June 5 2024
ERP vs CRM – Which Software is Best for Overseas Education Consultants?

With regards to CRM software, the world market is expected to grow to $96.5 billion by the end of 2028, and the ERP software market size is expected to reach $78.41 billion by 2026.

Technology is crucial in today’s education industry to come up with better solutions. You will become a high achiever if you understand the basics of CRM vs ERP systems and how to integrate them. CRM and ERP both increase your company’s total profitability.

While CRM software is used for managing customers, ERP software is used for managing various procedures of the whole organization. In this article, learn the distinction between ERP and CRM software for Overseas Education Consultants. So, let’s start. 

Definition of ERP

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is defined as software that coordinates and supervises most of the organization’s key activities to enhance efficiency. One of the important components of any organization’s success is the proper implementation of ERP systems. 

This is something that applies to education consultants, too. Given this, more and more overseas education consultants now leverage the power of ERP. Implementing ERP increases operational productivity and streamlines paperwork. 

ERPs can achieve this by decreasing manual procedures and automating routine business operations. Consequently, the implementation of a centralized system reduces errors and streamlines management. Lastly, information may be shared throughout certain organizational entities with ease and security thanks to an ERP.

Definition of CRM

CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a software technology that helps professionals like education consultants to streamline customer interaction and boost engagement. This technology automates workflow connected to customers, ensuring seamless connection with both existing and potential clients. 

The effective use of CRM software for overseas education consultants can also have a significant positive impact on the education industry. It oversees communications with both existing and potential students. It also ensures effective communication between staff, alumni, and other stakeholders.

Customer or prospect data is gathered via every business contact using a CRM. It ensures that data is up-to-date and readily accessible to all relevant departments. Just like ERP, CRM links sales, marketing, and customer service into one database. Processing huge amounts of data about clients and prospects results in a more dependable, transparent information source that enhances client satisfaction and increases sales chances for companies.

Read Also – How to Choose CRM Software?

CRM Vs. ERP: Key Differences You Need To Know About 

When it comes to study abroad agents, CRM and ERP systems have different goals and objectives, even though they are both essential for educational institutions. ERP systems are made to handle post-admissions duties, whereas CRM systems are made to handle pre-admissions tasks or external interactions with prospects. 

Here is a table outlining other key differences between CRM and ERP:

CRM ERP
CRM enables companies to interact with, develop leads from, and oversee prospective clients. ERP enables companies to manage, optimize, and standardize internal processes.
CRM can only be used for lead management, sales and marketing, and customer support. ERP has a broad and company-wide scope that covers a greater variety of business operations.
ERP and all of its other features are not included in the subset known as CRM. The CRM feature is present in most ERPs.
CRM is designed to help with lead management and convert prospects into actual customers. The objectives of ERP implementation are to minimize expenses, promote expansion, improve operational effectiveness, and optimize revenue.
CRM deployment is comparatively simple and involves less complexity. ERP deployment is a difficult process that necessitates deep process reengineering and integration with legacy systems.

CRM Vs ERP: How To Decide Between The Two?

An ERP must be your first pick if you’re trying to optimize a number of areas of your education consulting company’s operations, including finance and production. Besides education consultants, companies in sectors like the automotive, chemical, finance, furniture, manufacturing, packaging, pharmaceutical, and plastic sectors often favor ERP because of its numerous modules. 

You should use a CRM if your consulting business has a sizable customer base and frequently finds yourself in a challenging position to track and manage both current and potential customers. By using a CRM, you will be able to keep consistency in your communications with both current and new clients and automate important lead and marketing management duties.

Read More – Excel vs CRM 

Wrapping Up

Using both CRM and ERP software may be the best option if your organization manages complicated business operations and is sized between medium and enterprise. However, using sales CRM software is probably the best course of action if your small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are focused on increasing sales performance. 

Use Smartagentic CRM for the most dependable sales CRM software available. We offer advanced automation, a plethora of integration options, and contact, lead, and team management that is both straightforward and reliable. Schedule a demo and try this CRM software designed exclusively for overseas education consultants.

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