We haven't written in detail about Frappe CRM yet, which is one of Frappe's products, built entirely from scratch—just like they continuously develop ERPNext alongside other Frappe products.
We must admit that the built-in CRM solution of ERPNext is not the most convenient, unlike its other modules, which are highly user-friendly. For this reason, we haven't really used it.
But what about the new Frappe CRM? The truth is, we hadn't used it until now either because, as with most new software releases, there can be minor or major issues at the beginning. To avoid such problems, we decided to wait, and we also waited for certain features to be introduced.
However, we have now reached a new milestone, so not only have we reassessed it, but we have also implemented and actively started using it.
In our view, the sales process inherently includes quotation and contract details, so we don’t consider any CRM software good enough if it doesn’t allow for quotation creation. That’s why we like the approach of the new Frappe CRM, where the sales process is split precisely at this phase:
That is, Frappe CRM does not create quotes—it only handles contacts (which are integrated into ERPNext, although it can be used independently), leads, and deals. Nevertheless, there is an option to initiate a quotation process from Frappe CRM, handing it over to ERPNext while keeping all the information connected.
Another interesting integration aspect is that, while Frappe CRM can be used without ERPNext, if you do want to connect the two, there are two options:
- Install it directly alongside ERPNext.
- Treat it as a separate, independent instance, with a "remote" connection.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it's worth considering. However, installing it directly alongside ERPNext may be more practical, as it simplifies managing incoming and outgoing emails throughout the entire administrative process.
Conversely, when it comes to Frappe Helpdesk, which is a support/ticketing system, a separate installation is recommended. Due to the expected high number of transactions and the fact that it primarily serves existing clients requiring login access, an independent setup makes more sense.
Another exciting feature of Frappe CRM is its PWA (Progressive Web App) solution, which was mentioned in a previous post. It works perfectly on mobile devices, yet it doesn’t need to be installed from an app store, nor is it just a mobile browser-based solution. We absolutely love it!
One reason we’ve always been fans of Frappe products is their flexibility. This is a solid CRM foundation, but with Frappe Framework and ERPNext behind it, we can easily tailor it to our needs. For example, we've expanded it with key information storage features—without any development, just with a few clicks on the interface.
Different categorization options may be necessary, such as market classification, contact methods, and more.
Continuous improvements are being made, so any missing features might soon be added. Thanks to the Frappe Desk foundation, it’s still perfectly usable even if certain functionalities haven’t yet been moved to the new UI.