Managing manufacturing operations is no small feat.
You’ve got quotes to send, production timelines to manage, sales orders coming in from different channels, and teams trying to keep everything on track. And somewhere in there, you’re expected to keep customers happy and forecast next quarter’s pipeline, too.
If your current system includes spreadsheets, email threads, sticky notes, and maybe a whiteboard, then it’s time for an upgrade. You don’t need more tools. You need the right one.
The right CRM helps you stay on top of all the moving parts by allowing you to:
- Track and convert leads faster.
- Streamline quoting and order management.
- Give your team better visibility across departments.
- Keep customer relationships and production timelines on track.
We’ve rounded up seven of the best CRM options for manufacturers of all sizes, so no matter how you run your operation, there’s a tool here to help you stay on top of it all.
What to look for in a CRM for manufacturing
When you’re ready to pick the right CRM software for your business, not just any system will do. The manufacturing industry has its own set of challenges, including long sales cycles, complex product specs, coordination with distributors, and the ongoing need to improve customer satisfaction.
A strong manufacturing CRM system should do more than just store contact information. It should help you streamline operations, remove bottlenecks, and optimize everything from lead generation to final delivery. Here’s what to look for to ensure your CRM meets your business needs.
Functionality built for manufacturers
Your CRM system should support how your manufacturing business works. This includes managing detailed sales cycles, handling quote-to-order processes, and tracking technical product data. A manufacturing CRM helps you centralize specs, pricing, shipping schedules, and distributor details in one place.
Quote-to-order automation
You need to move fast when sending quotes. Look for CRM software that lets you create and send detailed quotes, track approvals, and quickly convert those quotes into sales orders. That way, you can cut down on errors, reduce delays, and increase profitability.
Integration with ERP and accounting tools
Your CRM should connect smoothly with ERP or accounting software such as QuickBooks. This connection helps your quoting, billing, and inventory data stay aligned, so everyone has access to accurate information.
Lead generation and contact management
The right CRM should support easy lead capture from websites, referrals, or events. It should also keep your contact management organized by tracking customers, leads, and distributors in one view, making it easier for your team to follow up on opportunities and close deals more consistently.
Sales and marketing automation
Manual tasks eat up valuable time. Look for a manufacturing CRM system with marketing automation features that handle follow-up emails, status reminders, and regular customer updates. These tools help your team stay productive and professional throughout every customer interaction.
Visibility across departments
All teams need access to the same data, from sales to production and customer support. A CRM system built for the manufacturing industry provides shared visibility into quotes, order statuses, and timelines, improving internal communication and helping avoid missed steps or duplicated work.
Customizable to fit your business needs
Manufacturers vary widely in the way they operate. Your CRM software should allow you to customize fields, workflows, and reports to match your specific processes and requirements.
Track every customer interaction
Customer satisfaction depends on your ability to respond quickly and clearly. Your CRM should log every email, call, note, and service request so that your team always knows what has been said and done.
Performance tracking and profitability insights
A good CRM system gives you a look into the health of your business. Look for reporting and dashboard tools that help you evaluate sales performance, identify slow spots in your pipeline, and track profitability across products or accounts.
Scalability and long-term support
Your CRM needs to grow with your business. Whether you are expanding your team, adding new services, or bringing in more distributors, the system should handle it without requiring a full overhaul. Choose CRM software backed by a support team that offers training and updates over time.
A CRM system that meets the demands of the manufacturing industry does more than organize data. It helps you close deals faster, work smarter across teams, and deliver better service at every stage. The right CRM improves customer interaction, boosts customer satisfaction, and helps your business stay competitive and efficient over the long term.
7 best CRMs for manufacturing
The right CRM software helps you manage relationships from the first inquiry to the final delivery. It improves the way your team members communicate, supports your marketing campaigns, and helps you stay on top of every step in the manufacturing process. Most importantly, it boosts operational efficiency and gives you the tools to build stronger customer retention over time.
In this section, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best CRMs for manufacturing. Whether you run a small custom shop or a high-volume operation, these tools will help you stay focused, close more deals, and scale with confidence.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Method CRM — Best CRM software for manufacturers using QuickBooks
If your business relies on QuickBooks, Method CRM is a top pick. It syncs directly with QuickBooks, so you avoid duplicate data entry when managing quotes, invoices, and customer details.
Method gives you more than just a QuickBooks connection. It also lets you customize user-friendly workflows to match how your production floor and sales team oversee lead management.
Key features:
- Two-way QuickBooks sync.
- Custom quote and order forms.
- Follow-up automation and task tracking.
- Customer self-serve portals.
Why manufacturers like it:
- Easily turn a quote into a job or invoice.
- Add custom fields to track specs, materials, or order types.
- Give your sales and production teams one shared system.
Method is the best CRM for manufacturers who use QuickBooks and want a solution that fits their business processes like a glove.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟢 Best-in-class, two-way, real-time sync with QuickBooks Online & Desktop. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟢 Easily build custom workflows for quoting, orders, and production—no developer needed. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🟢 Let’s customers approve quotes, track orders, and pay invoices online. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🟢 Supports syncing across multiple QuickBooks companies—rare among CRMs. |
2. Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud — Best for large operations
Salesforce is one of the most powerful all-in-one CRMs on the market. Its Manufacturing Cloud edition has CRM features for large manufacturers with complex sales and operations processes.
Key features:
- Account-based forecasting tools.
- Contract and rebate tracking.
- Real-time collaboration across teams.
- Integration with ERP and supply chain tools.
Why manufacturers like it:
- Helps sales and production stay aligned with real-time demand forecasting.
- Combines pricing, product configurations, and customer information.
- Offers dashboards that show sales and inventory status.
Salesforce has everything you need, but it comes with a higher cost and a steeper learning curve. It works best for large companies with dedicated IT or CRM staff.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Available via third-party apps, but setup is complex and often requires developer support. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟢 Strong, flexible workflows using Flow Builder, though often need admin or dev expertise. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🟢 Available through Experience Cloud, but adds cost and complexity. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported—no native multi-entity QuickBooks sync. |
3. Zoho CRM — Best for affordable customization
Zoho CRM is a budget-friendly option that works well for manufacturers who want customization without a heavy price tag. It is not built just for manufacturing, but it is flexible enough to get the job done.
Key features:
- Deal and pipeline management.
- Automated workflows.
- Custom fields and layouts.
- Built-in quote and inventory tools for better lead tracking.
Why manufacturers like it:
- You can create workflows that match your quoting and order process.
- Automate follow-ups and customer engagement points.
- Integrates with Zoho Inventory and Zoho Books.
Zoho is great for small to medium manufacturers who want control without complexity.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Connects through Zoho Books or third-party tools; typically one-way and not real-time. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟢 Good automation tools and Blueprint workflow automation feature; can extend further using Zoho Creator. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🟡 Available via Zoho Creator or Desk; not native in the core CRM. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported—no multi-company QuickBooks sync. |
4. HubSpot CRM — Best for customer service and marketing
HubSpot CRM is easy to use and comes with strong tools for managing leads, email marketing, and customer support. If your manufacturing business wants better communication with leads and customers, this is a solid choice.
Key features:
- Email tracking and marketing tools.
- Shared inbox for customer messages.
- Quoting and deal management.
- Customizable dashboards.
Why manufacturers like it:
- Sends automatic emails after quotes or service calls.
- Keeps sales and support records in one place.
- Offers free and paid plans depending on your needs.
HubSpot CRM is a good option for manufacturers that want simple tools to improve customer experience.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Connects through third-party apps; limited native accounting sync. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟡 Good marketing and sales automation, but quoting and order workflows are limited. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🟡 Limited to chatbots or forms; no built-in invoicing or order portal. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported—does not manage multiple QuickBooks companies. |
5. MRPeasy — Best CRM and ERP in one for small shops
MRPeasy is more than just a CRM. It’s a light ERP system that also includes CRM tools. That makes it perfect for small manufacturers who want one system to manage sales, production, and inventory.
Key features:
- CRM with quoting and sales orders.
- Bill of materials and inventory tracking.
- Production scheduling and planning.
- Purchasing and supplier tracking.
Why manufacturers like it:
- Everything is in one place — no switching between tools.
- Sales and production teams stay aligned.
- Good for small manufacturers who need both CRM and ERP.
MRPeasy is a strong pick if you want full business management tools without going full enterprise.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Syncs with QuickBooks Online; focused on accounting, not CRM-level integration. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟡 Some configurable processes, but less flexible than CRM-specific tools. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🔴 Not available—lacks a customer-facing portal. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported—no native multi-entity sync. |
6. Pipedrive — Best for sales-focused manufacturers
Pipedrive is a visual CRM with an easy-to-use sales pipeline. If your manufacturing business focuses heavily on sales and quoting, this system helps you stay organized and on track.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop pipeline view.
- Activity reminders and automations.
- Quote tracking and document sharing.
- Calendar and email integration.
Why manufacturers like it:
- Keeps quotes and deals moving without confusion.
- Quick to learn and simple to manage.
- Works well for small to mid-sized sales teams.
Pipedrive is best for manufacturers focused on selling, not complex production management.
| Feature | Available? |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Limited integration through Zapier or other connectors; not real-time or deep. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟡 Good for pipeline automation, but limited outside of sales flows. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🔴 Not available—no portal for quotes, orders, or payments. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported—no multi-company QuickBooks sync. |
7. Odoo — Best open-source option for total control
Odoo is an open-source platform that offers a full suite of business tools, including CRM, manufacturing, inventory, and accounting. It is flexible, powerful, and designed for companies that want to build a fully tailored system.
Key features:
- CRM with custom workflows.
- Manufacturing and MRP modules.
- Inventory and purchase tools.
- Open-source with optional cloud hosting.
Why manufacturers use it:
- Build exactly the system you want.
- Use one platform for all departments.
- Great for businesses with technical teams.
Odoo is ideal for manufacturers that need deep customization and want one system for everything.
| Feature | Available |
| QuickBooks integration (depth + real-time) | 🟡 Not native; requires third-party connectors or using Odoo’s own accounting module. |
| No-code custom workflows | 🟢 Highly customizable workflows across modules, but often need technical expertise. |
| Customer self-service portal | 🟢 Built-in portal for customers to view quotes, orders, and invoices. |
| Multi-QuickBooks company sync | 🔴 Not supported — no QuickBooks-focused multi-company sync. |
How these CRMs compare at a glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you find the best fit for your manufacturing business.
| CRM | Best For | QuickBooks Sync | Customization | ERP Features | Price Range |
| Method CRM | QuickBooks users needing control | Yes | High | No | $$ |
| Salesforce | Large manufacturers with IT teams | (via apps) | Very High | (add-ons) | $$$$ |
| Zoho CRM | Budget-friendly, flexible setup | Yes | High | (via add-ons) | $ |
| HubSpot CRM | Easy-to-use customer service and marketing | Yes | Medium | No | Free–$$$ |
| MRPeasy | Small manufacturers needing ERP and CRM | No | Medium | Built-in | $$ |
| Pipedrive | Sales-focused teams | Yes | Medium | No | $ |
| Odoo | Full control with open-source tech | custom only | Very High | Built-in | $$–$$$ |
Choose the CRM that fits your floor
Choosing the best CRM for manufacturing depends on your size, systems, and how your team works.
If you use QuickBooks and want a CRM that fits into your quoting and invoicing process without the hassle, go with Method CRM. If you’re managing complex production or need ERP features, Salesforce, MRPeasy, or Odoo could be better choices.
For those just getting started, Zoho, HubSpot, or Pipedrive offer simple setups.
The right CRM gives you better visibility, fewer headaches, and a smoother path from lead to production to happy customer.
Ready to bring your quotes, customer data, and sales process into one smart system?
Start your free trial of Method CRM and build a workflow that works as hard as you do.
With the right tools in place, you can stop chasing spreadsheets and start focusing on what matters: growing your business.
