com/blog/outgrowing-accounting-software" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ ] } ```