10 Reasons Higher Education Institutions Should Use an ERP Rather Than a CRM

                            CRM 

                              ERP 

CRM refers to Customer Relationship Manager, which is software used for managing communication with students, stakeholders, and faculty members. 

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, an advanced software designed to integrate multiple applications. It also streamlines data transfer and access, and communications across different departments. 

CRM can only store detailed information about all stakeholders and track them accordingly. 

An educational institution relies on the timely operation of multiple departments. Hence, ERP ensures the management of academic and administrative operations effectively without fail. 

It provides a fundamental platform to handle any data as per the particular time, date, medium, and mode. Also, it keeps track of student information. 

It not only stores multiple documents and files in digitized format but also keeps them secure with the help of high data security mechanism. 

The teachers and institute can track student performance and progress using the CRM. 

Teachers can use higher education ERP to optimise student information management.

Furthermore, it provides performance-based data, which can be immensely useful for improving students’  learning experiences. 

For example, teachers can use the tool to create personalized learning plans and facilitate a customized, flexible, and scalable solution. 

ROI(Return on Investment) is a significant element that most institutes consider when selecting any tool. Keeping that in mind, one must understand that CRM focuses on managing student information and connecting to student leads. 

On the other hand, ERP uses a different approach; it focuses on reducing overheads and cutting costs. In fact, the system streamlines and automates vital institutional functions, thereby reducing operational costs and achieving ROI targets.         

Taking a cue from the name itself, Customer Relationship Manager(CRM) emphasizes enhancing the customer experience. It essentially helps to identify potential leads or prospects. 

ERP’s sole purpose is to provide a smooth operation of interconnected business units.. Therefore, be it accounts, admission committe, marketing teams, administrative staff, teaching faculty, etc., receive sufficient support. So, the institute is able to attain workflow efficiency faster without any obstacles. 

Focuses more on rendering services to the customer or organisation. Also, ensures that the service runs smoothly, hence focuses on customer satisfaction. 

Apart from providing excellent services to the organisation, it also helps to keep track of the employees’ performances. 

CRM is an optimal choice for business operations that relies on successful sales and marketing campaigns.

On the other hand, ERP is more suitable for higher educational institutes whose main goal is to facilitate high-quality functionality through its multiple departments. 

It helps companies to identify customer behaviour and purchasing patterns. 

Higher education ERP offers metrics and smart analytics through which institutes can make decisions confidently. 

CRM software systems do not include ERP components. 

However, some ERP systems include CRM components.