Learn about the 6 main open source CRM tools

Developing and maintaining customer relationships is a great challenge, but it is essential for any business to grow and survive. Therefore, it is necessary to have a CRM system at all costs and here the open source software shines brightly.

In 2014, there were a number of promising options in this area. Now we will show you what are the top six options in open source CRM systems, which were selected for their richness or unique characteristics.

To begin with, let's clarify what CRM is. This is short for Customer Relationship Management. So, a system of CRM is a web application that companies use to organize the information of your clients, your potential clients and other contacts of interest. But it is much more than that, because it contains details and history of your transactions with the organization, along with additional information about the place or status of those customers in the sales process.

Some CRM systems can be connected to finance and accounting systems to help the organization track profits and costs. In turn, they can provide some analysis that allows the company to predict the future needs of its customers.

Most CRM systems only require one second.web server, a database and a browser to function. We will now examine six open source tools that have been designed to make customer relationship management easier.

1. SpoCRM

Most people imagine that these systems are long and complex, with a lot of features that they may never use. EspoCRM is against that image being lightweight, fast and easy to customize.

EspoCRM concentrates all the characteristics of its target market (small and medium-sized companies, their needs, etc.). Its qualities include the ability to automate leads, opportunities and contacts; create individual and mass emails; schedule meetings, calls and tasks; and allows you to track changes in customer records. All this in a clean and modern interface.

You can also buy its extension packages that will allow you to generate invoices, synchronize with Google Calendar, integrate with VoIP telephony servers and much more.

2. CRM Suite

Some time ago, the most popular open source CRM system was SugarCRM, but in 2014 the company announced that it would not release new versions leaving users somewhat disappointed. And in this way the opportunity arises to create SuiteCRM.

It is not a clone, as it includes a number of powerful and useful tools. Some are the ability to generate invoices and quotes, maintain leads and contracts, produce reports, and maintain notes and documents. You can also schedule SuiteCRM allowing clients to log in and follow up on their own issues.

3. Gold CRM

It has enough tools to be useful for large companies, but it can also be used in small and medium-sized companies without the need for a systems department.

Oro CRM has two versions: Community and Enterprise (Community and Company), and both versions are very similar. The big difference is that back-end integrations are only available for editing Enterprise- for example, with Microsoft Outlook and ElasticSearch. Otherwise, both versions have the same features, such as data collection from all your points of sale, integration with third-party email marketing services, the ability to maintain contacts and leads, and reporting and Analysis tools.

4. CiviCRME

This tool has two characteristics that separates it from the rest: is aimed at non-profit organizations and is designed to work with Drupal, Joomla or WordPress. This means that these organizations can integrate their existing websites or content management systems quite seamlessly.

The entire CiviCRM tool revolves around its non-profit focus. You can help find contacts and donors, keep tabs on contributions, do fundraising, and plan and monitor campaigns.

5. Fat Free CRM

As the name implies, this is a minimalist but functional system. Its developers state that "out of the box it has tools for group collaboration, campaign management and potential clients, contact lists and the possibility of follow-ups." It does not compete with SugarCRM or Vtiger, but it is probably sufficient for small businesses and other organizations.

Its interface is one of the most attractive and easy to use, compared to the rest of the systems. In addition, there is a large number of plug-ins available.

6. juice

This is what happens when CRM is combined with games. Not only do you have all the organizing tools expected of any CRM system - like contact management, deal tracking, mobile capabilities, and reporting - but you also reward the people who use it.

According to the developers, Zurmo “uses game mechanics to reward the use of the system and promote the best behavior practices”. Thus, users are invited to explore Zurmo: the more areas are explored and used, the greater the reward obtained (with medals and coins for prizes).

We invite you to try them out and decide which one has the features and tools that best suit the needs of your company or business.