ERP vs CRM: What's the Difference?
Comprehensive 2026 guide explaining the differences, similarities, and how ERP and CRM systems work together.
Request Free DemoWhat Is ERP?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a software system that unifies an enterprise's internal processes on a single platform. It manages operational processes such as accounting, finance, inventory management, production planning, human resources, and supply chain from a centralized database.
Commonly used ERP systems in Turkey include Logo, Netsis, Mikro, SAP, and Oracle. These systems aim to increase operational efficiency through accounting, invoice management, and inventory tracking capabilities.
Core ERP Modules
What Is CRM?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a software system that enables businesses to manage all interactions with their customers. It covers all customer-centric processes from lead management to the sales pipeline, from customer service to marketing automation.
While ERP focuses on internal operations, CRM faces outward toward the customer. Who is the customer, when were they last contacted, which product or service interests them, what stage of the sales process are they in – all this information is managed centrally within the CRM.
Core CRM Modules
ERP vs CRM: Key Differences
| Criteria | ERP | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Internal processes (operations) | External processes (customer) |
| Primary Goal | Operational efficiency | Revenue growth and customer satisfaction |
| Users | Accounting, production, warehouse, HR | Sales, marketing, customer service |
| Data Type | Financial, inventory, production data | Customer, sales, communication data |
| Revenue Impact | Cost reduction | Revenue increase |
| Reporting | Financial statements, inventory reports | Sales forecasts, conversion reports |
| Turkey Examples | Logo, Netsis, Mikro, SAP | Rapitek CRM, Salesforce, HubSpot |
| Setup Time | 3-12 months (typical) | 2-4 weeks (Rapitek) |
Which Should I Choose: ERP or CRM?
Determine the right system based on your business priorities
ERP Should Be Your Priority If:
- Your accounting and financial reporting processes are complex
- You need production planning and inventory management
- You want to automate supply chain and procurement processes
- You need e-invoicing and e-archiving compliance
- You need payroll and human resources management
CRM Should Be Your Priority If:
- You want to track sales processes and increase conversion rates
- You need lead management
- You want to centrally record customer communication history
- You want to measure and report on your sales team's performance
- You want to plan marketing automation and email campaigns
Ideal Scenario: Most enterprise companies use ERP and CRM together. ERP manages internal operations while CRM manages the customer-facing side. Integration between the two ensures seamless data flow.
How Do ERP and CRM Work Together?
Sales Order Transfer
A closed sales opportunity in the CRM is automatically transferred to the ERP as a sales order. Manual data entry is eliminated and error rates approach zero.
Invoice and Payment Tracking
Invoices issued and payments collected in the ERP are displayed under the customer card in the CRM. The sales team knows the customer's payment status, making collection tracking easier.
Stock Information Access
The sales team can view current inventory levels from the ERP through the CRM. When preparing a proposal, they can instantly check product availability and provide delivery date estimates.
Rapitek CRM: Ready Integration with ERP Systems
Ready-made connectors for the most widely used ERP systems in Turkey