Generally speaking, ERP is mainly for internal management of money, resources and other tangible assets, CRM is mainly a customer management system, and OA is a tool for internal management and communication. In short, ERP manages the internal core value of the enterprise, CRM manages the external core value of the enterprise, and OA is a tool to assist in the management of the enterprise value chain.
In enterprise management, OA, CRM, ERP are common management software, and they each have different functions and application fields. This article will detail the connections and differences between these three to help you better understand their role and positioning.
There is a certain connection between OA, CRM, and ERP, although their main functions and application areas are different. Below we will analyze the connection between them:
Links between ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
ERP systems usually cover the internal resource management of enterprises, including financial, human resources, production and other aspects of data. This data can provide the CRM system with important information about the customer, such as the customer's payment history, order status, etc. CRM systems can analyze this data to help businesses better understand customer needs and behaviors, which can improve customer relationships and increase sales efficiency.
CRM & ERP Connection:
Sales data and customer information in the CRM system are very important for decision-making in the ERP system. ERP systems need accurate sales data to demand, make production plans, and manage inventory. CRM systems can provide sales data for ERP systems to help enterprises better plan resources and make decisions.
The connection between OA (office automation) and ERP and CRM:
OA systems are often used for internal communication and collaboration, including workflow management, approval processes, and more. In ERP and CRM systems, various approval processes may need to be handled, such as purchase approvals, sales order approvals, etc. The OA system can help manage these approval processes and ensure that the flow and processing of information is efficient and smooth.
In summary, although the main functions of OA, CRM and ERP systems are different, they can cooperate with each other within the enterprise and jointly support the management and decision-making of the enterprise.
Extended reading: Mainstream CRM systems
zoho crm：The top CRM in the field of foreign trade has been selected in the Gartner SFA Magic Quadrant report for 12 consecutive years, and won the title of "Gartner Magic Quadrant - Sales Automation Visionary" in 2023, ranking among the Forbes Cloud 100. In more than 180 countries and regions,More than 250,000 businesses are using Zoho CRM, including NetEase, Amazon, Foxconn, Tujia, Kuaishou, and more. [Official address:
Enjoy the sales of customers:The No. 1 CRM system in the domestic marketIt has been on the Hurun Global Unicorn List for many consecutive years。One of the most established CRM management systems in China, with very mature product functions, such as customer management, visit management, business opportunities, contracts, data analysis, open ocean pools, etc., he can almost meet the imagination of most large, medium and small enterprises for CRM management. [Official website:
salesforce：Salesforce is the pioneer of CRM software. As of its current location, it has a very large number of products and modules. These include the traditional CRM trifecta: marketing, sales, and customer support. Overall, Salesforce is a reliable and popular CRM software. However, it withdrew from China in the past few years, so it is still risky for domestic companies to use it. [Official website:
About OA (Office Automation):
The OA system is designed to improve the efficiency of management and collaboration within the enterprise. Its core function is workflow management, which automates and tracks various approvals and processes. The OA system enables enterprises to complete tasks faster, improve work efficiency, and reduce wasted time.
About CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
The focus of the CRM system is on customer relationship and sales management. It helps businesses better understand customer needs, improve sales force, and earn more profits through a customer-centric management model. CRM systems can track customer activity, sales opportunities, product sales, etc., so that businesses can develop more effective sales strategies.
About ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning):
ERP system is an integrated management information system, which covers all aspects of resource management within the enterprise, including finance, human resources, production, chain, etc. The goal of ERP system is to optimize the utilization of enterprise resources and improve decision-making efficiency to achieve the strategic goals of the enterprise. It is suitable for medium to large enterprises, especially those that require complex resource management and chain optimization.
Depending on your needs and concerns, it's important to choose the right management software. If you need to improve internal collaboration and productivity, choose an OA system. If you're looking to enhance your customer relationships and sales force, a CRM system is the best option. And if you are concerned about the overall management of enterprise resources and the implementation of strategic plans, then ERP system will be your first choice. Each system has its own unique role and benefits, and choosing according to the specific needs of the business will help improve management efficiency and business performance.