CRM / ERP: Comparison of the best systems for Your Company

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are the cornerstones of modern business, supporting companies' dynamic growth. But how do you choose the ideal one from so many available on the market? CRM focuses on managing customer relationships, while ERP integrates key internal processes such as finance and production. Are you wondering which one will be best for your company? In this article, we thoroughly compare the most popular solutions, analyzing their functions, benefits, and limitations to help you make an informed decision.

Table of contents

Introduction

CRM Systems

• Comprehensive functionality: complete support for the entire customer lifecycle, advanced automation, extensive reporting capabilities.
  
• Rich ecosystem: thousands of available integrations with ERP systems, e-commerce platforms, Microsoft 365 suite, and other applications.
  
• Support and community: extensive documentation, interactive courses (Trailhead), an active network of implementation partners.
  

• High cost: the basic pricing plan starts at $25 per user per month, and access to full features requires subscribing to more expensive versions (up to $150 per month).
  
• Implementation complexity: system configuration and personalization often require specialized knowledge or the support of an experienced partner.
  

• Easy start: the free version is available immediately, without the need for complex configuration.
  
• Integrated marketing and sales activities: campaign automation, lead scoring, advanced analytics.
  
• Wide integration possibilities: seamless integration with Gmail, Outlook, e-commerce platforms, and social media.
  
• Flexible freemium model: free plan with no user limit.
  

• High cost of the full version: for example, Marketing Hub Professional involves an expense of around €792 per month, regardless of the number of users.
  
• Limited possibilities for advanced personalization.
  
• Less extensive ecosystem of external applications compared to Salesforce.
  

• Complete set of features: effective management of leads, sales funnels, quotes, and orders.
  
• High flexibility: the ability to create custom modules and define custom automations.
  
• Attractive price: pricing plans start at just €14 per user per month, and the Professional version (around €23) meets the needs of most companies.
  
• Availability of Zoho One suite: a comprehensive environment of applications including CRM, accounting, project management, and customer support.
  

• Requires time for configuration and adaptation to the specific needs of the company.
  
• Full technical support is only available in higher-priced plans.
  

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Sales): a CRM module that is an integral part of the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. It offers advanced sales, marketing, and customer service management features, providing seamless integration with the Microsoft 365 suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Power BI). Available in the cloud and on-premise. Particularly recommended for companies already using Microsoft solutions, although its implementation and cost may be comparable to Salesforce.


• Pipedrive: a simple and intuitive CRM focused on sales pipeline management. The Kanban-based interface enables quick system implementation in sales teams. Ideal for small businesses and sales teams. Costs from around $15 per user per month. Offers basic automation, integrations with email and calendar, and an API.


• Bitrix24: a versatile all-in-one tool that combines CRM, project management, intranet, and even a simplified ERP system. Available in the cloud and on-premise. Offers a free version for small teams and affordable paid plans (from around $49 per month for the entire organization). Although the interface may be less polished and technical support limited, it is an attractive solution for companies with a limited budget.


• Freshsales (Freshworks CRM): a modern CRM integrated with the Freshworks suite. Supports sales, marketing, and customer support, also offering VoIP features. Prices start at $15 per user per month. Recommended for companies looking for a unified system to manage customer relationships, run marketing campaigns, and handle support tickets.

ERP Systems

• Complete set of functions: one integrated environment covering all key business areas, from finance to production.
  
• Modular structure and industry flexibility: the ability to implement only the necessary modules, tailored to the specifics of a given industry.
  
• Availability in the cloud and on-premise: deployment options based on MS SQL or SAP HANA, integrations with e-commerce platforms and other ERP systems.
  
• Rich ecosystem of industry add-ons: a wide network of implementation partners offering local support.
  
• Support for international operations: handling multiple languages, currencies, and business units.
  

• High cost of licenses and implementation: the cost, including both licensing and implementation, can be significant, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even more. Implementation costs typically range from 1 to 5 times the annual licensing cost.
  
• System complexity: implementation requires in-depth analysis of business processes and user training.
  
• Personalization requires specialized knowledge: adapting the system to the unique needs of the company often involves the need to engage an SAP consultant or programmer.
  

• Intuitive interface and integration with Microsoft 365: reduces implementation time and facilitates daily work for users.
  
• Complete functionality: includes finance, warehouse management, sales, purchasing, CRM, and in the Premium version also service and production.
  
• Extensive integration possibilities: seamless integration with Outlook, OneDrive, e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento), CRM Dynamics, and BI tools.
  
• Flexible licensing options: two main plans available (Essentials ~€70/month, Premium ~€100/month) and options for users with limited access (Team Members).
  
• Scalability:** the system grows with the company's development, allowing for easy addition of further modules and extensions.
  

Limited local flexibility: for specific local needs, some Polish ERP systems may offer better solutions.

Recommended applications: Business Central is an attractive solution for medium-sized companies that:

• intensively use the Microsoft 365 suite,
  
• need an ERP system integrated with CRM and analytical tools,
  
• plan further development and want to build a cohesive IT environment based on the Microsoft platform.
  

Example of application: A commercial or distribution company with several warehouses can effectively manage sales, customer service, inventory levels, and finances within one integrated system. For smaller companies with simple processes, lighter, local ERP systems may be more cost-effective.

3

Comarch ERP (Optima, XL)

Comarch ERP is a Polish family of ERP systems, including the popular Optima (for smaller companies) and XL (for medium and large companies) solutions. These systems are fully adapted to Polish law and market realities, making them a frequent choice among companies operating locally. They offer a wide range of modules, including finance, HR, sales, warehouse, production, CRM, and Business Intelligence.

Advantages:

• Excellent adaptation to Polish regulations: the systems are constantly updated in accordance with national law (JPK, KSeF, ZUS declarations) and offer ready-made integrations with banks, courier companies, the Allegro platform, and e-government services.
  
• Attractive starting price: Optima allows starting work with several modules at a relatively low price, making it accessible even for small businesses. The system's prevalence in Poland makes it easier to find qualified employees.
  
• Modularity and scalability: as the company grows, new modules can be added or you can switch to the more advanced XL system, which also supports production, advanced warehouse management (WMS), and production planning (MRP).
  
• Fast implementations: basic functionalities (accounting, warehouse, sales) can be launched in a relatively short time, which is a significant advantage over the more time-consuming implementations of foreign ERP systems.
  

Disadvantages

Despite certain advantages, from our experience, we do not recommend Comarch ERP as a target solution for growing companies. At a certain point, its functionalities become too limited, leading to frustration and hindering further development. We have helped many clients migrate from Comarch ERP to more flexible and future-proof systems, and we know how to efficiently carry out such a process.
The main drawbacks we observe in Comarch ERP are:

• Limited customization options: lack of access to the source code means less freedom in adapting the system's business logic to the unique needs of the company.
  
• Weaker support for international expansion: although the system supports various currencies and the English language, it is not optimized for foreign tax regulations or consolidation within capital groups.
  
• Longer implementations of advanced functions: full utilization of the system's capabilities (production, BI, custom reports) may require several months and the involvement of programmers or Comarch partners.
  
• Very difficult or even impossible integrations with external systems: despite the declared API, we often encounter significant difficulties in effectively connecting Comarch ERP with other business-critical platforms.
  
• Lack of built-in transparent interfaces for building automations: both internal and with external systems. Many processes require manual intervention, which generates costs and delays.
  
• Non-intuitive and outdated interface of individual modules: using the system is often cumbersome and requires longer training, which reduces employee productivity.
  
• Problem with finding a suitable support service provider authorized as a Comarch partner: companies often struggle with a lack of access to qualified support, which delays problem resolution.
  
• None of the leading tools for creating inter-system automations have ready-made integrations with this ERP, unlike systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle NetSuite, or Salesforce, which offer broad integration capabilities with platforms like Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), or Workato.
  

Deployment models: Comarch ERP offers flexibility in terms of deployment, operating both locally (on-premise) and in the cloud (Optima in the ASP model, ERP XT as SaaS). This approach allows companies to choose the model that best suits their needs.

Integrations: The system provides ready-made connections with banking systems, e-commerce platforms (Allegro, wszystko.pl), the National e-Invoice System (KSeF), fiscal printers, and warehouse terminals. Thanks to the available API, integration with external systems and applications is also possible, although, as mentioned, this can be a challenge.

Support: Although Comarch has an extensive network of implementation partners and offers manufacturer technical support (helpdesk), as well as the availability of trained consultants and users throughout Poland, in practice, finding a suitable support service provider with current Comarch partner authorization can be problematic. Companies often struggle with a lack of access to high-quality, qualified support, which, in critical moments, significantly delays problem resolution and affects business continuity.

Costs: Comarch Optima is available at a price of several thousand PLN for the basic package, to which an annual fee for updates must be added. The implementation of Comarch XL involves an expense of several tens of thousands of PLN (or more) for full implementations. Cloud subscriptions start from several hundred PLN per month.

Recommended applications: Comarch ERP is a suitable choice for trading, service, manufacturing companies, and accounting firms operating exclusively in the domestic market, where absolute compliance with Polish law and rapid deployment of basic functions are crucial. For companies planning international expansion, dynamic growth, process automation, and full integration with other systems, we strongly advise against this product. In such cases, more versatile and flexible ERP platforms are significantly better solutions, ensuring long-term growth and operational efficiency.

If you are considering changing your ERP system or are encountering problems with your current solution, contact us.
We will help you assess your needs and propose the optimal migration path.

4

enova365

enova365 is a modern Polish ERP system developed by Soneta. It offers a wide range of modules, including accounting, HR and payroll, sales, CRM, project management, production, and Business Intelligence. The system is available in local, web, and mobile versions. It is a direct competitor to Comarch ERP and Symfonia systems, and its modern technology (.NET) ensures flexibility and scalability.

Advantages:

• Wide functionality: enova365 supports most key business processes, from accounting and HR, through sales and CRM, to project management and simple production. The modular structure allows for the selection and expansion of the system depending on the company's needs.
  
• Deployment flexibility: various interfaces are available (Windows, Web, Mobile), and the system can be easily adapted to the specifics of the enterprise, also thanks to the SDK and partner support.
  
• Advanced financial and HR modules: the system is constantly updated in accordance with the latest legal regulations (JPK, Polish Deal, KSeF), which is particularly valued by accounting offices and HR departments.
  
• Remote and mobile work: managers can work from any device, and office workers have access to the classic application.
  

Disadvantages:

• Lack of a built-in WMS system: for logistics companies or those with a complex production structure, the basic version of the system may be insufficient and require integration with external solutions.
  
• Implementation requires partner support: system configuration, despite a user-friendly interface, usually requires experience and in-depth analysis of business processes.
  
• Limitations in analysis and integrations: advanced analyses often require the use of external tools (e.g., Power BI), and some custom integrations may require independent creation via the API.
  

Integrations: enova365 offers an API and ready-made connectors to popular e-commerce platforms (Magento, PrestaShop), banking systems, ZUS, courier companies, and others. Although it does not have a central marketplace with ready-made integrations, Soneta partners offer many dedicated solutions.

Support: system implementation and support are provided by an extensive network of Soneta partners. The manufacturer provides frequent updates and second-line technical support. The enova365 user community is constantly growing, although it is smaller than in the case of Comarch.

Costs: the system is sold in modules, and prices depend on the number of users and selected functions. For small companies, the basic package costs several thousand PLN plus a subscription for updates. A subscription model is also available, starting from several hundred PLN per month. Prices are comparable to Comarch Optima, although in some configurations enova365 may prove more expensive.

Recommended applications: enova365 is a good solution for medium-sized service, commercial companies, and accounting offices. It is valued for its advanced financial and HR modules and deployment flexibility. Companies in the e-commerce sector benefit from integration with Allegro and online stores. For more complex production, systems with an advanced MRP module may be a better choice. For companies with typical needs and a local reach, enova365 is a solid and modern solution.

5

Other ERP Systems for Companies

In addition to the most frequently chosen platforms, there are several other ERP systems available on the market that are also used, especially in specific market segments.

• Symfonia ERP: a popular solution among small businesses and accounting offices, offering financial and accounting, commercial, and HR and payroll modules. The system is characterized by ease of use, quick implementation (even within 2 days), and an affordable price. It is valued for efficient updates in accordance with applicable regulations. Its disadvantage is a less modern interface and limited scalability – it works well for accounting but may be insufficient for companies with extensive logistics or production.


• Oracle NetSuite: a global, fully cloud-based ERP system designed for medium-sized and dynamically growing companies. It offers a wide range of functions (finance, project management, production, CRM, e-commerce) and excellently supports international operations. It is less popular in Poland due to high implementation and subscription costs. It is a good choice for technology companies that need a scalable mid-market SaaS system.


• Local ERP systems (WAPRO, Insert, Streamsoft): smaller solutions aimed at micro and small enterprises. For example:
  
  - WAPRO ERP is a simple tool for managing sales, warehouse, and accounting, popular in the small business segment.
  - Subiekt (Insert) is a well-known sales and warehouse program, and its more extensive version, Navireo is aimed at larger companies.
  - Streamsoft Prestiż and Verto offer extensive modules for commercial and manufacturing companies, but with a smaller ecosystem of integrations than market leaders.
  


• Industry-specific and niche ERPs: some companies opt for specialized systems tailored to their specific industry:
  
  - ProAlpha is a German ERP system for manufacturing companies, characterized by advanced analytics but limited integration availability.
  - Unit4 Teta is popular in large organizations and institutions, especially in the area of human resource management (HR).
  

Summary and Recommendations

The choice of the right CRM and ERP system should be dictated by the specific needs, stage of development, and strategic plans of the company. Below are recommendations tailored to various business scenarios:

• Small service or commercial company, focused on sales and marketing:
  
  
  - CRM: it is worth considering a simple cloud CRM, e.g., HubSpot Free (easy start, good marketing automation) or Zoho CRM (more features, attractive price).
  - Back-office: at this stage, a simple invoicing and accounting program may be sufficient – e.g., Symfonia, WAPRO or Fakturownia. Implementing a full ERP system is usually not necessary, but it is worth choosing tools that will allow easy integration with a more extensive system in the future.
  


• Startup or technology company with global ambitions:
  
  
  - CRM: Salesforce (recognized global standard, positively perceived by investors) or Dynamics 365 Sales (especially if the company uses the Microsoft 365 suite).
  - ERP: Oracle NetSuite or Dynamics 365 Business Central – systems that well support multiple currencies, languages, and organizational structures.
  - Alternatively: Odoo (combining CRM and ERP in one system), if the company has IT support and wants to minimize costs while being ready for customizations.
  


• Medium-sized company (e.g., manufacturer, wholesaler):
  
  
  The most frequent choices are enova365 and, for specific needs, SAP Business One.
  
  - enova365: It stands out with advanced HR and payroll modules, flexible workflow, and a more modern interface.
  - SAP Business One: This is a comprehensive ERP system that works well for medium-sized manufacturing, distribution, and service companies, especially those planning further development or operating within larger corporations. It offers an integrated environment covering finance, sales, warehouse, production, service, and projects, as well as CRM modules and advanced reporting.
  
  Both systems offer basic CRM functionalities, and if a more advanced solution is needed, they can be integrated with systems like Zoho CRM or Salesforce via API.
  


• Commercial company with an e-commerce channel:
  
  
  Key to success is integrating the ERP system with your e-commerce platform and marketplaces.
  
  - enova365: Provides strong integration capabilities through partners and a flexible architecture, allowing for efficient connections with various e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
  - Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Offers extensive integration possibilities with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Magento, making it an attractive option for businesses operating online.
  - For companies active in international markets, Odoo (with its built-in online store) or NetSuite are worth considering.
  
  CRM for marketing: HubSpot or Salesforce, integrated with the ERP system.
  


• Micro-enterprise or company with a limited budget:
  
  
  - Start with the minimum: free CRM system (HubSpot Free, Zoho CRM) + cheap invoicing and warehouse management program (e.g. Subiekt NEXO).
  - As the company grows, you can easily switch to a more extensive ERP system, and replace the free CRM with a paid plan. It is important to choose tools that will allow integration or data migration in the future.
  


• Manufacturing / industrial company:
  
  
  In this sector, production planning (MRP), quality control, and logistics management modules are crucial.
  
  - SAP Business One: a proven, reliable solution with a rich offer of industry add-ons.
  - Dynamics 365 BC (in the Premium version): offers advanced production planning and good integration possibilities with machines.
  - ProAlpha or Streamsoft Prestiż: dedicated to companies with complex production and advanced quality analysis.
  - For simpler production, enova365 or Odoo may be sufficient and cheaper.
  






Conclusions


There is no one-size-fits-all solution – the key to success is choosing a CRM and ERP system perfectly tailored to the specific needs of the company, its budget, and development plans.

Also find out how much it costs:
Individual price offer tailored to your needs

It is important to:

• thoroughly analyze existing business processes, available financial resources, and long-term goals of the enterprise,
  
• use demo or trial versions of systems to assess their functionality and ease of use,
  
• consult with an independent advisor who will help in choosing the optimal solution before making a final decision.
  

A well-chosen and professionally implemented CRM/ERP system becomes a central element of company management, supporting its growth and efficiency for many years to come.

Do you have doubts about which system will best suit the specifics of your company? Our experts will gladly share their knowledge to help you find the optimal solution.

Use the contact form and find out how we can dispel your concerns about CRM/ERP systems.