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Mobile CRM

Jenna Phipps
Last Updated June 22, 2022 8:45 am

What Is Mobile CRM?

Mobile CRM software enables sales, marketing, and customer service teams to handle customer relationships and sales tracking operations from a phone or tablet. It increases the functionality of CRM tools for businesses by enabling them to communicate with leads and manage data more frequently, since employees are no longer limited to using a work computer or other stationary device. 

What Is Mobile CRM Used For?

Mobile CRM is customer relationship management software designed specifically for a mobile device and interface. Although most mobile CRM solutions also have a desktop or web application counterpart, many vendors tailor their CRM software to a mobile view as well. 

Mobile CRM solutions are usable outside a traditional office environment. They’re convenient for sales representatives that frequently travel, don’t have office locations in other cities, or don’t carry a laptop or desktop computer on every business trip. 

Reps or sales managers are still able to track leads, make and receive calls, and input new data for other team members to view; they don’t have to wait until the trip or sales call is over to make information available to other sales personnel. 

What Are The Features of Mobile CRM?

Mobile CRM solutions have an interface that’s specifically fitted for phones (or tablets, such as the iPad). The smaller screen means that navigation features change from web application standards to be optimized for mobile applications. Through the mobile interface, users are able to access files, send messages and emails, and edit lead data. 

Mobile CRM solutions also often integrate with other phone applications, such as calendars. With a calendar integration, a meeting scheduled through the CRM app can also be added on the phone calendar. 

Mobile CRM tools need security features to mitigate the dangers of using mobile devices for work. Mobile devices can easily be lost or stolen, and if sales or marketing personnel use their personal devices for work, sensitive customer data residing on the CRM application needs to be protected. If not separated from the rest of the device, other unsecured apps on the device may be able access business data, especially if an employee connects the two applications or moves the customer information out of the CRM app. 

Authentication solutions help shield the data from unauthorized users, but mobile CRM apps may need additional security, like mobile device management (MDM) software, to hide company data from other apps on the device. 

Benefits of Mobile CRM 

Assistance for traveling sales teams

Mobile CRM solutions are useful for sales teams that are frequently on the go. If your business has multiple traveling sales reps who need to take notes or send emails about customer contacts from the airport, for example, a mobile CRM might be a beneficial investment. 

Extended functionality of personal devices

Mobile CRM solutions that integrate with other applications on a mobile device can simplify tasks like calling leads or scheduling appointments. Sales or marketing personnel who want to perform work tasks from their personal phones can make calls or send emails on a timeline that works best for them because they’re using their own devices.  

Remote data access

Sales representatives that are in the field or simply away from their office devices can remotely access data with a mobile CRM tool. If a deal requires immediate response, reps have access to their contact information directly from the authorized CRM source.

BYOD 

Mobile CRM solutions are also helpful for enterprises that have implemented bring your own device (BYOD) policies. Although sensitive data on the app needs to be protected from other device applications, using personal technology for business tasks can save corporations money because they do not need to purchase as much equipment for their employees. It also makes it easier for salespeople to complete work because they always have their device and regularly use it for other non-work tasks. 

How to Choose CRM Software

Consider the following feature requirements and how they apply to your business when selecting a CRM solution.

Available features

Choose a solution with features best suited to your business. For example, if your team needs call center functions, like agent scripts or call tracking, select a CRM solution with those features built in. Multiple CRM vendors customize software modules for different use cases, like web content management or sustainability.

Level of customer support

If your IT team has limited personnel or resources, or just isn’t as experienced, choose a CRM tool with highly rated customer support and plenty of thorough documentation. 

Implementation requirements

Some CRM tools are simpler to implement and learn than others. If your sales, marketing, or customer service teams don’t have any prior experience with CRM software or other similar business tools, your company may want to choose something that’s easier to deploy and learn. However, a more experienced team will likely benefit from CRM solutions with more features and customization options, even though it will require more investment and time to learn. 

Third-party integrations

Select CRM software that integrates well with the business tools your sales and marketing teams already use. Even if the tool doesn’t work with every single application, ensure that you choose a solution that natively integrates with your most critical existing software. 

Interested in learning more about CRM solutions? Explore the Best CRM Software and Tools.