You've chosen your CRM. Now you need to deploy it. Alone? With a CRM integrator? And how do you choose the right partner?
In this guide, discover what a CRM integrator is, why you should use their services, and how to select the partner who will make your project a success.
A CRM integrator is a service provider specializing in the deployment and customization of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions. Their role is to adapt the tool to your business needs and ensure successful implementation.
The integrator is involved in several areas:
Modern CRMs are complex. An integrator masters the intricacies of the platform and avoids costly configuration errors.
What would take six months internally can be done in two months with an expert. The integrator knows the shortcuts and pitfalls to avoid.
The integrator brings a fresh perspective to your processes. They can challenge your practices and suggest improvements.
Connecting CRM to your ERP, billing tool, helpdesk, etc. These integrations require specialized expertise.
Analysis of the existing situation, gathering of requirements, definition of the project scope. This phase lays the foundations.
Technical architecture, data modeling, workflow design, and automation.
Platform configuration, specific developments if necessary, creation of integrations.
Importing and cleaning existing data. A critical step that is often underestimated.
Verification that everything is functioning as intended prior to deployment.
Users must master the tool to get the most out of it. Training is key.
After go-live, the integrator can provide maintenance and upgrades.
The publisher provides the tool, the integrator makes it work in your context.
Certifications, experience on similar projects, in-depth knowledge of the tool's capabilities and limitations.
A good integrator understands your business challenges, not just the technical aspects. They speak your language.
APIs, connectors, middleware... The ability to enable systems to communicate with each other is crucial.
Planning, coordination, risk management. A poorly managed CRM project can quickly go off track.
The tool is worthless if teams don't use it. The integrator must know how to get users on board.
Publishers (Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft, etc.) certify their partners. These certifications guarantee a level of competence.
Projects similar in size, sector, and complexity. Contact these references if possible.
How does he manage projects? What is his approach to training? How does he handle unexpected events?
Flat rate or time and materials? What is included? What are the potential hidden costs?
You will be working together for several months. Chemistry is important. Is the integrator attentive? Responsive?
CRM does not exist in isolation. Key integrations include:
Klark integrates natively with leading CRMs to enrich your knowledge base and automate responses to customer requests directly within your environment.
A CRM deployment is not "just configuration." It is a transformation project that impacts the entire organization.
Garbage in, garbage out. Clean up your data before migration.
Too much customization complicates maintenance. Favor standards whenever possible.
Involve them from the outset. A CRM system that is rejected by teams is a failure.
The cheapest integrator is not always the most economical. A failed project costs much more.
Rates vary considerably depending on:
Order of magnitude: from a few thousand euros for a small project to several hundred thousand for a business transformation.
Yes, for simple projects with in-house technical teams. But there is a real risk of errors and underutilization of the tool.
From 2-3 months for a simple project to 12+ months for a major transformation.
Yes, most offer maintenance and post-deployment support contracts.
It is highly recommended. Certification guarantees a level of competence validated by the publisher.
A CRM integrator is much more than a technical service provider: they are a strategic partner for the success of your digital transformation.
The keys to success with an integrator:
Looking to connect your CRM to an AI solution for customer service? Discover how Klark integrates with your ecosystem.
