7 Essential CRM Features Every Business Needs - Node4
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7 Essential CRM Features Every Business Needs

Many organisations struggle to scale their sales teams without a modern CRM. Sellers need a solution that allows them to access better insights into customer behaviour and eliminates the manual work that distracts them from focusing on high-value opportunities.

A customer relationship management (CRM) solution that offers built-in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can solve these challenges.

Key CRM features to look out for

1. Intuitive interface and user experience

A CRM should be easy to learn and use. In fact, 46% of companies want easier sales rep training regarding software. A simple, familiar interface reduces onboarding time and ensures that sales teams can focus on selling, not struggling with technology.

2. Remote accessibility

The modern sales environment is hybrid and remote. 31% of sellers have closed deals over $500,000 without ever meeting the buyer face to face, and 36% say that selling remotely has made their job easier. Any new CRM must support seamless access from anywhere, empowering teams to collaborate and close deals regardless of location.

3. Centralised data access

Incomplete data is a major challenge, and 45% of sellers report this as their biggest obstacle. A robust CRM unifies and activates customer information across applications and processes, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest insights and can make informed decisions.

Accelerate Your CRM Implementation with 4Start

4. Built-in enterprise-grade security

Security is non-negotiable. The average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million. A CRM must offer enterprise-grade security and ensure that customer data preferences are automatically updated and respected across all business functions.

5. Next-Generation AI

AI is transforming sales. 71% of sales professionals say it has impacted how they plan to sell. Modern CRMs leverage AI to help teams reach leads more effectively, automate mundane tasks, and surface actionable insights.

6. Configurable and customisable workflows

Business needs evolve, so your CRM should too. Look for solutions with built-in low-code applications that allow you to configure and customise workflows, helping your team achieve desired outcomes faster.

7. Integration with other systems

Half of sales reps feel overwhelmed by the number of tools they’re required to use. The right CRM integrates with existing applications, unifying processes in a single interface and creating one version of the truth for your organisation.

Get started with 4Start

Choosing the right CRM is about more than just features; it’s about empowering your sales team to build better relationships, collaborate effectively, and drive growth.

That’s where Node4’s 4Start CRM makes a difference. Designed for rapid deployment and seamless integration, 4Start CRM helps you get up and running quickly, so your team can start realising value from day one. With expert guidance and a streamlined onboarding process, you’ll accelerate your CRM journey and unlock the full potential of your sales organisation without the usual delays and headaches.