1. Describe the work before comparing software
Follow an enquiry from arrival to quotation and the next follow-up. Note who is involved, where information lives and what gets lost. Separate three essential functions from options that can wait: this list becomes the basis for every demonstration.
2. Distinguish CRM, ERP and shared files
CRM mainly concerns customer relationships and sales follow-up; ERP covers wider processes such as purchasing, inventory and accounting. A shared file may remain sufficient for simple tracking. If stock is the main problem, buying a CRM alone will not necessarily solve it.
3. Compare existing and custom solutions using the same tasks
Existing software is worth assessing when it covers your needs with reasonable configuration. Custom development may fit when gaps cause significant workarounds. In both cases, examine connections, exports and the ability to maintain the solution over time.
4. Check the conditions your business needs in Morocco
Test your users’ languages, required phone and currency formats, and mobile use. If an Arabic interface is planned, have users try its right-to-left layout. Clarify support hours and delivery arrangements; the word ‘Morocco’ in an offer does not answer these questions.
| Criterion | What to request | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Daily use | A journey using your own sales stages | The user can find a contact and prepare the next action. |
| Data migration | A sample import | Fields, duplicates and history are handled correctly. |
| Connections | Available interfaces and limits | A synchronisation error is detected and can be corrected. |
| Total cost | A detailed proposal over the same period | Setup, subscriptions, support and changes are separated. |
| Autonomy | Access, exports and responsibilities | You know how to update and retrieve your data. |
Example: your sales follow-up is in Excel
Start by testing the import of a few contacts, assigning an owner and scheduling a follow-up. Then add a quote and check that its status stays visible. This exercise reveals missing information and usability difficulties before you migrate every file. It is an illustrative scenario, not a customer result.
Prepare for your demonstration
- A sales journey and three tasks to complete.
- The number and roles of future users.
- An anonymised sample of the data to import.
- The required connections and languages.
- A budget and timeline to discuss, including recurring costs.
Key takeaways
Choose a solution your team can use and your business can evolve. Before committing, request a written scope and a test based on your own workflows.