Dynamics 365 vs Zoho CRM: Which CRM Solution is Right for Your Business?

What is Zoho CRM?

Zoho CRM is a cloud-based platform designed for businesses of all sizes. Known for its affordability and solid CRM features, it comes with strong out-of-the-box functionality that helps businesses streamline their operations.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Dynamics 365 is a suite of intelligent business applications designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. This platform integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications, promoting higher user adoption and streamlining various business processes.

Differences between Dynamics 365 and Zoho:

Pricing

Zoho CRM

One of the most attractive features of Zoho is its low entry cost, making it a good choice for smaller organisations. The pricing structure is as follows:

• Free Edition: £0 max 3 users
• Standard: £12 user/month
• Professional: £18 user/month
• Enterprise: £35 user/month
• Ultimate: £43 user/month

Dynamics 365

While more expensive than Zoho, Dynamics 365 offers more extensive functionality, with each application having different options available to users. Comparing the Dynamics Sales CRM licensing below:

• Dynamics 365 Sales Professional: £53.40 user/month
• Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise: £78.10 user/month
• Dynamics 365 Sales Premium: £111 user/month

Though Dynamics 365 has a higher cost, it includes more advanced features and integrations, justifying the investment for businesses seeking long-term scalability and extensive functionality.

It should be mentioned that both of these applications offer free trials, which is an ideal way of exploring which of these two is better suited for your business.

Functionality

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM includes comprehensive features across sales, marketing, finance, and HR. Some highlights include:

• Sales and Marketing: Advanced options like email automation and SalesSignals for social media tracking, make it easy to keep customer engaged and drive sales.
• Finance: Bookkeeping, expenses, inventory management, and invoicing, provides comprehensive finance tracking.
• HR: Employee management and recruitment all managed within one platform.

Zoho CRM is cloud-based, providing 5GB of storage with additional storage available at an extra cost.

Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 offers a broader range of functionalities, particularly within the Customer Engagement Plan:

• Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Project Automation, Field Service, and Project Management: Suitable for organisations at all sizes, covering the exact functionality they need.
• PowerApps: Included in some of the licensing, PowerApps makes it easy to develop custom applications that integrate seamlessly within your solutions. For example,
• Cloud-Based: With 10GB of storage per business, additional storage available
• Data Security: Build on Microsoft Azure Dynamics 365 follows GDPR compliance, and ensures your data is safe and secure.

Dynamics 365’s broad functionality makes it a powerful tool for businesses needing an all-in-one solution.

Customisation

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM offers various customisation options; however, these are primarily focused on visual aspects. While useful, these may not meet the needs of businesses requiring advanced changes to their system and may come with higher costs for more advanced adaptations due to the need for a third party.

Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 excels in its ability to be customised, making it possible to adapt the platform to provide you with almost any functionality that your organisation may need.

Integration Capabilities

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM supports integration with various third-party applications and has its own suite of apps, known as Zoho One, which includes tools for finance, HR, project management, and more. However, integration with non-Zoho applications can sometimes require additional development, potentially adding to the overall cost and complexity.

Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 stands out for its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams. It also integrates well with LinkedIn, providing powerful tools for sales and marketing professionals. The platform’s open API and extensive marketplace make it easy to connect with a wide range of third-party applications, enhancing its functionality and making it a more versatile solution.

Which CRM Should You Choose Zoho or Dynamics 365?

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is an affordable, user-friendly solution that’s perfect for small to mid-sized businesses looking to get started with CRM functionalities quickly. Its pricing structure and modular approach allow businesses to scale up functionalities as needed.

Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive and scalable solution suitable for medium to large enterprises. Its higher price point is justified by its extensive features, deep integration with Microsoft products, and the ability to support a wide range of business processes.

Long-term Value

While Zoho CRM offers an attractive, low-cost entry, it may fall short as your business grows and requires more advanced functionalities. Dynamics 365, despite its higher initial cost, provides long-term value with its robust capabilities and scalability, ensuring it can grow alongside your business.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Zoho CRM and Dynamics 365 depends on your current needs, budget, and long-term business goals.

If you’re still undecided, consider talking to one of our Dynamics 365 experts who are happy to discuss functionality and provide a demo of the system. Alternatively, discover some of our work using Dynamics 365:

• Zest is an innovative insurance provider offering comprehensive appliance and technology insurance for various household items. Partnering with Pragmatiq, Zest implemented a bespoke CRM solution using Microsoft Dynamics 365 to streamline their operations and support significant growth plans. Read Zest Case Study.
• Explore how Pragmatiq enhanced efficiency at Cavendish Health through a bespoke CRM solution tailored around their unique business requirements. Read Cavendish Case Study.

Get in Touch

If you would like more information about Microsoft Dynamics 365, please get in touch by emailing us at info@pragmatiq.co.uk or calling us on 01908 038110. Alternatively, fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.