5 Best Open Source CRM Tools for Businesses

Modified Date:  08-Aug-2023

Published Date: 08-Aug-2019 

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software enables companies to coordinate, manage and analyze the various interactions with prospective and existing customers. Nowadays, open source CRM tools (i.e, the source code is available in the public domain) are mostly preferred, because such software can be modified by developers to fulfill specific business needs.

In this article, let’s go through 5 such great open source CRM solutions that work best for all types of businesses.

1. SuiteCRM

A popular software fork of the previously open source SugarCRM, SuiteCRM has rich features that are on par with those of Salesforce and MS Dynamics. Its repertoire has robust tools for modeling sales processes, creating email marketing campaigns, automating workflow, generating performance reports, and for many more tasks. SuiteCRM is based on the SugarCRM Community Edition, which was the last open-source version of SugarCRM before it transitioned to a commercial product.

Due to its customizable nature and the availability of over 100 add-ons, SuiteCRM  can be tailored to suit the requirements of businesses of any size. It also allows third-party integrations through its REST API. SuiteCRM has an active community of developers who contribute to its ongoing development and provide support to users.

2. OroCRM

Being reputed as the “most flexible CRM”, OroCRM is based on the open-source PHP framework, Symfony2. It is ideally suited for ecommerce companies; it has unique features for order creation, abandoned cart management, targeted and segmented marketing campaigns, etc., besides integration support with ecommerce platforms.

Configurable dashboards to track sales and marketing performance, RFM analysis tool to identify top customers and a visual pipeline management tool are also part of the software.

3. OdooCRM

OdooCRM provides an extensive set of tools and resources to manage end-to-end business operations. It aids in activities like sales forecasting, lead nurturing and acquisition, customer management, opportunities management, etc.

It has a suite of optional add-on modules based on à la carte pricing model. These include apps for point-of-sale, inventory management, accounting, production planning, human resources management, to name a few. OdooCRM is available as both on-premise and cloud-hosted versions.

4. VtigerCRM

Another software fork of SugarCRM, VtigerCRM is built for small, mid-size and large businesses, with special focus on real-estate agencies, SaaS and insurance companies. Main features include lead management, customer management, marketing automation, email tracking, smart webforms, among others.

It integrates well with popular platforms like Gmail, Paypal, Mailchimp, Magento, and so on. Vtiger can be deployed on-premise or hosted on the cloud, and the prices are based on four types of subscription plans.

5. CiviCRM

CiviCRM is a completely free to download (with no paid versions) CRM software specially designed for non-profit organizations. Besides offering the regular CRM features, it has a rich repository of tools for peer-to-peer fundraising, advocacy campaigns, membership management, tracking and processing contributions, conducting events, and so on.

It integrates well with major CMS platforms and can be hosted on any infrastructure. It is used by many leading NGOs and political organizations like Amnesty International and the Green Party of England and Wales.

10 Benefits of Using Open Source CRM

Using an open-source Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system offers several benefits that can be advantageous for businesses and organizations. Here are some of the key benefits of using open-source CRM:

1. Cost-Effective: One of the primary advantages of open-source CRM is its cost-effectiveness. Open-source software is typically free to use and can significantly reduce the initial investment required for implementing a CRM system. Businesses can allocate their resources more efficiently and direct funds towards other critical areas.
2. Customization: Open-source CRMs are highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. This flexibility enables organizations to adapt the CRM to their workflows, processes, and industry requirements, resulting in a more efficient and relevant solution.
3. Community Support: Open-source CRM solutions benefit from a large and active user community. This community provides support, shares knowledge, and develops plugins, extensions, and updates, which can help businesses address challenges and stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
4. No Vendor Lock-In: With open-source CRM, you are not tied to a specific vendor or proprietary software. This reduces the risk of vendor lock-in and allows you to switch to a different system if needed, without the constraints associated with proprietary solutions.
5. Continuous Improvement: Open-source CRM solutions are constantly evolving due to contributions from the community. Bugs are identified and fixed quickly, and new features are added regularly. This ensures that your CRM stays current and aligned with changing business needs.
6. Integration Capabilities: Open-source CRMs often have robust APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that enable seamless integration with other software and tools that your organization uses. This integration capability streamlines processes and enhances overall efficiency.
7. Data Control and Security: With open-source CRM, you have more control over your data and how it is managed. This can be particularly important for businesses that handle sensitive customer information. Security vulnerabilities can also be addressed promptly by the community, enhancing the overall security of the system.
8. Scalability: Many open-source CRM solutions are designed to be scalable, making it easier for businesses to expand and accommodate growing user numbers, data volumes, and business operations.
9. Learning and Skill Development: Implementing an open-source CRM can be a valuable learning experience for your IT and development teams. They can gain insights into the system’s architecture, customize it, and develop new features, enhancing their skills in the process.
10. Long-Term Viability: Open-source CRM projects are often backed by a committed community of developers and contributors. This can provide assurance that the project will continue to be maintained and updated, reducing concerns about the CRM becoming obsolete.

It’s important to note that while open-source CRMs offer many benefits, they also require careful consideration and investment in terms of implementation, customization, and ongoing support. Organizations should evaluate their specific needs, technical expertise, and available resources before choosing an open-source CRM solution.

Conclusion

All these open source CRM tools have the potential to enhance the efficiency of sales, marketing and customer services teams and help businesses make better-informed data driven decisions. So, choose the best CRM tool for your business and hire proficient developers for reorienting the software to cater to your needs.