Can I use QuickBooks as a CRM?

Question:  David, can I use QuickBooks as a CRM?

Answer:  You can try to use QuickBooks as a CRM solution but it's really designed to be an accounting or ERP solution.  Key CRM functionality like sales management, marketing automation, and customer service management is not really available in QuickBooks.

Rather than use QuickBooks for this purpose, we generally recommend implementing a stand-alone CRM solution that integrates with QuickBooks.  For example, using the SugarCRM QuickBooks integration allows you to continue getting the benefits of using QuickBooks for back-office accounting but lets you get the best CRM value as well.  This is the "best of breed" approach.  SugarCRM is the fastest growing CRM software in the world, is completely open-source so it's incredibly flexible and customizable, has options for hosting in the cloud or on a server in the office and is priced competitively.

The QuickBooks SugarCRM integration synchronizes customers, invoice history, inventory items, quotes, and sales orders.  It's completely automated and runs on a scheduler.  The SugarCRM QuickBooks integration allows entering of sales orders in SugarCRM and syncing the orders into QuickBooks in real-time, orders can be entered on laptops, ipads, and other mobile devices by salespeople on the road.  Orders can be entered right away through SugarCRM, and they will then automatically appear in QuickBooks.   You do not have to wait for remote access to QuickBooks or emailing orders into the office.  

This integration eliminates redundant data entry because the sales orders created in SugarCRM transfer into QuickBooks eliminating duplication of data entry and increasing the accuracy of orders in QuickBooks.    Inventory changes and customer name and address changes in one system can be instantly updated in the other.  

The QuickBooks SugarCRM integration eliminates the need for buying additional QuickBooks user licenses because the ERP data is in SugarCRM.  Sales reps can see on-hand inventory quantities, open sales orders, invoice history, customer credit information, and everything they used to have to either lookup directly in QuickBooks or call someone to lookup for them.   Companies using the SugarCRM QuickBooks integration can potentially downgrade QuickBooks user licenses because these “inquiry users” no longer will need access to QuickBooks. 

Written by David Faye, Owner Faye Business Systems Group

Entrepreneur with broad experience in building businesses and helping businesses grow primarily through the effective use of information technology. CEO of Faye Business Systems Group, a software company specializing in implementation, development, and support relating to cloud-based Accounting, ERP, and CRM Software with extensive expertise in Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200, SugarCRM, Intacct, and the development of custom software.