A new survey by AMI-Partners reveals an interesting trend in the CRM / ERP market. Medium sized business are adopting the new technology to help them grow their businesses but small businesses are not.
According to the study, over 33% of medium businesses are currently using CRM and ERP system while over 25% of them are planning on making a purchase within the next 12 months. This represents a significant opportunity for CRM and ERP players looking to move downstream from their large corporate clients.
Sau Lam, a research analyst for AMI-Partners had this to say:
Small businesses, however, were a different story altogether. While almost 75% of small businesses use accounting software, only 12% use ERP / CRM systems and although 11% of small businesses plan to make purchases in the next year, it is far short of their medium business counterparts.
What's holding small business back?
According to the study, over 33% of medium businesses are currently using CRM and ERP system while over 25% of them are planning on making a purchase within the next 12 months. This represents a significant opportunity for CRM and ERP players looking to move downstream from their large corporate clients.
Sau Lam, a research analyst for AMI-Partners had this to say:
This data indicates that U.S. MBs have made the connection between streamlining and automating business processes, and maximizing productivity and value in the market. MBs also recognize the value of integrated suites: 75 per cent of those surveyed use an accounting/financials module that is part of a larger solution suite.What are the top drivers of the growth in the medium business market?
- Compete more effectively with larger companies
- Improve operations
- Better serve customers
- Meet evolving business needs and regulatory requirements
Small businesses, however, were a different story altogether. While almost 75% of small businesses use accounting software, only 12% use ERP / CRM systems and although 11% of small businesses plan to make purchases in the next year, it is far short of their medium business counterparts.
What's holding small business back?
- High price tag of applications
- Lack of IT staff to support implementation and support
- Lack of perceived needs
Labels: AMI-Partners, CRM, ERP, new technology, Sam Lau, selling to small business, significant opportunity, small and medium business
