Manufacturing leaders face a harsh reality: fragmented systems are crushing operational efficiency.
While your sales team is busy capturing leads in Salesforce and sales reps are trying hard to hit their quotas, your sales and production teams must wait for inventory updates while orders pile up.
This is the reality for manufacturing businesses trying to grow with a disconnected system between their CRM and ERPs.
A recent Salesforce report says that 85% of manufacturing decision-makers say modernizing their daily operations is essential to staying competitive.
Manufacturing ERP is a new-age solution for marketers. These software models seamlessly integrate with CRMs to serve as a centralized system that efficiently manages facility operations, from production to payroll.
If you’re considering implementing Salesforce for your manufacturing business, you must know the best ERP to integrate it with for greater operational efficiency and to transform your manufacturing business end-to-end.
Why manufacturing businesses need ERP-Salesforce integration
Manufacturers often struggle with scattered data between their CRM and ERP systems. The sales team types in orders and customer information into Salesforce, then finance re-enters the same lines into ERP, wasting hours and inviting typos.
Statistics show that ERP systems drive a 23% increase in order-to-shipment times and 97% inventory accuracy. On the other hand, CRM helps you create personalised interactions and better marketing ROI. So, your business can offer a great experience with CRM and ERP integrations.
Besides this, here are some key benefits of ERP-CRM integration in manufacturing:
360-degree view of customers
The biggest reason manufacturing businesses struggle with backorders and overtime runs is a lack of transparency.
Integrating your ERP with CRM lets you enjoy a complete view of your customers. From accounting to finance, sales, and support, it offers total visibility and accuracy. That way, businesses efficiently track customer preferences and identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities with existing customers.
Consistent information
ERP and CRM systems store similar data on customer information. Therefore, CRM and ERP often have duplicate customer data.
However, the problem occurs because two systems update information separately, leading to duplicate information. When your CRM and ERP platforms work together, duplicate data becomes a thing of the past.
You can look forward to real-time, updated information with Salesforce and ERP integration.
Better employee collaboration
A connected and integrated CRM and ERP workforce enjoys the benefit of high productivity and efficiency. It can deliver extraordinary results because everyone is at the same pace.
According to the AON study, engaged teams can drive 17% higher productivity, resulting in 21% higher productivity.
Facilitate Smarter Selling
With a unified, comprehensive view of customer data and streamlined CRM integrations, manufacturers can effortlessly up-sell and cross-sell to their existing client base. They can leverage personalised email campaigns, segmented lists, and other sales enablement tools to maximise revenue from customers and distribution partners.
Features to look for in an ERP for Salesforce integration
When choosing an ERP software, the stakes are undoubtedly high. An ERP system will touch every department in your organisation, influencing how data flows, processes operate, and decisions are made across sales, finance, operations, and customer service.
That’s why we have listed down some key features to look for in an ERP Salesforce integration, including:
- Native Salesforce Connector: Select an ERP with a certified Salesforce AppExchange connector or native integration. Prebuilt connectors reduce coding, speed deployment, and ensure reliable upgrades, keeping integration costs and maintenance low.
- Real-Time Bi-Directional Sync: An ERP must provide real-time, two-way data synchronization so sales, finance, and operations consistently access accurate, updated customer, order, and inventory details, eliminating delays and preventing miscommunication between teams.
- Flexible Data Mapping: Choose software with drag-and-drop mapping tools and custom object support. Flexible field mapping simplifies aligning Salesforce and ERP data structures without extensive development, enabling quick adaptations to changing business needs.
- Robust API Support: A strong API framework supporting REST, JSON, and SOAP allows advanced workflows, scalable integrations, and mobile applications, empowering you to extend functionality and seamlessly integrate future third-party solutions.
- Advanced Security & Compliance: Ensure the ERP offers role-based access, SSO, OAuth 2.0, and encryption with certifications like SOC 2 or GDPR compliance to safeguard sensitive financial and customer data throughout every integration touchpoint.
- Workflow Automation: Look for built-in workflow engines that automate approvals, order processing, and invoicing. Compatibility with Salesforce Flow or Process Builder further reduces manual tasks, improving efficiency and eliminating operational bottlenecks.
- Error Monitoring & Alerts: Robust monitoring tools provide real-time alerts, retry queues, and detailed logs, ensuring quick detection and resolution of integration failures, maintaining system uptime and smooth business operations.
- High Scalability & Performance: The ERP should scale horizontally and handle high transaction volumes without performance issues. Proven load balancing ensures growing data demands and user numbers won’t slow integration or system responsiveness.
- Master Data Management: Comprehensive master data management features—deduplication, validation, and conflict resolution—maintain consistent, accurate product, pricing, and customer records across Salesforce and ERP, preventing errors and ensuring reliable business reporting.
- Cloud-Native & Mobile Ready: A multi-tenant, cloud-based ERP with mobile-friendly dashboards offers anywhere access, reduces infrastructure costs, and delivers future-proof flexibility, enabling teams to stay connected and productive regardless of location.
Best practices for a successful ERP integration with Salesforce
You’ve probably heard this before, but successful integration demands more than technical steps. It requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail.
The best practices outlined below are tried-and-tested based on our extensive Salesforce integration experience. They’ll also help you avoid the challenges we discussed previously.
Set business goals
Before embarking on the integration process, clarify what you want your ERP integration with Salesforce to achieve.
For instance, what do you want to achieve with this integration? Common objectives can include streamlining order processing, improving financial reporting, and reducing data silos across departments.
A clear understanding of your goal will guide your choice of integration tools and the type of data flow between them.
Choose the right integration method
A CRM-ERP integration connects two systems to foster seamless collaboration and data sharing. The three most common approaches are:
Custom APIs:
Custom APIs allow deep, tailored integration between CRM and ERP, without an intermediary platform.
In isolation, this can seem. However, this approach becomes exponentially complex as your needs grow. Each new integration point will require its connection, evolving into a ‘spaghetti architecture’ that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain and monitor.
Middleware/ iPaaS Solutions:
iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is a third-party, cloud-based solution that functions in its own environment. It is equally effective for cloud and on-premise ERP deployments.
iPaaS can be quicker and cost-effective to integrate with your systems. These are usually low-code or no-code, meaning it requires much of a technical background to implement. Moreover, they’re ideal for businesses with frequently changing systems and data flow requirements.
Why APPSeCONNECT iPaaS the Smart Choice?Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solutions like APPSeCONNECT provide ready-to-use connectors with built-in Salesforce and other industry-leading ERP platforms like SAP, MS Dynamics 365 Business Central, Uniconta, Monday, and more, including:
Unlike manual or custom-heavy integrations, it provides a low-code, scalable, and secure solution that accelerates digital transformation. |
Ensure data consistency and synchronization
One of the major challenges with Salesforce-ERP integration is ensuring that data remains consistent between the two systems. Data mismatches can lead to errors, confusion, and inefficiencies.
Some best practices include:
- Establish a clear data floor plan, defining which system acts as a “source of truth” for different types of data, such as customer master data in CRM and financials in ERP.
- Implement APIs, webhooks, or middleware that push updates instantly (or at short intervals).
- Create a detailed field-mapping document so CRM “Customer Name” always matches ERP “Client Name,” avoiding mismatched or duplicated data.
- Create policies for who can edit which fields. Role-based permissions reduce accidental overwrites.
Prioritize security and compliance
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive information such as customer data or financial records. The CRM-ERP integration should not expose vulnerabilities, and both systems should remain compliant with regulations like GDPR, HIPPA, and more.
Key security practices include:
- Make sure the data transfer between your CRM and ERP is encrypted.
- Implement role-based access to restrict sensitive data access to authorised persons only.
- To ensure accountability and traceability, run automated scripts or use data-quality tools to detect duplicates, orphan records, or outdated entries.
Top ERP systems that work well with Salesforce
In 2025, ERP systems will be essential for modern security teams, but integrating an ERP is rarely the hard part anymore; it’s finding the right vulnerability tool.
Here are some of the best options:
Oracle NetSuite ERP
Oracle NetSuite ERP gets the nod here for the best all-around ERP software because it excels on all fronts and is truly an all-in-one solution. It streamlines core processes and offers real-time operational and financial performance visibility.
NetSuite models are designed to cater to different industry domains. These modules and their corresponding features can be configured, extended, and customized according to specific industry requirements.
Key features:
- Streamlines the entire sales order process from quotation to fulfillment.
- Simplifies approvals, vendor selection, and purchase requisitions.
- Built-in CRM modules manage leads, opportunities, and customer interactions, ensuring seamless data flow between sales and finance.
- Customizable KPIs and role-based dashboards for instant insight.
- Uses historical data and trends to optimize stock levels and reduce carrying costs.
- Tracks inventory levels, demand, and supply across multiple locations in real time.
SAP Business
Systems, software, and Products in Data Processing Enterprise Resource Planning, or SAP ERP for short, is a modular business management and automation solution that maximizes efficiency and streamlines workflows.
Introducing SAP modules to apply to hundreds of specific use cases has encouraged seamless integration across departments, unifying all business operations from CRM to ERP.
Key features
- Automatic currency conversions and consolidated reporting across subsidiaries.
- Lead, opportunity, and customer activity tracking from prospect to post-sale service.
- Built-in tax and audit trails simplify GST/VAT filings and IFRS/GAAP reporting—ideal for companies expanding into multiple regulatory markets.
- Sales reps can see quotes, orders, open service tickets, and payment status in a single screen, enabling proactive upselling during client calls.
- Automates purchase orders, approvals, and supplier interactions.
- Lead, opportunity, and customer activity tracking from prospect to post-sale service.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
MS Dynamics NAV is a robust ERP software that helps businesses manage their end-to-end operations from one place.
Dynamics NAV is part of the Microsoft Dynamics suite, which contains ERP and CRM software. It covers areas such as warehouse management, business intelligence, financial management, retail and e-commerce, human resources, manufacturing, and distribution.
It gives businesses a comprehensive solution to handle all business operations, breaking down departmental silos for increased efficiency.
Key features:
- Exchange purchase orders, invoices, and shipment notices with suppliers and distributors without manual data entry.
- Sync product lifecycle data and shop-floor metrics to streamline BOM management, production scheduling, and quality control.
- Seamless export/import for advanced analysis and ad-hoc reporting without data loss.
- Centralize contracts, invoices, and HR documents for version control and easy access.
- Consolidate multi-channel sales and update stock levels instantly to prevent overselling.
Sage 300
Sage 300 has the best ERP solution. Its modern and up-to-date business accounting software supports the business processes of small and medium-sized companies globally.
Formerly known as Accpac, Sage 300 provides a centralized finance, inventory, distribution, and project management system. This ensures smoother workflows and better control over company resources. By consolidating these functions, Sage 300 reduces data duplication and enables real-time visibility into business performance.
Key features:
- Built-in dashboards with KPIs, financial analytics, and drill-down reports.
- Manage multiple companies, currencies, and languages in one platform with real-time consolidation and exchange-rate adjustments.
- Tracks stock across multiple locations, supports lot/serial control, and automates reorder and replenishment processes.
- Offers a 360-degree view of customer interactions for improved sales, service, and marketing efficiency.
- Expands easily as the business grows and integrates with eCommerce, payroll, and specialized applications.
- Provides role-based access control and full audit trails, and supports regional tax or GST compliance requirements.
How APPSeCONNECT Can Help?
With an over 21.8% share of the CRM market, Salesforce is used in literally every sphere, from non-profits to real estate, agriculture, and others. No other CRM vendor comes close to Salesforce’s size.
Businesses need a strong integration solution to streamline end-to-end operations from CRM to ERP. A robust and intelligent iPaaS solution, like APPSeCONNECT, can easily achieve seamless integration between CRM and ERP.
A low-code platform like APPSeCONNECT connects your ERP with business applications like CRM systems, eCommerce platforms, and accounting software. The intelligent pre-designed templates for connecting Salesforce with all industry-leading ERP platforms provide the fastest hybrid and cloud integration capabilities.
If you are a Salesforce user with multiple systems running your business, connect them seamlessly with Salesforce CRM under one roof with the best-in-class integration platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
ERP-Salesforce integration connects a business’s CRM system (Salesforce) with its ERP system to streamline operations. This integration allows for seamless data flow between sales, inventory, and finance departments, helping manufacturing businesses improve efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.
Integrating ERP with Salesforce provides several benefits for manufacturing businesses, including:
- Real-time data synchronization across departments.
- Improved decision-making with up-to-date information.
- Increased efficiency by automating processes such as order fulfillment, inventory management, and invoicing.
- Better customer insights for personalized sales and marketing strategies.
Top ERP systems that work seamlessly with Salesforce for manufacturing businesses include:
- Oracle NetSuite ERP
- SAP Business One
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV
- Sage 300
These ERPs support key manufacturing functions like inventory management, supply chain tracking, and order fulfillment, all while syncing data with Salesforce.
Sales funnel automation can be achieved by integrating Salesforce with your ERP system. This allows you to automate key tasks such as:
- Lead capture in Salesforce.
- Order processing in ERP.
- Customer relationship management.
Automation improves efficiency, reduces human error, and ensures accurate, real-time data across the entire sales process.
When selecting an ERP system for Salesforce integration, look for these features:
Native Salesforce Connector or certified integration tools.
Real-time bi-directional sync to keep data updated across both systems.
Flexible data mapping for easy customization.
Robust API support for future scalability.
Advanced security with role-based access and compliance certifications like GDPR.
ERP-Salesforce integration provides a single source of truth, allowing teams across departments (sales, finance, and operations) to work from the same set of accurate, real-time data. This enhances communication, reduces the risk of data silos, and improves collaboration, leading to better decision-making and faster response times.
Yes, even small manufacturing businesses can benefit from ERP-Salesforce integration. By automating sales and operational workflows, these businesses can:
- Streamline processes like order tracking, inventory management, and customer service.
- Improve data accuracy and efficiency without needing a large IT team.
- Scale their operations without adding manual effort.
Common challenges include:
- Data mismatches and duplicate entries between systems.
- Complex setup for custom integrations without prebuilt connectors.
- Security concerns when handling sensitive customer and financial data.
Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, robust API support, and data management strategies.
The time required for ERP-Salesforce integration depends on factors like:
- The complexity of your business operations.
- The ERP and Salesforce systems you’re using.
- Whether you use a pre-built connector or a custom solution.
Typically, integration can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the approach and resources involved.
Best practices include:
- Setting clear business goals before starting the integration.
- Choosing the right integration method (e.g., iPaaS or custom APIs).
- Ensuring data consistency with real-time synchronization.
- Prioritizing security and compliance with industry standards.
- Testing the integration regularly and optimizing workflows for efficiency.
