In today's fast-paced business world, an effective CRM system is no longer just a nice extra, but a decisive success factor. The selection is huge, the requirements are high. Sales teams today expect not just a contact management tool, but an intelligent, AI-based solution that automates processes, improves customer relationships, and saves time. This is exactly where Monday CRM comes in and we'll show you why it stands out from the competition.
What is a CRM and what must it be able to do in 2025?
A customer relationship management (CRM) system is used to manage customer relationships in a structured manner. It helps companies maintain contacts, manage sales processes and handle customer support efficiently. But modern CRMs must do much more today:
- Atomatization of routine tasks
- Personalized communications with possible AI support
- Real-Time Analytics for better decisions
- Seamless integrations with other tools
- Scalability for growing teams
The benefits of a well-set up CRM system
A well-implemented CRM is much more than contact management — it is that centrepiece more modern business processes. It helps teams to work in a structured manner, to strengthen customer relationships in a targeted manner and to make efficient use of growth opportunities. Through centralized data storage, automated processes and AI-based insights, companies can react faster, make more informed decisions and sustainably scale their sales. The result: better collaboration, happier customers and measurably more success.
The 5 best CRM systems in comparison
We've analyzed five of the most popular CRM solutions. Each section includes a brief description, key strengths, and a typical use case. Then decide for yourself which of the tools appeals to you the most and could be an advantage for your company.
monday CRM
monday CRM is based on the Work OS from monday.com and is a flexible and intuitive platform - particularly suitable for distributors and retailers. Thanks to artificial intelligence, monday CRM helps you manage sales pipelines, inventory and all customer communication via a central hub. The drag-and-drop interface, powerful automations, and integrations make it particularly adaptable — even with complex processes.
Strengths
- Visual, customizable pipelines
- AI-powered task and email suggestions
- Automated follow-ups & summaries
- AI-powered insights: prioritize leads, forecasts & data-based reports
- No-code AI workflows: Automated trackings, status changes & warehouse alerts
Use case
Ideal for SMEs and enterprise companies, and in particular retailers who are looking for an AI-supported and highly customizable CRM that can be flexibly adapted to their sales processes.
Rates
- Starting at $12/user/month (when billed annually)
- Try it free for 14 days
Salesforce
Salesforce is a robust, scalable CRM for companies with complex sales, warehouse, and service requirements. With comprehensive sales, marketing and customer service functions and strong AI support, it is particularly suitable for large companies that need a seamless connection between CRM and ERP. The platform offers advanced analysis functions, process automation and can be flexibly expanded through the AppExchange.
Strengths
- Einstein AI: Predictive insights and recommended actions through integrated AI assistant
- AppExchange: Access to thousands of integrations to expand and customize
- Sales automation: Automated lead routing, opportunity tracking & workflows
- scalability & customizability for large, international teams
Use case
Ideal for large distribution companies with complex sales and warehousing requirements that need a powerful, fully integrated CRM with extensive automation.
Price
- Starting at $25/user/month
- Different plans for Sales Cloud, add-ons must be paid additionally
- Try it free for 30 days
Based on G2 rating
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM built specifically for the needs of fast-working sales teams. It is particularly suitable for distributors as it offers visual, intuitive pipeline management. The platform impresses with ease of use, automations to reduce manual tasks, and integrations with financial and inventory systems.
Strengths
- AI reports & analytics: Get data-based suggestions in real time to optimize your sales activities
- Workflow automations: Automate email follow-up, reminders, and deal flows
- Inventory integrations: Linking with tools such as QuickBooks, Xero, and warehouse management systems
- Intuitive Drag-and-drop interface for pipeline management
Use case
Ideal for distributors looking for a sales-oriented CRM with clear visualization of their sales funnels and effective automation.
Price
- Starting at $14/user/month (billed annually)
- Try it free for 14 days
Based on G2 rating
Hubspot CRM
HubSpot Smart CRM is known for its ease of use and offers an excellent entry-level solution with its generous free plan — especially for small retailers. The platform combines sales, marketing and customer service in one tool and enables teams to efficiently maintain leads, manage deals, and communicate via various channels. As demand grows, CRM can be easily scaled through paid features.
Strengths
- Kostenloser Duration plan per little teams with high benefits
- AI-powered revenue forecasting: Predictions based on pipeline activity in real time
- Reporting dashboards: Sales, marketing and service data in one dashboard
- Form builder: Easily create forms for leads, surveys, or customer inquiries
- seamless integration with well-known tools such as Gmail, Outlook, Slack and more
Use case
Ideal for small retailers who are looking for a free CRM with strong marketing features and want to upgrade to professional features when needed.
Prive
- Permanently free plan available
- Paid plans starting at $15/user/month
Based on G2 rating
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM combines affordability with extensive functionality and is particularly popular with small and medium-sized businesses in the sales environment. It enables teams to efficiently manage sales processes, automate tasks, and communicate with customers across channels. Thanks to integrations with Zoho Inventory and over 800 other apps, the platform is particularly suitable for price-conscious retailers with growing demand.
Strengths
- Zia AI assistant: Provides suggestions for contact times, automates follow-ups and creates emails
- workflow automation: Automates email marketing, task assignments, and deal movements
- App integrations: Seamless connection to Zoho Inventory, Zoho Finance Suite, and over 800 other tools
- adaptable for various industries and processes
Use case
Ideal for price-conscious retailers looking for a flexible and AI-powered CRM solution without sacrificing automation or scalability.
Price
- Starting at $14/user/month (billed annually)
- Try it free for 15 days
- Permanently free plan available
Based on G2 rating
Why monday CRM makes the difference
What distinguishes monday CRM from other solutions is not only the modern interface or the high degree of adaptability — but above all the way in which teams can use it to holistically map, structure and automate their sales processes.
Whether small retailers or fast-growing companies: monday CRM adapts flexibly to the respective processes and at the same time offers intelligent functions to make more meaningful use of working time.
Thanks to the seamless connection of pipelines, tasks, communication, and reporting in one platform, teams always have an overview — without having to jump between different tools.
Real added value comes from monday AI functions, which provide support where they have the biggest effect — not as a gimmick, but as real relief in day-to-day business:
- Create tasks automatically — from notes, emails, or meeting minutes
- Generate email suggestions — with context to the customer and previous interactions
- Communication summaries & sentiment analyses — to be able to react faster
- Sales forecasts & deal insights — for better prioritization and focus
These features work in the background - and ensure that sales staff can focus on what really counts: good customer relationships and successful deals.
We have more blog posts for you, where we compare the tools in more detail, so take a look:
Comparative table of different CRM systems
The right CRM is just the start - implementation is decisive
Today, a CRM system must do much more than just manage contacts. It is intended to simplify processes, relieve teams, create transparency and actively strengthen customer relationships. monday CRM meets all of these requirements and impresses with its flexibility, user-friendliness and intelligent functions that can be seamlessly integrated into day-to-day sales.
Whether you're a retailer who wants to connect your warehouse management with sales, automatically track leads, or simply want a central, customizable system - monday CRM offers you a modern platform that grows with your business.
But a good tool alone is not enough. In order for monday CRM to really develop its full potential, a well-thought-out and practical implementation is needed.
Why Blinno is the right partner for you
As the only monday.com partner in the entire DACH region, with the official CRM Specialist Partner Badge and comprehensive project experience, we know exactly what is important for a successful CRM implementation. We'll help you with that:
- tailor your system optimally to your processes
- cleverly integrate existing tools,
- training your team and familiarizing them with all features,
- and to achieve sustainable sales success — not just short-term improvements.
Our goal is not to give you a tool but to work with you to create a solution that really works.
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