AI models give fintech startups a competitive advantage. Automation increases efficiency in financial processes. The main challenge is the reliability
and adaptability of AI into CRM systems.
AI-powered CRM systems can be tremendously helpful to all sizes of businesses, even those with limited budgets
In today’s reality, we employ automation in many applications including AI-based ones; thus, we require automation in CRM as well. Additionally, we need
to streamline our business processes to optimize our internal communication across an organization. What I see is that CRM has become a key growth factor essential for capital markets and banking workflows. And as the industry embraces digital transformation
and AI, I believe the demand for virtual and mobile solutions will gain momentum.
As we all know, automating everyday tasks like follow-ups, email scheduling, data entry and prospect tracking frees up your team to focus on what actually
moves the needle e.g. building relationships and driving growth. Automation of these low level tasks can boost productivity by 70% which is a huge ROI.
Before the advent of CRM systems around 40 years ago, customer support was a labor-intensive process relying on ledgers, tables, and handwritten notes. The
introduction of CRM technology revolutionized customer support, making it essential for businesses and their support teams. However, each CRM system has its limitations in terms of integrations, meaning businesses must carefully assess their needs and prioritize
their integration requirements before making a decision.
New Vital CRM systems’ features one cannot miss
Amid the excitement surrounding agentic AI and the prevailing belief that bigger is better in business, the true potential of Small Language Models (SLMs)
gets more and more attention. SLMs are ready to change the game for how businesses engage with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. By optimizing processes, improving data analysis, and tailoring customer interactions,
SLMs have the capability to significantly enhance these essential business tools.
As we progress towards mid-2025, the world of CRM reporting is transforming, which means businesses must stay current with the latest techniques and tools.
In terms of revenue operations, one should realize how vital comprehensive CRM reporting is. A thorough reporting output structure provides insights into every facet of the go-to-market strategy. From tracking the sales pipeline to marketing lead conversions,
as well as customer upselling and retention, CRM reporting allows you to delve into the specific details of each department while also giving us and our counterparts a clear view of the overall business health.
What can we learn from the CRM industry leaders?
Currently, leading CRM solutions like Salesforce, Jira and Freshdesk dominate the market. They offer many similar features that help them retain their customers
for years. What are these features?
A common mistake is overcomplicating things. You probably don’t need every feature — just the ones that help you stay organized, manage relationships, and
drive sales. Start lean and expand only when you really need to. No CRM system requires you to completely integrate every step of your business network and every single piece of communication into it, or force you to pay more to get fully integrated!
Cloud-based CRMs are typically the best option for limited budgets. They are more affordable upfront and scale as your business grows. You also avoid hidden
costs that come with on-premise systems.
Even better are industry specific CRMs. These tailored solutions are designed to connect better with the way that your business actually works, unlocking
new revenue opportunities and making often complex workflows easier to manage. I’ve seen teams discover entirely new revenue streams just from having the right tool in place to better understand and serve their customers.
Having said that, setting up and overseeing a CRM system by itself won’t ensure success. To truly enhance corporate returns and boost efficiency, a well-elaborated
strategy is essential. The most important metric I recommend using extensively is measuring ROI (return on investments) for prolonged periods, like at least 2-3 months.
How will you know if the CRM is delivering value? Is it saving time? Is it helping close more deals or improving client retention? Benchmark its performance,
and after a quarter, check to see what’s working and what not. You can’t improve what you’re not measuring — and the obvious solution here is a precisely selected CRM system.
Final words
As digital transformation continues and AI becomes more integrated into our workflows, CRMs will become more essential for big enterprises and businesses
of all sizes. Maximising ROI from a CRM isn’t about spending more, it is about making it work smarter for your business. Automate what you can, keep the set up lean, integrate your tools and focus on the outcomes that really matter for your business, e.g.
time saved, revenue generated, stronger client relationships. Take time to set it up properly, train people and build it into daily routines. The best CRM is the one people actually use consistently.
