SugarCRM has already made a name for itself as a provider of customer relationship management software. The platform is known for its user-friendliness and flexibility. However, there are numerous other CRM tools on the market that offer a good alternative. In this article, we will introduce you to the four best SugarCRM alternatives and take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
What is SugarCRM?
SugarCRM is a customer relationship management tool for the efficient administration of customer data and automation of processes relating to customer management and customer care. It is a central database that unites a company's sales, marketing and service departments on a single customer experience platform.
SugarCRM provides the right tool for each of these areas:
- Sugar Sell for sales
- Sugar Market for marketing automation
- SugarServe for customer service
SugarCRM is an attractive solution for managing complex customer interactions. The software is suitable for both medium-sized and larger companies and is available in different versions. Depending on the range of functions offered and the size of your company, you can choose between the Sell Premier, Sell Advanced or Sell Essentials package for sales CRM.
The SugarCRM system has a modular structure and is available as an on-premise version or in the cloud as a SaaS solution. The high number of functions enables companies to work flexibly, scalably and efficiently:
- Modern and intuitive user interface
- Simple management of all company and customer processes
- High scalability with many integration options
- Extensive automation options
- Mobile app for on the go
- Integrated voice and chat communication
- Detailed reporting and AI-driven predictions (Sugar Predict) for evaluating customer processes
Find the right SugarCRM alternative
Are you looking for the right CRM solution for your company? Which one is most suitable depends on the specific requirements, the size of the company and its available budget. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses. We have summarized these for you in the following sections.
SAP C4C
CRM from SAP is particularly attractive for companies that already work with other SAP tools. These can be easily integrated into the CRM system so that you can manage all customer data via a single platform. The software is made up of the SAP Customer Data Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Commerce Cloud, Sales Cloud and Service Cloud. SAP C4C offers an optimal all-in-one solution, especially for very large companies.
Price: from 50 euros / month per user and license
Free trial version: Yes
Suitable for: Medium to large companies
Advantages:
- Compatible with other SAP applications
- Extensive functions
- Can also be used offline
- Available as a web application for all end devices
- Real-time analyses based on HANA
Disadvantages:
- Adding additional memory and APIs is associated with costs
- Time-consuming configuration and familiarization with the system
- Only useful if SAP is already being used in the company
- Not suitable for a best-of-breed approach
Salesforce
Salesforce is one of the best-known CRM systems on the global market and has many useful functions. The tool is flexibly customizable and basically suitable for companies of any size and industry. In addition to a desktop version, it also offers mobile applications for iOS and Android devices that allow users to access company data wherever they are.
Another advantage of Salesforce is its comprehensive reporting function, which allows all departments of the respective company to quickly and easily retrieve and analyze customer data. The disadvantages of Salesforce are the price and complexity of the software. The CRM system is more expensive than SugarCRM and is less suitable for inexperienced users.
Price: from approx. 75 euros / month per user and license
Free trial version: Yes
Suitable for: Medium to large companies
Advantages:
- Extensive functions
- Integrated telephone system (Lightning Dialer)
- In-house AI (Einstein)
- Sales, service and marketing cloud
- Standard APIs from numerous providers available
- Free Trailhead learning platform with numerous tutorials
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming configuration and familiarization with the tool
- Relatively expensive basic price, additional costs for special functions possible
- Difficult to implement best-of-breed approach, as Salesforce strategy is moving towards an overall platform
HubSpot Marketing Hub
The HubSpot Marketing Hub is another alternative to SugarCRM. The tool offers all the basic functions for sales and marketing automation as well as customer data management and customer support. Thanks to its free basic version, it is particularly suitable for start-ups and smaller companies that do not yet want to invest heavily in a CRM system.
However, HubSpot offers significantly fewer functions than SugarCRM. The interfaces to other applications are also very limited and the reporting and analysis functions still have room for improvement.
Price: from 0 euros / month per user and license
Free trial version: No
Suitable for: Small to medium-sized companies, freelancers & self-employed persons
Advantages:
- Free basic version
- Simple and clear user interface
- Extensive functions
- Free learning platform HubSpot Academy
Disadvantages:
- Expensive extensions
- User-friendliness of the analysis tools could be improved
- Less scalable and flexible in comparison, therefore more suitable for small to medium-sized companies.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM system and focuses on the areas of marketing, sales and customer service. The tool can be seamlessly linked with all other Microsoft Office 365 solutions such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams. It also has around 200 interfaces to other providers such as Zendesk, Mailchimp and QuickBooks.
A major disadvantage of Microsoft Dynamics 365 is its system dependency, which automatically binds the user to the Microsoft platform. There are also additional costs for many functions.
Price: from approx. 50 euros / month per user and license
Free trial version: Yes
Suitable for: Medium to large companies
Advantages:
- Familiar interface for Microsoft users
- Flexible options for storing customer data
- Use of hybrid cloud solutions for more security
- Ideal for integrating other Microsoft applications
Disadvantages:
- System dependency due to the Microsoft landscape
- Complex pricing models, costs for special functions
- Problems with custom integrations from third-party providers
Erfolgreich Kundenbeziehungen pflegen mit dem richtigen CRM und atlantis dx
In this article, you have learned about the four most popular SugarCRM alternatives. Which one is suitable for your company depends on your individual needs. As a CRM service provider, we at atlantis dx have years of expertise with CRM solutions and will be happy to advise you on all questions relating to SugarCRM. We also take care of the complete setup of the software and the connection of all necessary integrations to third-party systems. We always develop a customized solution for your specific requirements!
atlantis dx is at your side as a competent partner. Regardless of whether you are starting with a new CRM system or want to implement a CRM change. Arrange a non-binding consultation with our experts and convince yourself of our professional know-how!
Frequently asked questions about SugarCRM alternatives
There are a large number of other CRM providers. The largest providers include SAP, Salesforce, HubSpot Marketing Hub and Microsoft Dynamics 365. These platforms offer similar functions. However, each of them has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The integration of a SugarCRM alternative varies depending on the provider. Some can be seamlessly integrated into your existing systems, while others may require a more complex implementation. It is important that you research the integration options and tools available before choosing an alternative.
The cost of a SugarCRM alternative varies depending on the alternative selected and the specific requirements of your company. Some alternatives are free, others are in a similar price segment or are considerably more expensive.