9 Best Project Management CRM Solutions: Streamline Your Operations

Paul Burke

Senior Writer

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Understanding CRM and Project Management Software CRM vs PM Software: The Key Differences Why Use CRM with Project Management? Pros & Cons of Using CRM with Project Management The 9 Best CRM and Project Management Software

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9 Best Project Management CRM Solutions: Streamline Your Operations

Every successful organization needs excellent customer relationship management and effective project management tools. While the first allows a business to cooperate with the sales and marketing functions, the second assists a team in working together and ensuring all tasks are completed properly.

But what if you combine both of them? In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a combined CRM and project management software and provide you with the top options available in the market.

Understanding CRM and Project Management Software

CRM, which means customer relationship management, is the solution to help businesses interact with actual and future customers. It works as a customer data storage and analyzing system, a sales opportunity tracker, and marketing campaigns, which can work on their own. Client relationship tracking tool serves as a peer-to-peer interaction space for both its users and clients and allows firms to develop and control long-term client interaction and growth.

PM software is a tool that assists companies in planning, organizing, and executing projects efficiently. It provides a collaborative workspace where team members can assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress, and communicate with each other. PM software helps streamline workflows, improve productivity, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. It allows for better project planning, resource allocation, and effective communication among team members.

CRM vs PM Software: The Key Differences

Although both CRM and Project Management software solutions cater to process improvement, the tools are meant for different purposes. The following differences outline the distinctive functionality of the CRM vs. Project Management tool:

Focus – Client relationship tracking software is used to manage customer relationships, while PMS focuses on project planning and execution.
Functionality – Client relationship tracking tool includes contact and lead management, as well as sales pipeline management. PMS includes task management, resource planning, and project analysis.
Collaboration – Client relationship tracking tool supports collaboration between the sales and marketing departments, while PMS encourages communication among the project team members.
Data analysis – Client relationship tracking solutions help businesses analyze customer-related data. PMS software offers data analysis of the project-based performance and/or human resources usage.
Integration – Client relationship tracking tools are often integrated with mailing automation programs. PMS solutions can be used with time and issue-tracking software.

Why Use CRM with Project Management?

The integration of client relationship tracking tool with PM software offers several benefits to businesses, including the following best reasons to integrate them:

1. Streamlined Processes

Using client relationship tracking and PM software in combination enables businesses to streamline their processes and eliminate redundant tasks. Through integration, data from projects is stored in the client relationship tracking tool, ensuring that customer information is up-to-date and accurate.

2. Improved Collaboration

Integration of the client relationship tracking and PM software promotes better teamwork among employees. Project-related tasks can be combined with customer accounts to make information access easier. Thus, other employees will be able to easily access and edit such information, which will result in better communication. Everyone will be on the same page.

3. Improved Efficiency

When client relationship tracking tools and PM software are integrated, teams are more effective. When project-specific information is synchronized with CRM data, tasks such as contact or project creation are automated and do not need data entry, including human error, time, or productivity.

4. Data-driven Insights

When combined with client relationship tracking and PM, businesses effectively analyze data. It enables businesses to understand their target customers’ behavior and trends regarding project success rates, resource utilization and, make decisions based on such data, and implement improved strategies for the business.

5. Better Customer Experience

The integration of client relationship tracking and PM software provides a better customer experience. The integration of customer inquiries, project status or estimates, and other relevant information makes it easier to access, share, and collaborate on products, services, and operations.

Pros & Cons of Using CRM with Project Management

Like any business decision, combining client relationship tracking and PM software comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some key points to consider:

Pros:

Streamlined processes and reduced duplication of efforts.
Enhanced collaboration and improved communication.
Increased efficiency and productivity.
Comprehensive data analysis and insights.
Superior customer experience and satisfaction.

Cons:

Initial setup and integration may require time and resources.
Learning curve for employees to adapt to a new system.
Potential for technical issues or compatibility challenges.
Cost of acquiring and maintaining both client relationship tracking and project management software.

The 9 Best CRM and Project Management Software

When it comes to choosing the best client relationship tracking and project management combined software, there are several reputable options available. Here are the best CRM project management software options:

#1: Lua CRM

Lua CRM is an excellent tool for businesses that offer both CRM and project management. The software has a user-friendly interface and perfectly fits small to midsize businesses. From the client relationship tracking side, Lua CRM is an exceptional tool for contact management and interaction. It integrates with various communication channels such as email and social media and keeps record of all communication with a client in one place.

Lua CRM provides a business owner with 360-degree client profiles to view all customer information in one place, including deal stages and related projects. From the PM side, Lua CRM makes it easy to create customized project templates and is compatible with Kanban boards, Gantt charts and Agile PM. It also integrates with client relationship tracking and allows for transitioning from creating leads to working on projects without redundant data entry.

Moreover, Lua CRM supports financials by integrating with popular payment systems and includes basic financial reporting and invoicing. Businesses can simplify their operation by using Lua CRM as a platform for collaboration and increase their productivity overall. Thus, Lua CRM is a worthy system for small to midsize businesses to boost productivity.

Pros

Project management and CRM in one solution for business management.
Seamless integration of numerous modules for enhanced UX.
Highly customizable dashboard and detailed reports to adapt to individual workflows.
Offers Kanban, calendar, Gantt, GTD-inspired lists functionality for visual organization.
Robust CRM with comprehensive features like automation, account handling, lead generation forms and email integration.
Financial management tools for simplified invoicing and money tracking.
A comment and note sections for each task, project, invoice, etc. facilitates team collaboration.
Built-in knowledge management, client portal, product and services catalog, and mind mapping functionality.
Handy mobile apps for both IOS and Android which enable you to quickly get any important real-time notifications wherever you are.
Wide range of software integrations for increased productivity.
Various support and learning options that include how-to videos, get-started guides, training materials, online chat, email support, personalized demos, blog with industry-related articles, implementation services.
Lua CRM can be tailored for various industries and niches such as software development, marketing and advertising, content production, consulting services, construction, event planning, and so on.