Best Project Management Software with CRM Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
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Project management software with customer relations management (CRM) helps companies foster collaboration between project teams and sales forces, ensuring that customer needs are always at the forefront. However, with so many solutions on the market, it can be challenging to find the right software for you.
To help other project managers find the best solutions, I tried and reviewed a wide-variety project management software with CRM. Using my extensive experience in digital project management, I found the best project management software with CRM for small and large businesses alike.
Below are some tips and tricks to help you find the best project management software with CRM and my top picks for the best solutions.
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Best Project Management Software With CRM Summary
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Productive Built for agencies, Productive offers tools for managing projects, sales pipelines, and financials all in one place. | Best for agencies | 14-day free trial | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website |
2 | Scoro Scoro's CRM feature includes tools for pipeline and lead management, sales forecasting, and customer relationship management. | Best for tracking sales pipelines | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $26/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
3 | CRM Creatio CRM Creatio offers a unique no-code platform that allows users to track customer interactions and sales metrics directly tied to ongoing projects. | Best for no-code CRM customization | 14-day free trial | From $25/user/month | Website |
4 | Nifty Nifty streamlines workflow coordination and client interactions from a central location. | Best for milestone-driven planning | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
5 | Freedcamp Freedcamp helps teams organize tasks, manage projects, and maintain customer relationships all in one platform. | Best for flexible task management | 14-day free trial | From $1.49/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
6 | Insightly Insightly allowing users to manage customer relationships and projects. | Best for relationship linking | Free trial available | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
7 | Podio Podio integrates project management and CRM functionalities by allowing teams to customize workflows, manage tasks, and track client interactions. | Best for custom integrations | Free plan available | From $11.20/month (billed annually) | Website |
8 | Bitrix24 Bitrix24 combines project management tools with CRM capabilities, enabling teams to manage projects, collaborate, and maintain customer relationships. | Best for a unified business suite | Free plan available | From $43/month (billed annually) | Website |
9 | Ravetree Ravetree lets you create custom sales pipelines and link these actions directly to projects. | Best for customizable sales pipelines | 14-day free trial | From $29/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website |
10 | ActiveCollab ActiveCollab helps teams organize projects, communicate effectively, and maintain client relationships. | Best for streamlined team collaboration | 14-day free trial | From $3.17/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Project Management Software With CRM Reviews
Here are my reviews of the top project management software with CRM. Each analysis covers the advantages and drawbacks, feature sets, and optimal scenarios to help you discover which software fits your needs the best.
Productive is an all-in-one agency management system designed for a range of businesses, including marketing agencies, design studios, consulting firms, and in-house teams.
Why I picked Productive:
I particularly like its resourcing tools, which encompass resource planning, time tracking, and managing time off. This means you can keep tabs on who's working on what, ensure everyone's time is used efficiently, and easily manage schedules without the usual hassle. Additionally, its sales CRM lets you create sales funnels that allow you to track leads and opportunities effectively. This means you'll have a clear overview of where each prospect is in your sales pipeline, helping you prioritize follow-ups and focus on closing deals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, reporting, Gantt charts, invoicing, revenue recognition, financial management, and sales management.
Integrations include Jira, HubSpot, Xero, Google Calendar, Sage, Zapier, Outlook/Microsoft Calendar, Slack, BugHerd, QuickBooks, Fortnox, and Personio.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Sales CRM feature for tracking opportunities
- Comprehensive features for financial management and reporting
- Robust resource planning and tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Could have more integrations
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Scoro is an all-in-one business management platform that integrates a wide range of functions, including project management, resource planning, CRM, sales, and financials.
Why I picked Scoro:
Scoro offers detailed project planning, tracking, and management capabilities, alongside a powerful CRM suite that allows businesses to manage customer accounts, track sales pipelines, and maintain client relationships effectively. The integration of these two critical business functions ensures that all project-related and client-related data are centralized, facilitating better decision-making and improved project outcomes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include quoting and budgeting, resource planning, retainers, time tracking, reporting and dashboard, invoicing, cost management, collaboration, task management, team dashboards, work scheduling, and sales forecasting.
Integrations include Sage Intacct, Exact Online, Expensify, Stripe, Jira, Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Okta, Azure AD, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust reporting features for project financials
- Good invoicing system
- Real-time project and resource tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Extensive customization options come with a learning curve
- Mobile app could be more robust
Creatio CRM is a versatile customer relationship management tool tailored for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and larger enterprises. It encompasses a full range of features for managing projects and the entire sales cycle, advanced analytics, and robust marketing automation.
Why I picked CRM Creatio:
Its end-to-end workflow automation enables users to design and automate complex workflows for projects and customer relationship management without the need for extensive programming knowledge. The no-code customization capabilities of Creatio empower users to tailor the system to their specific needs. Additionally, the platform's real-time analytics and reporting tools allow users to create custom dashboards and BI applications, providing actionable insights that drive informed decision-making and performance optimization.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include 360-degree customer views, contact and account management, lead and opportunity management, orders, invoices, and contract management, pipeline management, task management, and forecasting.
Integrations include Accelo, ActiveCampaign, Acumatica, Adobe Analytics, Asana, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce Pardot, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Microsoft Exchange, Google Calendar, Gmail, Mailchimp, and Tableau.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 360-degree customer views
- No-code, drag-and-drop interface
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Initial learning curve for those unfamiliar with no-code platforms
- Customizing the platform can take time
Nifty excels in milestone-driven planning, enabling teams to monitor progress and meet project deadlines effectively.
Why I picked Nifty:
Nifty focuses on milestones as a core component of project management. Milestones are pivotal for planning and tracking, and Nifty's approach ensures that project objectives are met on time. It integrates milestones with all aspects of project management, from task assignment to progress reporting, which is vital for maintaining project momentum and clarity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, task automation, milestone tracking, document collaboration, time tracking, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, calendar integration, reporting tools, and team chat.
Integrations include Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, GitHub, Trello, Asana, and Basecamp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Native integrations with popular productivity tools
- Comprehensive feature set that covers various aspects of project management
- Milestone-centric project management for clear goal-setting and tracking
Cons:
- Minimum seat requirement could be a barrier for smaller teams and startups
- Higher starting price point compared to some competitors
Freedcamp helps teams collaborate effectively. It excels in providing flexible task management solutions to accommodate diverse project requirements.
Why I picked Freedcamp:
Freedcamp’s exceptional adaptability in managing tasks sets it apart from other project management tools. Its ability to tailor task management to the specific needs of a project makes it a standout choice for teams seeking versatility. Additionally, Freedcamp offers a range of customizable task management options, allowing teams to choose from various task views and tools, ensuring they can manage their projects in the most efficient way possible.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include versatile task management with subtasks, time tracking, milestone setting, file management, discussion boards, calendar views, a built-in CRM, issue tracking, invoicing, and a wiki for collective knowledge management.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Zapier, Slack, Outlook, iCal, Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Google SSO, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated issue tracker
- Comprehensive suite of project management features
- Customizable task management options
Cons:
- Less intuitive interface
- File storage limits vary by pricing plan
Insightly is a CRM and project management software that streamlines customer interactions and project oversight. It succeeds in relationship linking, offering a holistic view of customer engagements.
Why I picked Insightly:
Insightly uniquely links relationships within its CRM, which distinguishes it from other tools. This functionality is pivotal for businesses that prioritize understanding the intricate connections among contacts, leads, and projects. Insightly is best for relationship linking due to its adeptness at mapping and managing the complex interrelations that are vital for nuanced customer service, marketing automation, and strategic sales management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include CRM functionality, project management, workflow automation, email tracking, customizable dashboards, lead routing, relationship linking, and mobile access.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Mailchimp, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Dropbox, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options with popular productivity tools
- Advanced relationship linking for detailed customer insights
- Comprehensive CRM and project management capabilities
Cons:
- Slower mobile app functionality
- Free plan limited to two users
Podio is a versatile platform that combines project management and CRM functionalities. It succeeds in providing custom integrations for diverse business operations.
Why I picked Podio:
Podio provides unparalleled flexibility in customization and is often best for custom integrations. It allows users to extensively tailor the system to fit their unique workflow, enabling a cohesive and integrated experience with the tools they already use.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, customizable workflows, app creation tools, data visualization, integrated chat and video communication, automated workflows, file sharing, real-time project updates, and comprehensive CRM capabilities.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Zendesk, FreshBooks, Campaign Monitor, GoToMeeting, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced task management and automation capabilities
- A broad range of native integrations
- Highly customizable interface and workflows
Cons:
- Limited reporting features
- Performance issues may occur with higher volumes of data or integrations
Bitrix24 excels as a unified business suite by integrating a wide range of functionalities into one platform, simplifying operations across different business areas.
Why I picked Bitrix24:
Bitrix24 boasts an all-encompassing approach to business management that allows companies to control business operations with ease. Compared to other software, the integration of various business functions into a single solution makes it the best choice for companies seeking an advanced CRM project management software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task and project management, CRM, real-time communication tools including chat and video, document management, employee management, time tracking, and workflow automation.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, Dropbox, Zapier, Xero, QuickBooks, Twilio, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive customization options
- Advanced CRM capabilities
- Access to various tools in one platform
Cons:
- Performance can vary with large teams
- Steep learning curve for new users
Ravetree is an all-in-one work management platform designed for project-driven organizations. It combines project management, resource planning, time and expense tracking, and customer relationship management into a single, unified system.
Why I picked Ravetree:
Ravetree's CRM is fully integrated with its project management features, allowing your team to link client information directly to projects, tasks, files, and billing. The platform offers customizable sales pipelines to track important prospects effectively. When a deal is won, Ravetree can automatically create a project from a predefined template, saving time and reducing manual effort. Additionally, the CRM includes features like activity tracking, reminders, and email integrations with Google Workspace and Office 365, enabling your team to manage client interactions and communications efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include approval management, capacity management, accounts and contacts management, custom sales pipelines, powerful filtering capabilities, email history tracking, project creation from templates upon winning deals, centralized client information, and customizable sales pipelines.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Stripe, Exchange, Facebook, Instagram, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient management of client relationships
- Allows customization of approval workflows
- Consolidates multiple functions
Cons:
- Could offer more integrations
- Extensive features may come with a learning curve
ActiveCollab is a project management tool that facilitates streamlined team collaboration due to its wide set of features.
Why I picked ActiveCollab:
ActiveCollab offers a strongplatform that integrates project management and CRM capabilities, which are essential for maintaining control over work and fostering team collaboration. Its ability to automate processes and organize teams effectively makes it unique from other project management tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, project organization with timelines and Gantt charts, team collaboration via discussions and comments, time tracking, invoice management, budgeting, and expense tracking.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, Trello, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of native integrations
- Real-time communication tools for team collaboration
- Strong project management and all-in-one CRM features
Cons:
- Lack of features in mobile app
- Moderate learning curve for new users
Other Project Management Software With CRM
Below is a list of additional project management software with CRM that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Scoro
For end-to-end work management
- ClickUp
For custom fields tailored to CRM needs
- Accelo
For service operations automation
- Zoho Projects
For holistic project control
- Pipedrive
For sales-focused projects
- Asana
For team workflow automation
- Paymo
For small business billing
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet aficionados
Related Project Management Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Project Management Software With CRM Selection Criteria
Selecting project management software with CRM involves a careful analysis of functionality and how it aligns with specific use cases. The criteria must address business needs, alleviate pain points, and enhance the efficiency of the tasks the software is designed to manage.
As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, I have developed a set of criteria that are essential when evaluating project management software with CRM. This includes:
Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Task and project tracking to monitor progress and deadlines
- Contact and lead management to streamline customer relationship tasks
- Collaboration tools for team communication and file sharing
- Reporting and analytics for data-driven decision-making
- Integration capabilities with other business systems
Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Innovative dashboard customization for a tailored user experience
- Advanced automation features to reduce manual input and increase efficiency
- Unique communication channels, such as built-in chat or video conferencing
- Distinctive security features ensuring data protection and compliance
- Exceptional mobile app design for on-the-go projects and CRM management
Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Intuitive navigation that minimizes the learning curve
- Aesthetic interface design that enhances user engagement
- Responsive design for seamless use across various devices
- Clear and concise tool tips and help menus within the interface
Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Comprehensive training materials such as videos and documentation
- Pre-designed templates to jumpstart project setup
- Interactive product tours that guide new users through features
- Support channels like chatbots and webinars for real-time assistance
Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Availability of 24/7 support through multiple channels
- Proactive support with regular check-ins and updates
- Knowledgeable and responsive customer service teams
- Community forums for peer-to-peer assistance and advice
Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Transparent pricing structures without hidden costs
- Flexible plans that cater to different business sizes and needs
- Free trials or demos to evaluate the product before purchase
- Competitive features-to-price ratio compared to other market offerings
Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- High satisfaction ratings indicating positive user experiences
- Testimonials that highlight specific strengths and benefits
- Constructive criticism that points to areas for improvement
- Consistency in feedback across various customer segments
How To Choose Project Management Software With CRM
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Define Business Needs and Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your project management software that includes CRM. Whether it's streamlining communication, managing deadlines, leveraging customer insights, or fostering team collaboration, identifying your objectives will guide you to the right tool.
- Budget Considerations: Understand your financial constraints and consider both upfront and ongoing costs. Subscription-based models are common, and it's important to know if the pricing tiers align with the features you need.
- Assess Challenges and Integration: Consider the potential hurdles in adopting a new system, such as user training or software compatibility with existing tools. Seamless integration with other business applications is crucial for efficient operations.
- Success Metrics and Trial Periods: Define what success looks like for your software implementation and use trial periods to evaluate the software's performance. This hands-on experience will help you determine if the tool meets your criteria for success.
- Required Features and Functionality: Ensure the software has the essential features for your project management and CRM needs. Look for capabilities like timeline management, collaboration tools, progress tracking, and analytics, and be mindful that some advanced features may come at a higher cost.
Trends For Project Management Software With CRM
As businesses increasingly seek to streamline operations and improve customer relationships, the integration of project management software with CRM features is essential. Here are some of the key trends for project management software with CRM that I expect to take shape in coming years:
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are starting to revolutionize CRM within project management tools. They automate tasks, provide insightful analytics, and enhance customer service through advanced communication tools.
- Emphasis on Omnichannel Customer Experience: CRM systems are focusing on delivering a cohesive customer experience across various channels. This trend ensures consistent service and marketing across all customer interaction points.
- Strengthening Data Security Measures: Data security is a top priority for CRM systems, with enhanced measures to protect customer information. Compliance with data protection regulations is also critical, reflecting the importance of privacy in CRM software.
- Rise of Industry-Specific Solutions: Customized CRM solutions tailored to specific industries are becoming more prevalent among several organizations. These specialized systems are designed to meet unique sector demands and compliance requirements.
- Expansion of CRM Automation: CRM automation is increasingly important for streamlining sales processes as it reduces manual workloads, allowing sales teams to concentrate on building customer relationships and improving sales outcomes.
- Adoption of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms: The trend towards low-code and no-code CRM platforms is empowering users to manage their systems with minimal technical expertise. This democratization of technology is especially beneficial for smaller teams.
- Enhanced Integration with Third-Party Applications: CRM platforms are beginning to integrate a wider range of third-party applications, which can centralize sales processes and enhance overall business operations.
- Growth of Social CRM: The integration of social media in CRM systems is on the rise. As a result, businesses are able to better understand and engage with customers through social media while increasing their brand visibility and overall customer satisfaction.
- Incorporation of IoT Data Streams: The Internet of Things is being integrated into CRM systems, providing valuable customer data. This trend is enhancing personalized marketing and product development.
- Prioritization of Customer Experience: Customer experience is becoming a primary focus for businesses using CRM. Leveraging CRM technology to deliver personalized experiences is crucial for customer engagement and retention.
What Is Project Management Software With CRM?
Project management software is a tool designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations manage and optimize their projects efficiently. When integrated with CRM, it’s often used to streamline team projects while increasing customer satisfaction using strategic data insights.
Features Of Project Management Software With CRM
When searching for a project management software with CRM, there are some key features you should keep in mind, including:
- Contact Management: This feature is essential as it allows for easy access to customer details, enhancing communication and personalization of services.
- Task Management: Task management is vital for ensuring that all project activities are completed on time and resources are allocated effectively.
- Project Tracking: With project tracking, teams stay informed about milestones and deadlines, which is important for timely project delivery.
- Sales Automation: Automating sales tasks reduces the time spent on administrative work, allowing sales teams to focus on building relationships and closing deals.
- Lead Management: Lead management is important for identifying and following up with prospects, ultimately contributing to revenue growth.
- Email Integration: This feature simplifies correspondence, ensuring that all communications are logged and easily accessible.
- Document Sharing: Document sharing is key for collaboration, as it ensures that all team members have access to the latest versions of project files.
- Reporting and Analytics: Reporting and analytics are indispensable for making data-driven decisions and for the continuous improvement of processes.
- Customization: Customization ensures that the software can adapt to the unique workflows and requirements of a business.
- Integration Capabilities: Integration capabilities are important for creating a seamless technology ecosystem that maximizes efficiency and data coherence.
These features collectively create a robust environment where project management and customer relationship management coalesce, providing a detailed overview of both project deliverables and customer engagement.
Benefits Of Project Management Software With CRM
By integrating project management and CRM, organizations can enjoy a range of benefits that improve efficiency, communication, and overall project success. Other perks associated with project management software with CRM include:
- Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Project management software with CRM fosters better communication among team members and with clients. By centralizing communication channels and customer data, team members can access the information they need to collaborate effectively and maintain a consistent message to clients.
- Improved Customer Relationships: The integration of CRM features allows for better tracking of customer interactions and history. This leads to more personalized service and a deeper understanding of customer needs, which can result in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Streamlined Processes and Efficiency: Combining project management and CRM tools helps in automating routine tasks and managing workflows more efficiently. This integration reduces the need for multiple systems and the potential for errors, saving time and increasing productivity.
- Better Project Oversight and Analytics: With CRM data integrated into project management software, businesses gain valuable insights into customer-related aspects of their projects. This can help in making data-driven decisions, tracking project performance, and aligning project outcomes with customer expectations.
- Increased Sales and Revenue Opportunities: By having a unified view of project timelines and customer data, businesses can identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities more effectively. This can lead to increased sales by offering timely and relevant services or products to customers based on their project involvement.
When teams leverage the combined strengths of project management and CRM systems, organizations can achieve a competitive edge, ensuring that projects are delivered successfully while building strong, lasting relationships with their clients.
Costs & Pricing Of Project Management Software With CRM
When exploring project management software that includes CRM functionalities, it's important to examine the available pricing plans and what each offers. Below is a table exploring the different plan types and average prices across several different providers:
Plan Comparison Table for Project Management Software with CRM
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic task management and limited CRM features for up to 1 project |
Basic | $10-$20/user/month | Enhanced task management and basic CRM tools for up to 10 projects |
Professional | $20-$50/user/month | Full project management suite, advanced CRM features, unlimited projects, and reporting tools |
Enterprise | Custom pricing | Custom integrations, dedicated support, advanced security options, and unlimited everything |
In considering the right plan, factor in the complexity of your projects and the depth of CRM integration required. Optimal software selection balances these needs with budget considerations.
Project Management Software With CRM FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions I’ve received about project management software with CRM:
Is project management software with CRM suitable for all business sizes?
Project management software with CRM is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can benefit from streamlined processes and centralized information, while larger enterprises can take advantage of the scalability and advanced features to manage complex projects and large customer databases.
Can project management software with CRM be customized to fit industry-specific needs?
Many project management software with CRM solutions offer customization options to fit industry-specific needs. This can include custom workflows, specialized reporting, and integrations with industry-specific tools. It’s important to choose software that can be tailored to your business’s unique requirements.
What challenges can CRM project management software help solve?
CRM project management software addresses several challenges including task management inefficiencies, poor client communication, difficulty in tracking project progress, and disjointed workflows. By centralizing project information and client data, it helps teams to manage resources more effectively, maintain consistent communication with clients, and streamline processes, thereby reducing errors and enhancing productivity.
How does CRM project management software handle data security and privacy?
CRM project management software typically includes robust security features such as data encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with international privacy regulations like GDPR. These features ensure that sensitive client and project data are protected against unauthorized access and breaches, providing a secure environment for managing business operations.
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