Custom CRM or spreadsheet? How to choose

The spreadsheet is not the problem

If one person manages a small list and always knows the next step, an organised spreadsheet may be enough. A CRM helps when several people update the same clients, deals get lost between messages or nobody knows who should follow up. Start with a concrete flow: new contact, owner, next action, proposal and outcome.

Three needs, three different solutions

A CRM organises contacts, opportunities and sales activities. A client portal shares project files, updates and reviews. A support desk handles service requests after a sale. They can connect, but building all three expands the scope. Choose the priority problem and add integrations once the workflow is clear.

Prepare the data and an acceptance check

List essential fields, deal stages and permissions for each role. Use fictional or anonymised records for initial assessment rather than sending your entire client database. A useful acceptance check confirms that a new request has an owner, a due date and an accessible history. Imports, volumes and existing-system connections need an agreed scope.

Catalogue solutions and prices

Compare the included scope before personalising your project.

Common questions