CRM software can increase conversion rates by as much as 300%.
Martech Zone
Introduction
Has anyone ever told you that they “love their CRM”, or that “CRM is amazing”?
We’re guessing not.
CRM, or Customer Relationship Management software, is one of those tools that’s essential for any business – but it definitely is complex and has its share of drawbacks.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most common CRM drawbacks, along with ways to fix them. Remember these and make sure to avoid these in the future to make your CRM experience much smoother!
15 Drawbacks of CRM System and How to Fix Them
1. Not Having a Single Source of Truth
The first and arguably most important drawback on this list is not having a single source of truth. What does that mean? In short, it means that your data is spread out across multiple software platforms, making it difficult to get an accurate picture of your customer base.
The solution to not having a single source of truth in CRM?
Make sure to have a dedicated CRM platform that consolidates all of your customer data in one place. This will make it much easier to segment and target your audience, and you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about your marketing and sales strategies.
You can use Salesforce, Hubspot Sales, or Zoho CRM for making this happen. Check out our blog on Zoho CRM ” A Complete Guide to Using Zoho CRM For Your Business” to learn more about this platform.
2. Losing Data Due to Human Error
The second drawback is losing data due to human error. This can happen when manual processes are involved in data entry, or when there is a lack of communication between different departments within a company.
The solution to losing data due to human error?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that automates data entry and ensures that all departments are on the same page. This way, you can avoid losing data and keep your customer relationships strong. You can also invest in a CRM system that has backup features. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with record loss and keep your customer relationships strong.
3. Duplicate Data
The third drawback of CRM is duplicate data. This can happen when multiple people are entering data into the system, or when there is a lack of governance around how data is entered. This can cause problems with reporting and decision-making, as well as frustrate users who are trying to find the “correct” data.
The solution to avoid duplicate data in CRM?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that has deduplication features. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with duplicate data and keep your customer relationships strong.
4. It’s Expensive
There’s no denying it – CRM software can be expensive. The cost of the software itself is one thing, but you also have to factor in the cost of training employees to use it, customizing it to fit your business, and ongoing maintenance and support.
The solution to the expense of the system?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that fits your budget and your needs. There are many affordable CRM solutions on the market, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs without breaking the bank. As we mentioned above, be sure to check out other blogs to see the differences for yourself, because you would not want to go overboard with your budget and fail your chance at success.
5. It Takes Time to Implement
Another drawback of CRM is that it can take a long time to implement. This is because CRM systems are complex, and it takes a lot of steps to get them up and running. This can be a problem for businesses that want to get started quickly, or that don’t have the resources to dedicate to a lengthy implementation process.
The solution to cut down the time taken in CRM?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that fits your business. There are many CRM solutions on the market, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs and can be implemented quickly.
6. It’s Difficult to Use
CRM systems are complex, and they can be difficult to use. This is because they have a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming for users.
The solution to make CRM usage easier?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that is easy to use. There are many CRM solutions on the market, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and is easy to use. One such Zoho CRM provides a user-friendly interface, check out our blog ” A Complete Guide to Using Zoho CRM For Your Business” to learn more.
7. Not Mobile Friendly
What’s worse than not having access to your data? Not being able to get back into the office, and losing all those important leads!
The drawbacks of CRM are many. One such problem is that some systems aren’t mobile-friendly- which can be trouble for workers who need their information on demand at any given moment in time or place they’re working away from home base.
The solution to a non-mobile-friendly CRM system?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that is mobile-friendly. There are many CRM solutions on the market that you can integrate with your device, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and is mobile-friendly.
8. Lack of Integration
The biggest drawback of CRM is that it doesn’t always integrate with other systems. This can be an issue for businesses who use multiple software platforms, because they’ll have to deal with two different sets of data and notifications about their customers’ accounts from each platform separately – not exactly ideal in any situation!
The solution to the integration problem is easier!
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that has integration capabilities. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with a lack of integration and keep your customer relationships strong.
9. It’s Hard to Customize
CRM systems are complex, and they can be difficult to customize. This is because they have a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming for users to customize them.
The solution to easy customization?
The solution is to invest some time to read some articles, how-to-guide, and resources or ask for professional help in customizing your CRM system. By doing this, you can be sure that your CRM system will be customized according to your business needs and preferences.
10. Lack of Reporting
Some CRM systems are lacking when it comes to reporting. For example, some business owners want a better way of tracking their customer relationships and how many different people they’ve talked with to make sure everyone knows who’s responsible for what segment or groupings within the company
In addition, there may be an increased need for analytics which can provide more detailed information about potential clients so managers have specific data on hand at all times!
The solution to the lack of reporting feature is to get one?
Invest in a CRM system that has reporting capabilities and you’ll avoid the problems associated with no reports. This way, your customer relationships will stay strong!
11. It’s Hard to Train Employees
CRM systems are complex, and it can be difficult to train employees on how to use them. This is because they have a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming for employees to learn all of them.
The solution to train your employees without sweating a sweat or breaking the bank?
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that already has expertise and experts who can do the work for you in no time. If your primary business is not to train your employees for CRM, it is better than taking the time to hire employees, train them and do the lifting than hiring an agency to do it for you. It is less costly and time-effective, and you avoid the hassle.
12. Lack of Support
The drawbacks of CRM are many and varied, but one thing that always seems to get overlooked is how difficult it can be for non-techies like you or me without extensive experience using this type of software – A support system, just like we have one in our lives.
The solution to getting the support you need?
The solution is to invest in hiring a company that provides support for the software. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with a lack of support and keep your customer relationships strong.
13. Security Issues
CRM has been around for a long time. However, there are still some drawbacks to the system that need addressing to protect your data from becoming vulnerable or hacked by another business competitor who may want access to their customer’s information.
The main downside of CRMS is its complexity–especially if you’re trying to go paper-free!
The solution is to protect your data? Easy-peasy.
The solution is to invest in a CRM system that has security features. It is not easier than doing it. Because, first, you have to identify which CRM system is the most secure for your business. After that, you can now implement the security features to protect your data and keep it safe from any potential hacks. Else, you can say goodbye to your customers’ information and say hello to a lawsuit.
14. Not immediately Effective
CRM systems are complex, and they can take time to learn and be effective. This is because they have a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming for users to learn all of them.
The solution to increasing effectiveness?
Maybe the solution is to take some time off and learn the features of your CRM system. By doing this, you will be more effective in using the system and you can avoid the problems associated with a lack of effectiveness.
15. Technical support-related issues
The operation is smooth, but one day you will face a problem, CRM or not, the problems are an inevitable part of our life and when you do face the problem, there is often not enough time to spend on finding the solution when you do not have a tech team to quickly resolve it for you at hand. Because losing a CRM database could be a disaster for your business, financially, and then emotionally.
The most common technical support-related issues with CRM systems are:
- How to use the CRM system?
- How to troubleshoot the CRM system?
- How to upgrade the CRM system?
- How to customize the CRM system?
The solution to having technical support at hand?
The solution is to invest in a company that provides support for the software. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with technical support-related issues and keep your customer relationships strong.
CRM systems may seem like a complicated and often frustrating endeavor. However, there are solutions for these problems that can make your experience with the system much more enjoyable! By investing in an easy-to-use CRMS you won’t have to worry about any drawbacks associated with it because now everything will run smoothly from start – to finish.
Conclusion
There you have it! 15 of the most common drawbacks of CRM systems, and how to fix them. By investing in the right CRM system, you can avoid these drawbacks and keep your customer relationships strong.
And if you are looking for help to get started, consider working with 12 Channels. Our CRM team will help you set up your system, customize it to meet your needs, and train you on how to use it so you can get the most out of your investment. Contact us today to learn more!
