Experience Endless Possibilities With A Low-Code CRM

CRM

Think of a big, old elephant in a tiny room full of delicate crockery. It wants to move around, but every step could cause a mess. That’s how a CTO feels with hardcoded, bulky, inflexible IT systems. 

CRMs are no different. Even the ones built in the 2010s and early 2020s are as flexible as a brick wall. That explains why so many CRM projects fail. 

The causes of failure remain the same.

  1. The mismatch between Business and CRM: Often, businesses can’t tailor CRM systems to fit their needs. Instead, they find themselves adjusting to the CRM, which can lead to problems.

  2. Over Budget and Time: CRM projects usually end up costing more and taking longer than planned. This often means businesses have to settle for a system that’s not fully complete.

  3. Too Complex for Users: The people who need to use the CRM find it hard and slow. It doesn’t match the way they actually work.

Leaders want a system that can change as fast as the world does. Being able to switch things up fast is super important, but it’s not easy to do. Tech should help us move quicker, but sometimes, it just ties our hands.

This is where Low-Code comes in. Low-Code gives businesses the power to shape technology to fit their needs. It makes technology work for the business, not the other way around.

So, we’re going to look at:

  1. What Low-code is,

  2. Why it’s good for CRM,

  3. The benefits of a low-code CRM, and

  4. What Amoga’s low-code CRM offers.

Let’s go.

What Is Low-Code?

To grasp what low-code is, we first need to look at the existing solutions for CRMs and why they often fall short. There are generally two approaches to implementing a CRM system: traditional custom-built (high-code) CRMs and off-the-shelf CRM solutions.

Both have their advantages, but their downsides have led to widespread CRM failures, making them less than ideal.

  1. Traditional High-Code CRM:

  • Built from scratch with extensive coding.

  • Downsides:

    • Slow and costly development cycles.

    • Can be cumbersome and ill-suited for certain industries, especially those without large sales or customer service teams.

    • May not align with modern expectations for mobility, data insights, and productivity.

  1. Off-the-Shelf CRM:

  • Pre-built solutions offered by vendors.

  • Downsides:

    • Siloed systems that require juggling multiple apps.

    • Hinder collaboration and efficiency across teams.

    • Initial ease of use can decline as systems become intertwined.

    • Maintaining multiple SaaS subscriptions can become financially burdensome.

    • Often leads to a fragmented tech landscape with manual workarounds.

Low-Code emerges as a powerful solution.

It shifts the focus back to business needs rather than technological constraints. It reimagines how CRMs are built and used.

How does it work?

Think of it as a blend of pre-made building blocks and custom designs for creating a website. Instead of wrestling with lines of code, low-code platforms offer intuitive visual tools, like:

  • Drag-and-drop interfaces for effortless arrangement of elements.

  • Pre-built templates for common functionalities, saving time and effort.

  • Customizable widgets to tailor the CRM to specific needs.

  • Connectors to seamlessly integrate with other systems, eliminating silos.

  • Visual workflow diagrams to map out processes clearly and efficiently.

As you assemble these blocks, the platform automatically generates the necessary code behind the scenes.

This means:

  • Non-technical users can actively participate in CRM development.

  • Businesses gain control over the design and evolution of their CRM.

  • Rapid application development becomes a reality, shortening time-to-value.

  • Customization and flexibility are no longer limited by coding expertise.

Low-code empowers businesses to speak the language of their processes and create CRMs that truly align with their unique needs.

Why Is Low-Code Good For CRM?

Businesses often have similar experiences.

  • May begin with basic tools like spreadsheets. As they grow, these tools can’t keep up. They need more, like automated processes and specific access controls.

  • Many transition to Salesforce and any other CRM of similar scale. But these can be too complex for many users. Their interfaces might be overwhelming, making them less practical for everyday use.

This is where Low-Code shines.

Low-Code lets developers create custom parts that fit right into existing systems. This means a business can have a CRM that looks and feels like it was made just for them. It can handle things like customer data, emails, and lead management in a way that’s tailored to the business.

Small companies often use basic CRMs or management tools. But as they grow, these tools can feel limited. Low-code changes this. A small business can build what it needs on top of its current CRM. This could be anything from a simple way to track customer interactions to a full-fledged sales tool.

Every business is different. With Low-Code, they can build CRMs that fit their unique needs.

Examples:

  • A marketing agency can build a dedicated client portal within their CRM, enabling clients to easily access project updates, share feedback, and collaborate on campaigns.

  • An e-commerce store can integrate its CRM with its website and payment gateways, allowing seamless tracking of customer journeys, purchase details, and support requests.

  • A local brewery uses Low-Code to build a loyalty program portal within their CRM. Customers can easily track points, redeem rewards, and browse upcoming events, all within a branded, familiar environment.

When anyone can use it, that’s when you say that low-code is a powerful democratization of technology. It empowers businesses of all sizes to take control of their customer relationships and build CRMs that truly drive growth and success.

The Benefits Of A Low-code CRM

Low-code CRMs are a game-changer, offering speed, user-centricity, and cost-effectiveness.

Let’s see how

  1. Quick Development and Deployment

Traditional CRM development can be slow and limiting. Low-code changes this by offering rapid creation and deployment of CRM apps. You can build a custom feature, like a lead capture form, quickly and efficiently, bypassing lengthy IT processes.
Example: A mobile app for capturing customer feedback at trade shows can be built in just a day, allowing for immediate data collection and enhanced market responsiveness

  1. Custom User Experience

Unlike one-size-fits-all CRM interfaces, low-code platforms allow for the creation of user-friendly, tailor-made interfaces. This customization improves usability, fitting the unique workflow of your team.
Example: Marketing teams can design a CRM interface specifically for managing social media campaigns, simplifying their workflow and boosting campaign effectiveness.

  1. Improved customer interactions

Low-Code enables the development of specific features and workflows to meet evolving customer needs. This adaptability enhances customer relationships and fosters loyalty.
Example: A self-service portal in your CRM can offer customers easy access to FAQs and support ticket tracking, enhancing their experience and reducing support workload.

  1. Cost efficiency

Low-code CRMs are more budget-friendly, reducing the need for expensive developers. They allow for the creation of a CRM that aligns with your financial constraints and focuses on your essential business functions.
Example: Build a CRM that centres on your primary sales and marketing needs, avoiding unnecessary costs for unused features.

  1. Security and scalability

Despite its simplicity, Low-Code doesn’t compromise on security. These platforms provide robust security measures and are scalable, growing with your business and data needs.
Example: Create custom CRM interfaces in a secure environment, utilizing advanced security features like two-factor authentication and precise access controls to protect customer data.

What Amoga’s Low-Code CRM Offers

Amoga’s low-code CRM stands out in a market where the term ‘low-code’ is often overused. Unlike many vendors who offer high-code CRMs with basic GUI configurations and label them as low-code, Amoga delivers a true low-code experience. This platform empowers users to tailor the CRM to their specific needs, making it fast, affordable, and a priority.

Imagine a CRM that:

  • Makes Lead Management Easy You can gather leads from different places like phone calls, websites, and social media. The CRM scores these leads automatically, showing which ones might be more interested in buying.

  • Let Your Team Connect With Customers Everywhere Keep in touch with potential customers through email, phone, social media, and live chat. This helps in making sure no chance to talk to a customer is missed.

  • Lets You Manage Deals Anywhere Get important information about deals anytime you need it. This helps in finding chances to sell more or different products to your customers.

  • Helps Field Sales The CRM works well on mobile phones. It helps salespeople on the road with tracking, planning their visits, and finding the best routes.

  • Is A Step Ahead With Reports and Insights Get different reports like how well the sales team is doing, where opportunities were missed, what tasks are being done, and how engaged leads are.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible with Amoga’s low-code CRM. The true power lies in its flexibility. You can customize it to fit your specific needs, processes, and industry, creating a CRM that’s as unique as your business.

Stop saying “I wish my CRM could do that.” With Amoga, you can.

Curious to see how Amoga can help you? Request a free demo and discover how we’ve empowered others to:

  • Boost lead generation by 30% with automated lead capture and scoring.

  • Shorten sales cycles by 20% with streamlined deal management and field sales tools.

  • Increase customer satisfaction by 15% through personalized omnichannel communication.

Don’t just take our word for it. See the power of Amoga in action. Schedule your demo today!

 

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CRM Dilemma : Choosing between In-house and Off the shelf CRM Solutions

It’s that exciting time. Your business has outgrown the humble spreadsheet, and it’s time for something more substantial. A proper CRM system. And that’s when the big question pops up: Do we build it ourselves, or go with a standard option?

The idea of a custom-built CRM can sound pretty tempting. A system with every feature you need, none that you don’t, perfectly aligned with how your team sells. The promise is alluring: total alignment with your business processes, a perfect fit. It’s like getting a suit tailored just for you, right?

But the truth is — too many companies get burned by going the in-house route. Here’s how it usually goes down:

1. The excitement phase

Everyone’s pumped about getting a CRM that’s “just right” for their unique needs. Developers are ready to roll up their sleeves, sales and support have been promised everything they need, and you’re happy that you’re getting software that understands your business. Nothing wrong with the intent and approach.

2. The reality check

Turns out, that building a CRM from scratch is way more complex than anyone anticipated. There are endless requests from different teams. Development struggles to keep up with the pace of business.  Features get delayed, bugs pop up, and frustration starts to build.

3. The rift

A gap forms between the tech team and the business folks. Fingers start pointing, and communication breaks down. Marketing teams often found themselves starved of data. Salespeople juggle multiple sources to piece together their revenue figures. And customer service departments are stranded without tools to automate processes and gauge their capacity.

4. The regret

Companies realize they’ve poured a ton of time, money, and energy into a system that’s just not delivering. They start to wonder why they didn’t go with a proven, off-the-shelf solution in the first place.

 

Actually, most of the challenges with in-house CRMs aren’t about lack of effort or talent. They’re about the inherent limitations of building something from scratch. The problem is, that businesses want to move fast, and development can’t keep up. Even with agile methodologies, delivering a good product takes time, and that’s often ignored.

The gap between business stakeholders and the IT department widens, and it’s a recipe for disaster. New users might find themselves at a loss, trying to navigate a system without guidance. That’s because, with in-house, you never get a library of tutorial videos or extensive user support. It’s a nightmare, and it’s not the developers’ fault. They’re skilled and try hard, but they can’t keep up with the ever-changing demands of the business.

Why does this happen?

The failure of in-house CRMs is not a new problem. It’s been spoken and written about since the early 1990s. You’ll find report summaries pertaining to CRM failure, handily summarized, in Salesforce’s excellent editorial on ‘Why do CRM projects fail.’

Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the often-quoted figures around failures of CRM projects.

  • Gartner Group (2001): They estimated a 50% + CRM failure rate.
  • Butler Group (2002): Their estimate was a 70% failure rate.
  • Selling Power (2002): Their CSO Forum reported a 69.3% failure rate.
  • AMR Research (2005 – 2006): They reported fluctuating estimates over several years, ranging from 18% to 31%.
  • Forrester Research (2009): Their estimate was 47%.
  • VentureBeat (2015): They reported a 70% failure rate.
  • DMN News (2016): Their research found estimates as high as 63% failure rate.

So it’s nothing new to say that CRM projects fail. We’re asking a more nuanced question here. Why do in-house CRMs often turn out to be a mess? It’s not like your technical team didn’t try their best. They probably did, but there are some fundamental reasons why things go wrong.

First, let’s talk about the initial excitement. Your team was thrilled to start building a custom CRM. They were eager to make it perfect, with all the bells and whistles. But, they didn’t take into account the future. That’s where the trouble starts.

When new requirements come up – and they always do – it’s hard to fit them into the existing structure. Your team starts to patch things up. They add quick fixes and workarounds. But, that’s not a sustainable solution. It’s like putting a band-aid on a deep wound. Pretty soon, the code becomes a mess. No one knows where to start or how to untangle it. It’s a nightmare. And, that’s not all. As time goes on, your team becomes more and more cautious. They’re scared to make changes because they don’t want to break anything.

Eventually, the technical team becomes a shared service role rather than a business partner. You’ll always hear them explaining why ‘this feature can’t be built’ and why ‘they can’t guarantee whether it’ll work’ and why ‘this needs another couple of months’. They’re not able to innovate or help the business grow. They’re just trying to keep their heads above water. It’s sad and strange.

Companies pour time and money into creating something that, frankly, has been done before – and often better. It’s worth considering that some software developers (particularly when you outsource your in-house CRM development) might base your custom CRM on an existing market solution. If that’s the case, why not skip the middleman and choose a pre-existing product that’s already refined? Or, is the choice really this simple?

Standard CRMs: A problematic alternative

The perks of standard, off-the-shelf CRMs, are tempting.

  1. Standard CRMs usually are feature-rich and offer impressive UX/UI.
  2. These systems have been through rigorous testing across various industries.
  3. You get a hands-on preview of what you’re investing in.
  4. Assistance is just a call or click away.

But even rainbows have a dark side. Standard CRMs are no exception. Here’s the not-so-pretty truth:

  • One size fits… nobody perfectly

These CRMs are built for the “average” company in your industry. That means your unique quirks and workflows might get squashed into a one-size-fits-all box.

  • Bloatware

Get ready for features you’ll never use. You’ll still pay for them, and they’ll just clutter up your interface.

  • Scaling

As your needs evolve, adding new features to an off-the-shelf CRM can be a pain. These systems are often high code (traditional approach of software development).  This means you’re either dependent on the vendor’s development team or your own. As your needs evolve, the initially lower costs might escalate. So, standard CRMs are, in essence, a compromise. So, are you stuck between a rock and a hard place? Nope. There’s a middle ground, which we’ll explore in the coming section.

The need to move away from code-by-hand

We talked about the struggle of balancing a custom-built CRM with the ease of off-the-shelf options. The key is to move away from the old-school (high-code) approach. The old method of manually writing each code line is inefficient. Every line of code represents knowledge that needs constant care. Every line of code requires knowledge transfer to new employees. Every line of code can be a spanner in the works of a new feature.

The reality is that there’s a cost associated with every line of code you’re maintaining. Low-code builds a bridge, which you can walk over, and skip all this intricate code management effort. The idea is so simple, yet so powerful, that you have to see it to believe it.

Low-code CRM

When it comes to CRMs, people often think it’s a choice between in-house or off-the-shelf. But what if I told you there’s a third option? One that combines the best of both worlds. This solution seems almost too good to be true, but it’s very much real: low-code CRM.

So, what exactly is a low-code CRM? 

It’s a system designed for ease of use, allowing those with little to no coding experience to make customizations and adaptations easily. What if the perfect CRM system existed, where you could add a new feature yourself, at 25% of the price you’d pay a developer? And so quick that every user becomes an architect of their own workflow? That is a low-code CRM. 

A note of caution: Low-code has become quite the buzzword. Naturally, makers of standard CRM software want to use it too. Sadly, many vendors claim their CRM to be low-code when it actually is high-code with an added layer of GUI-based configurations. That is not the same as proper low-code. 

Low-code CRM empowers every user to think, “How can I make this CRM work faster for me?” It’ll no longer be ‘too much to ask for’ or ‘too expensive’ or ‘not a priority’. 

Amoga’s Low-Code CRM:

This is where Amoga CRM steps in. While Amoga isn’t the only low-code CRM, it’s among the few that actually deliver a low-code CRM and not a ‘high-code CRM with a few more configurations’.

When you ditch the “either-or” mentality and embrace the “both-and” power of low-code CRM, great things happen. For instance, our clients tell us that when they used Amoga’s low-code CRM, things changed. They’ll change for you too. Here’s how.

  • With Amoga’s low-code platform, you liberate your users to think like architects. They can drag-and-drop features, customize workflows, and build the perfect tool for their needs.
  • Low-Code ditches the cycle of slow bug fixes and replaces it with rapid development. Need a new report? Build it yourself, instantly. Want to tweak a sales pipeline? Drag and drop it into place. No more waiting on IT, no more costly delays.
  • Low-Code breaks down the walls between business and IT. It’s no longer a negotiation over resources; it’s a collaboration. Business users define the needs, build basic workflows, and test new features. IT, meanwhile, focuses on complex integrations, security, generative AI, and the overall technical backbone.

So, Book a Demo with Amoga to make your CRM future-ready!!