Best CRMs for Manufacturing Businesses 2025 | Optimize Your Sales
What is the tool that manufacturing businesses often miss, yet can change the whole organization from handling emergencies to making sound decisions?
It’s not a brand-new device. It doesn’t move everything any quicker. It is your customer relationship management system.
It is not enough for a manufacturing company today to have machinery running and orders completed.
It requires being precise, managed at the right time and all aspects of sales, production, and operations to work together.
Whether you’re quoting a custom build, tracking a high-value deal, or syncing timelines with suppliers, every detail matters. Each additional delay has costs.
The true difficulty is this: How do you ensure that every department functions as a well-coordinated group?
That’s where a smart, flexible Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system comes in. A top-notch CRM is not only a way to store names and numbers but much more.
Tracking leads, handling your pipelines, enhancing communications and monitoring how things are running are key tasks you do here. In a factory moving at a fast pace, understanding the process matters a lot.
If you aren’t sure if you should switch or which one to select, we have put together this guide for you.
If you’re searching for the best CRM for a manufacturing business, you’re already thinking like a growth-focused leader.
The good thing is that there are powerful platforms available. They are flexible and let you work in a way that fits your business.
We’ll show you in this blog how to find the best CRM for a manufacturing business that goes beyond being software. It drives your sales growth into the future.
What are the benefits of using a CRM for a manufacturing business?
Now that industries are moving so quickly and competing fiercely, a CRM has become vital to manufacturing processes.
Consider it the way your company sticks together its customer connections, business sales and different departments.
Here’s why the best CRM for manufacturing businesses isn’t a luxury; it’s a must-have:
Centralized Customer Data in Manufacturing CRMs
You don’t have to look for the same information in spreadsheets or emails anymore. All your order and quote details are stored in one accessible location when you use a good CRM.
Clear Sales Pipeline Visibility
Understand every project’s status. Tracking every step from the inquiry through the invoice lets you notice slowdowns before they impact the rest of the order.
Improved Methods for Forecasting & Planning
Looking at data and past patterns allows your team to create production schedules, inventory plans and delivery times that help reduce excess products and improve the efficiency of your deliveries.
Unified Communication Across Teams
Sales, marketing, customer service and operations can all see the same up-to-date data at any time. So, you miss fewer opportunities, answer your customers faster and provide a smoother experience.
Designed for Organizations with Multistep Sales Process
Manufacturing sales are not easy to handle. Usually, these orders require a lot of time, changes and different sign-offs before they can be made. CRMs make it easier to handle everything without forgetting important points.
Improved Customer Support After a Sale
CRMs let you track warranties, manage service plans and arrange repeat orders, so your customers stay satisfied and return to you over time.
CRM software helps both your sales and marketing teams.
It merges all parts of the business such as engineering, logistics, customer care and production. Everyone is working efficiently for customers.
Selecting the Best CRMs for Manufacturing: Expert Insights from CRM Squirrel
Finding the right CRM is much like teaming up with a production partner. If something isn’t right for your company, it doesn’t just slow you down. It leads to delays, confusion and missed chances.
These are the ideas you need to keep in mind while judging every CRM.
How simple or difficult is it to use the app?
A CRM should be easy for any user to operate. I focused on choosing platforms with interfaces that are not complicated so that team members lacking technical knowledge could contribute quickly.
Ways to Customize
Every company has unique requirements in manufacturing, so their CRM should handle those needs.
The top platforms let you arrange fields, steps and pipelines to suit your process of estimating, confirming orders and filling them.
Customization Options
In manufacturing, the CRM only handles part of what your business does.
Selecting tools that work well with ERP, inventory systems, email and financial tools was important to me, since using separate software leads to less productivity.
Scalability
An approach that works well for a smaller team should remain useful when your company grows.
I made sure the channels I chose can adapt as your business gets bigger without you having to start over.
Access from Mobile Devices
People in your team, such as reps or production managers, should have access from anywhere.
Every CRM had to provide a good mobile experience.
Support and Guidance Resources
A CRM will only help you if you use it correctly.
For this reason, I checked to make sure platforms included accessible getting-started information, reliable support and useful documentation.
Value for Money
Money can be very tight for small and mid-sized manufacturers. We tried to pick CRMs that offered worthwhile tools without any confusing or overpriced offers included.
We hoped for CRMs that look good and support teams in working smarter, winning more customers in less time and growing strong relations.
With the background on how you made picks, we’ll look now at the blockbusters that made an impact in each genre.
Top 7 Best CRM Software for Manufacturing Businesses
Pipedrive
Imagine a CRM so intuitive that your sales reps want to use it.
Pipedrive Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses
Key Benefits of Pipedrive
- Visual sales pipeline
- Workflow automation
- Customizable dashboards and fields
- Seamless integration with email, Slack, and ERP tools
- AI-powered insights to improve deal conversions
Pros of Pipedrive
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Highly customizable to manufacturing cycles
- Affordable and scalable plans
- Excellent mobile app
Cons of Pipedrive
- Lacks built-in marketing automation (available via add-ons)
Why Pipedrive Works
Pipedrive excels in managing long sales cycles and tracking leads from quote to close. Its simplicity is a game-changer for busy manufacturing teams.
Want to make sales easier and help your company grow?
Try a 45-day free Pipedrive trial today with CRM Squirrel and experience what it feels like when your CRM actually works for you.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM Best For
Companies that want a free, all-in-one CRM
HubSpot CRM Key Benefits
- Free plan with robust features
- In-depth sales and marketing automation
- Strong analytics and reporting
- Integration with ERP tools like NetSuite
Pros of HubSpot CRM
- Powerful and intuitive UI
- Excellent documentation and support
- Free tier is generous
Cons of HubSpot CRM
- Add-ons can get pricey
- May feel bloated for simple needs
Why HubSpot CRM Works
HubSpot is great for those who want to combine marketing and sales in one ecosystem. Ideal for growth-stage manufacturers with a strong digital presence.
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM Best For:
Budget-conscious businesses needing flexibility
Zoho CRM Key Benefits:
- Multichannel communication (email, phone, social)
- Advanced workflow automation
- Blueprinting for sales processes
- Integrates with Zoho Inventory and Zoho Books
Zoho CRM Pros:
- Affordable for small businesses
- Good mobile functionality
- Flexible with tons of integrations
Zoho CRM Cons:
- UI can feel outdated
- Steeper learning curve
Why Zoho CRM Works:
Zoho offers a wide suite of tools under one umbrella, making it excellent for smaller manufacturers needing a fully integrated business suite.
Zendesk Sell
Zendesk Sell Best For:
Teams focused on customer service and sales alignment
Zendesk Sell Key Benefits:
- Real-time activity tracking
- Pipeline visibility
- Integrated with Zendesk support tools
- Sales forecasting and goal setting
Zendesk Sell Pros:
- Strong customer service features
- Solid mobile experience
- Great for B2B manufacturers
Zendesk Sell Cons:
- Limited customization
- Reporting can be basic
Why Zendesk Sell Works:
If your manufacturing business relies heavily on post-sale service or technical support, Zendesk Sell makes perfect sense.
Thryv
Thryv Best For:
Local and service-driven manufacturers
Thryv Key Benefits:
- CRM + marketing + scheduling in one
- Invoicing and payment tracking
- Customer portal access
Thryv Pros:
- All-in-one small business platform
- Great customer service tools
- Simple UI
Thryv Cons:
- Not built for large teams
- Less flexibility in customization
Why Thryv Works:
Thryv is a solid option for smaller manufacturers who want to centralize customer interactions, appointments, and billing.
Insightly
Insightly Best For:
Project-driven manufacturers with long cycles
Insightly Key Benefits:
- Project management and CRM in one
- Strong reporting and dashboards
- Workflow automation
- Email and calendar integrations
Insightly Pros:
- Good combination of CRM and project tools
- Flexible and scalable
- Google Workspace integrations
Insightly Cons:
- UI can be clunky
- Limited customer support on lower plans
Why Insightly Works:
Insightly is ideal for complex builds and longer B2B deals where you need project and relationship tracking in one place.
Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud
Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud is created specifically for manufacturers who need accurate forecasts, clear views of their accounts and tighter teamwork for operations.
Salesforce Best For:
Firms with medium or large teams and complicated buying steps are typical customers here.
Salesforce Key Benefits:
- Sales forecast updated as production happens
- Handles detailed B2B relationships and sales contract management
- Functions with ERP, inventory and supply chain systems.
- Ability to set up quoting, order handling and partner management the way you prefer
Salesforce Pros:
- Manufacturing-specific features
- Very effective at integrating investments
- Grows along with the growth of your company
Salesforce Cons:
- Higher cost
- Needs people who are skilled at setting up the system.
- It can become very difficult for small teams.
If your business needs a CRM for more than sales and wants to manage its entire manufacturing, Salesforce is a strong option.
Best CRM for Manufacturing Business – Comparison Table
| CRM | Best For | Key Feature | Pricing Starts | Customization | Project Management | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipedrive | Small- to mid-size manufacturers | Visual pipeline | $14/month | High | No | Excellent |
| HubSpot | All-in-one with marketing | Free tier + automation | Free | Moderate | No | Great |
| Zoho CRM | Budget-friendly flexibility | Blueprint process builder | $14/month | High | No | Good |
| Zendesk | Customer support integration | Support + CRM combo | $19/month | Low | No | Excellent |
| Thryv | Local manufacturers | CRM + Scheduling + Billing | $20/month | Low | No | Good |
| Insightly | Project-focused deals | CRM + Project Mgmt | $29/month | Moderate | Yes | Good |
| Salesforce | Medium or large company | Made for the Challenges of Sales | High | Moderate | Yes | Good |
Why Pipedrive Stands Out Among the Best CRMs for Manufacturing Business
Most CRM packages promise a lot but usually turn into a group of hard-to-use tabs, features you never look at and dashboards that you need to study to operate.
Doing so is much more than frustrating; it also wastes the time your team dedicates to the work.
This CRM is unique because it understands what businesspeople need.
It knows how complicated and varied a manufacturing sales cycle is. Because it avoids trying to serve every niche at once, Pipedrive feels much more straightforward. It avoids being everything at once.
It is simple, fast and there is no unnecessary complication.
Your sales team in manufacturing is responsible for managing prospects, offers (quotes), interacting with production, connecting with the supply chain and meeting deadlines.
The best CRMs support your team instead of controlling it.
Here’s why manufacturers are not just using Pipedrive—they’re loving it:
Visual Sales Pipelines
The sales process in manufacturing is usually very involved.
Because Pipedrive’s visual interface is easy to use, your team can follow each deal as it moves from the beginning to the end.
It creates a useful place for all team members to share updates, track sales and respond quickly.
Custom Fields for Complex Workflows
How manufacturing works is not always the same for each type of company.
You can choose to use prices based on units, weight or how complex your products are and Pipedrive lets you edit fields and stages to represent your processes.
The software is designed to fit the way you work, not make you work in a certain way.
Affordable and Scalable
As your company grows, many CRMs become very costly.
Your fees increase naturally with Pipedrive as your business does. Whether you’re a small shop with five team members or a growing enterprise of 500, it adapts without breaking your budget.
Real-Time Activity Logging
Because things happen so quickly in manufacturing, important updates might be missed.
Automatic logging means emails, calls, notes and follow-ups are recorded and are able to be viewed.
There’s no need to guess anymore because the dialogue and when it happened are available.
Seamless Integrations with Inventory & ERP Tools
Pipedrive connects easily with other tools you use.
Whether you use inventory software or an accounting portal, Square is able to sync all of your transactions automatically. People on the ops team know the latest changes and your customers have a good experience.
Whether you’re managing long-term B2B partnerships, quoting high-value custom builds, or coordinating across departments and geographies, Pipedrive acts as your central nervous system.
Services Make Every Team’s Purpose Clear, So the Group Stays Focused from Beginning to End.
Manufacturing means more than making things; it also involves being precise, building relationships and carrying out plans.
Out of all CRM software, Pipedrive exceeds expectations.
Want to energize the growth of your manufacturing business?
Sign up for a Pipedrive 45 day trial now and experience your sales process in a new, efficient way.
Ready to choose the best CRM for manufacturing Businesses and drive real growth?
A CRM is more than computer software. It works as a strategy.
In the fast-moving world of manufacturing, where delays cost money and relationships drive revenue, choosing the best CRM for a manufacturing business can be a game-changer.
If you prefer HubSpot, which provides many features, or Zoho or Pipedrive for their low cost and usability, the right tool for you exists.
Don’t wait for anything bad to occur.
Decide on a CRM that makes your team the decision-makers. And should you wish to integrate your sales, service and customer success efforts into a single dashboard, Pipedrive can help.
Grow your manufacturing business with confidence!
Partner with CRM Squirrel for a 45-day free Pipedrive trial and see how powerful an effective CRM can truly be.
FAQs: Pipedrive CRM for Manufacturing Business
Is it possible for Pipedrive to work together with my existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system?
Yes! Pipedrive can connect to many ERP and inventory tools using Zapier and APIs.
How flexible is Pipedrive in fitting manufacturing company workflows?
Very customizable. You can adjust pipelines, fields, and automation rules based on quoting, order tracking, or B2B client management needs.
Can Pipedrive be used by small manufacturing businesses?
Absolutely. Due to its easy-to-use software, low prices, and useful features, it is particularly convenient for smaller and mid-sized businesses.
Can you use Pipedrive on your mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet?
Yes, Pipedrive helps field teams and managers work away from their desks.
What kinds of support does Pipedrive have for users?
Pipedrive makes help available through email, chat, a detailed help center, and training classes in their library.
Is it possible to use Pipedrive to handle after-sales service and warranty management?
Pipedrive is able to manage after-sales tasks due to its custom fields and activity tracking.
Looking to scale your manufacturing business efficiently?
Start your free trial with Pipedrive and experience the transformation firsthand.
