In today’s fast-moving business world, an effective CRM system is no longer just a nice extra, but a decisive success factor. The choice is huge, the requirements high. Today’s sales teams expect not just a contact management tool, but an intelligent, AI-supported solution that automates processes, improves customer relationships and saves time. This is exactly where monday CRM comes in and we will 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 for the structured management of customer relationships. It helps companies to maintain contacts, control sales processes and handle customer support efficiently. However, modern CRMs have to do much more today:
- Automation of routine tasks
- Personalised communication with possible AI support
- Real-time analyses for better decisions
- Seamless integration with other tools
- Scalability for growing teams
The advantages of a well-organised CRM system
A well-implemented CRM is far more than just contact management – it is the centrepiece of modern business processes. It supports teams in working in a structured way, strengthening customer relationships in a targeted manner and utilising growth opportunities efficiently. Centralised data storage, automated processes and AI-supported insights enable companies to react faster, make more informed decisions and scale their sales sustainably. The result: better collaboration, more satisfied customers and measurably greater success.
🚀 How to successfully implement monday CRM
You have decided in favour of monday CRM and would now like to know how to introduce it optimally in your company?
In our free white paper on CRM implementation, we show you step by step how to organise the rollout efficiently, avoid typical mistakes and ideally map your processes.
The 5 best CRM systems in comparison
We have analysed five of the most popular CRM solutions. Each section contains a brief description, the key strengths and a typical use case. Then decide for yourself which of the tools appeals to you the most and could be beneficial 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 supports the management of sales pipelines, stock levels and all customer communication via a centralised hub. The drag-and-drop interface, powerful automations and integrations make it particularly customisable – even for complex processes.
Strengths
- Visual, customisable pipelines
- AI-supported task and email suggestions
- Automated follow-ups & summaries
- AI-powered insights: Prioritise leads, forecast & data-driven reports
- No-code AI workflows: Automated tracking, status changes & warehouse alerts
Use case
Ideal for SMEs and enterprise companies, especially retailers, who are looking for an AI-supported and highly customisable CRM that can be flexibly adapted to their sales processes.
Prices:
- From $12/user/month (with annual billing)
- Test 14 days free of charge
Source: monday.com
Salesforce
Salesforce is a robust, scalable CRM for companies with complex sales, warehouse and service requirements. With comprehensive functions for sales, marketing and customer service as well as strong AI support, it is particularly suitable for large companies that require a seamless connection between CRM and ERP. The platform offers advanced analysis functions, process automation and can be flexibly expanded using the AppExchange.
Strengths
- Einstein AI: Predictive insights and recommended actions through integrated AI assistant
- AppExchange: Access to thousands of integrations for expansion and customisation
- Sales automation: Automated lead routing, opportunity tracking & workflows
- Scalability & customisability for large, international teams
Use case
Ideal for large distribution companies with complex sales and warehouse requirements that need a powerful, fully integrable CRM with extensive automation.
Prices:
- From $25/user/month
- Various plans for Sales Cloud, add-ons have to be paid additionally
- 30 days free trial
Source: Cargas
Salesforce vs. monday CRM
Based on the G2 assessment
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focussed CRM that has been specially developed to meet the needs of fast-paced sales teams. It is ideal for distributors in particular, as it offers visual, intuitive pipeline management. The platform offers ease of use, automation to reduce manual tasks and integrations with finance and inventory systems.
Strengths
- AI reports & analyses: Receive data-based suggestions in real time to optimise your sales activities
- Workflow automations: Automate email follow-ups, reminders and deal workflows
- Inventory integrations: Link 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 visualisation of their sales funnels and effective automation.
Prices:
- From $14/user/month (billed annually)
- Test 14 days free of charge
Source: Pipedrive
Pipedrive vs. monday CRM
Based on the G2 assessment
Hubspot CRM
HubSpot Smart CRM is known for its ease of use and, with its generous free plan, offers an excellent entry-level solution – especially for small retailers. The platform combines sales, marketing and customer service in one tool and enables teams to efficiently nurture leads, manage deals and communicate across multiple channels. As demand grows, the CRM can be easily scaled with paid features.
Strengths
- Free permanent plan for small teams with high benefits
- AI-supported sales forecasts: predictions based on pipeline activity in real time
- Reporting dashboards: sales, marketing and service data in one dashboard
- Form generator: Simple creation of forms for leads, surveys or customer enquiries
- Seamless integration with popular tools such as Gmail, Outlook, Slack and many more.
Use case
Ideal for small retailers who are looking for a free CRM with powerful marketing functions and want to upgrade to professional features if required.
Prices:
- Permanent free plan available
- Paid plans from $15/user/month
Source: Hubspot CRM
HubSpot vs. monday CRM
Based on the G2 assessment
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM combines affordability with extensive functionality and is particularly popular with small and medium-sized companies in the sales environment. It enables teams to manage sales processes efficiently, 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 needs.
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
- Customisable for different industries and processes
Use case
Ideal for price-conscious retailers who are looking for a flexible and AI-supported CRM solution without sacrificing automation or scalability.
Prices:
- From $14/user/month (annual billing)
- 15 days free trial
- Permanent free plan available
Source: Capterra
HubSpot vs. monday CRM
Based on the G2 assessment
Why monday CRM makes the difference
What sets monday CRM apart from other solutions is not just the modern interface or the high level of customisability – but above all the way in which teams can use it to map, structure and automate their sales processes holistically.
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 better 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.
The monday AI functions create real added value by providing support where it has the greatest effect – not as a gimmick, but as a 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 more quickly
- Sales forecasts & deal insights – for better prioritisation and focus
These features work in the background – and ensure that sales staff can concentrate on what really counts: good customer relationships and successful deals.
We have another blog post for you where we compare the tools in more detail, why not take a look?
Source: monday.com
Are you unsure which CRM system is right for your company?
As a partner of monday.com, Blinno is at your side to help you make the best decision. Book a free 30-minute consultation now and let’s find the best CRM solution for your business together.
Use our experience and expertise to make sure you choose the right system that fits your needs perfectly. Don’t hesitate – your success starts with the right decision!
Comparison table of the various CRM systems
| CRM system | Best suited for | AI functions | Price from | Special features |
| monday CRM | Retailers & SMEs looking for an AI-powered, customisable CRM | AI for tasks, emails, forecasts | 12 $/user/month | Visual workflows, AI automation, central platform for sales & warehouse |
| Salesforce | Large companies with complex sales & warehouse processes | Einstein AI | 25 $/user/month | Extensive ecosystem, AppExchange, high scalability |
| Pipedrive | Sales-orientated distributors with a fast sales cycle | Reports & Recommendations | 14 $/user/month | Visual pipeline CRM, easy to use, integrations with inventory tools |
| Hubspot Smart CRM | Small retailers with a marketing focus and limited budget | Forecasting, automation | 0 $ (Free Plan) cost-optimised afterwards | Strong UX, marketing sales platform, free to get started |
| Zoho CRM | Price-conscious retailers with a need for flexibility & integration | Zia AI Assistant | 14 $/user/month | Very good price-performance ratio, Zoho Inventory, 800+ app integrations |
The right CRM is just the beginning – implementation is crucial
Today, a CRM system has to do far more than just manage contacts. It should simplify processes, relieve teams, create transparency and actively strengthen customer relationships. monday CRM fulfils all of these requirements – and impresses with its flexibility, user-friendliness and intelligent functions that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday sales activities.
Whether you are a retailer looking to link your warehouse management with sales, track leads automatically or simply want a central, customisable system – monday CRM offers you a modern platform that grows with your business.
But a good tool alone is not enough. For monday CRM to really realise its full potential, it needs a well thought-out and practical implementation.
🚀 Ready to implement your monday CRM properly?
In our free white paper on CRM implementation, we show you step by step how to organise the rollout efficiently, avoid typical mistakes and ideally map your processes.
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 extensive project experience, we know exactly what is important for a successful CRM implementation. We can help you with this:
- optimise your system to suit your processes,
- cleverly integrate existing tools,
- train your team and familiarise them with all the functions,
- and sustainable success in sales – not just short-term improvements.
Our aim is not to simply hand you a tool – but to work with you to create a solution that really works.
