A CRM (customer relationship management) system is a tool that helps your team track customer information, sales activity and deal progress in one place. It keeps notes, meetings, emails and tasks organised so your reps always know what’s happening with every account. The best CRM systems are uncomplicated, giving you clarity and control. Helping you respond faster, build stronger relationships and grow revenue.

What are the 4 types of CRM?

There are four common types of CRM software – operational, analytical, collaborative and strategic . Operational CRM supports day-to-day sales activities like follow-ups, meetings and pipeline updates. Analytical CRM helps you understand trends, performance and opportunities using your data. Collaborative CRM connects teams so everyone works from the same customer information. Strategic CRM helps you use customer insights to plan long-term growth and improve retention. Phocas CRM supports all four types. Because it connects to your ERP and other data sources, it combines daily activity tracking with clean sales data, reporting, collaboration tools and long-term customer insights. This means each team – sales, finance, operations and leadership – gets what they need in one system.

Why do distributors need CRM software?

Distributors rely on fast, accurate information to keep customers happy and stay ahead of competitors. A CRM helps by bringing customer activity, sales history, follow-ups and product insights together, so reps always know what to do next. Distributors benefit from CRM software because it helps them: Respond quickly to customer enquiries. Keep track of quotes, promos and repeat orders. Spot risks, gaps and growth opportunities as they emerge. Prepare for every call with current activity and buying history. Stay organised on the road with mobile-friendly tools. With Phocas CRM, you also get clean sales data pulled directly from your ERP, so reps can see the whole story in one view – no switching systems, no hunting for information.

What features should a CRM for distribution companies have?

A CRM built for distribution needs to support fast-moving teams, multiple product lines and SKUs and complex customer relationships. Look for features that reduce admin, improve visibility and help your reps sell with confidence. Strong CRM tools for distributors should include: Clear customer and product history linked to your ERP and other data sources. Activity tracking for meetings, calls, notes and follow-ups. Calendar and email integration so nothing gets missed. Mobile access for reps in the field. Flexible filtering and search to quickly find customers and opportunities. Up-to-date sales dashboards and reporting to spot trends sooner. Simple workflows and easy setup so your team can start using it straight away. Phocas CRM offers all of these, designed specifically for mid-market distribution, manufacturing and retail teams who need powerful tools that are still easy to use.

CRM Software | Phocas - Customer Data Analytics Platform

Easy-to-use CRM to turn data into deals

Phocas CRM gives sales reps clarity and control of customer data, sales activity and pipeline management in one platform. It's simple to use, mobile-optimized and seamlessly integrates with your ERP.

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CRM challenges

What sales reps struggle with

When sales teams come to us to help them solve their CRM problems, we see the same recurring frustrations – so you’re not alone.

Lead management feels out of your control

Customer follow-ups feel overwhelming when you're manually tracking multiple deals and trying to stay on top of meetings and activities.

Disconnected tools

When details get buried in spreadsheets, ERP systems or emails, sales reps lose momentum, managers lose visibility and deals are lost.

Delayed action = lost opps & revenue

Unclear priorities and slow follow-ups lead to poor customer satisfaction, opening up opportunities to your competitors and impacting revenue.

Overcomplicated CRM software

Large CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot often involve long setups, big budgets and require dedicated power users. For many mid-market businesses, they're simply more than what's needed.

Close deals faster, with less effort

Simple tools, clear insights and clean data help your sales team accelerate pipeline management, increase customer interactions and close more business with less effort.

Integration with Phocas Analytics and dashboards empower your team to move forward with confidence.
Track progress at every stage of the sales cycle with activity logs tied to accounts, contacts and leads.
Nurture sales pipelines with timely follow-ups driven by alerts and 2-way Outlook calendar sync.
Compare rep activity and sales performance to spot bottlenecks and adjust sales strategies sooner.

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The best CRM
is one your team will actually use

Give your team the user-friendly tools they need, not the extra CRM features they don't – ensuring quick adoption and measurable ROI.

Clean interface with quick access to customer data, leads and activities.
Activity views and Outlook calendar sync, so reps stay on top of routine tasks without juggling multiple tools.
Easily customize workflows to your unique needs with minimal admin and set up.
Mobile-optimized interface ensures full visibility and functionality for sales reps on the move.

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Everything you need to know about your customers – in one view

Bring together sales history, contact details, notes and performance insights so your team can build stronger, lasting customer relationships.

Spot trends early with dynamic dashboards that surface risks and opportunities in real time.
See the whole story with sales data, CRM notes and key KPIs all within one platform.
Walk into every customer interaction prepared with talking points drawn from recent activity and purchase history.
Stay organized anywhere by tracking activities and tasks on the go, ensuring every follow up happens on time.

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Everything you need to know about your customers – in one view

Grow pipeline volume and increase deal value

Ensure your team is working efficiently and are focusing on what matters – serving customers and growing revenue.

Spot declining customers and quickly bulk assign follow-up tasks to the right rep, so no one slips away.
Menus and UI layouts are customized for mobile, ensuring full visibility and functionality while out in the field.
Drive actions from up-to-date data and monitor the sales team all in one place.

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Grow pipeline volume and increase deal value

Frequently asked questions

Understand the past, operate better today, and plan well for the future

Whether you want to get your data organized for your team or you’re looking to combine business intelligence capabilities with financial reporting, planning and forecasting… We can help.

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What sales reps struggle with