lutz logo
lutz logo
  • Services
  • News & Insights
  • About
  • Client Portal
Search
  • Services
  • Accounting
  • Advisory
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
  • Accounting Services
Services
  • Audit & Assurance
  • Client Advisory Services
  • Outsourced Accounting
  • Tax
  • Business Valuation
  • Litigation Support & Forensic
View All
Industries
  • Agribusiness
  • Construction
  • Family Office
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing & Distribution
  • Nonprofit
View All
News & Insights
Financial Access Checklist
Guide
Financial Access Checklist

Share this information with your spouse to assure you each have access to manage important financial tasks independently.

Read More
  • Advisory Services
Services
  • Accounting
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
View All
Resources
The Art of Budgeting
Recording
The Art of Budgeting + Smart Saving Strategies
Learn how to get your finances under control and increase your savings! Hear real-life examples and best practices to secure a successful future.
Watch Now
Business Insights
Comparing Business Valuation Methods
Blog
Comparing Business Valuation Methods: Which is Right for You?
Valuation experts rely on three primary approaches to determine the value of a business: income approach, asset approach, and market approach.
Read More
  • Financial Services
Services
  • Financial Planning
  • Investment Advisory
  • Retirement Plan Services
  • Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan
View All
Resources
  • Lutz Financial Blog
  • Our Team
  • Client Portal
  • Charles Schwab Login
  • Send Files Securely
Contact Us
NEWS & INSIGHTS
Website Featured Content Images
Market Commentary
Financial Market Updates

Read our latest financial market updates and sign up to receive them straight to your inbox.

Read More
  • M&A Services
Services
  • Sell-Side Representation
  • Transaction Advisory
  • Exit Planning
  • Business Valuation
View All
Resources
Selling a C Corporation
Blog
Factors to Consider When Selling a C Corporation

Understand the tax issues affecting both buyers and sellers involved in C corporation merger and acquisition transactions

Read More
Business Insights
Post-Acquisition Checklist
Guide
Post-Acquisition Checklist for a Seamless Transition
To help you navigate this critical period, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist covering key areas that demand attention after the deal closes. 
Read More
  • Talent Services
Services
  • Search & Staffing
  • Outsourced HR
  • HR Consulting
View All
Candidate Resources
  • Job Seeker Process
  • Current Opportunities
  • Lutz Internships
Contact Us
News & Insights
Overcoming Bias in Recruitment
Blog
Unconscious Bias in Recruitment: How to Overcome It
Learn how to take the bias out of recruitment and build a diverse, talented workforce with these tips.
Read More
  • Tech Services
Services
  • Outsourced IT
  • Data Analytics
  • Technology Strategy
  • Software Consulting
View All
Resources
When to outsource your IT
Blog
How to Know When It's Time to Partner with an IT Pro

One day your technology seems manageable, and the next you're wondering if you need more support. Here are the clear signs it's time to outsource your IT.

Read More
Business Insights
Untitled design (1)-Mar-08-2024-08-50-35-9527-PM
Video
Pella Client Testimonial
"I've used them for valuation work, stock transfers, hosting all of my technology, and now data analytics. I'd say they lead the pack in terms of anticipating what I'm going to need before I even know I need it."
View Now
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
Webinars & Events
Events
Register Today

Register for an upcoming event or access our library of on-demand recordings.

View All
Market Updates
COMMENTARY
Stay Informed

Catch up on market moves with our weekly update, featuring in-depth insights and analysis.

View All
Resources
EBOOKS & GUIDES
Download Now

Take a deep dive into challenging business topics with these free educational resources. 

View All
  • News & Insights
  • Business Insights
  • Webinars & Events
  • Market Updates
  • Resources
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
  • About
About

Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success.

Our Company
Our Team
Offices
Careers
Internships
Contact Us
  • Contact
Client Portal

Log in to your relevant client portal to access your account, upload documents, or make a payment.

Make a Payment
Accounting Client Portal
Financial Client Portal
Charles Schwab Login
Send Files Securely
Contact Us
  • Tech

4 Things to Know Before Selecting a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Ryan Wade, Tech Director
August 25, 2021
4 Things to Know Before Selecting a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

At Lutz Tech, we help companies with software strategies, implementation, and support of core systems. Our clients typically look to us for help in reducing duplicate data entry, automating processes, or enhancing data and reporting capabilities. Over the last five years, we have seen more businesses choosing solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce as the foundation of their software strategy. Here are four things you need to know when considering these Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

 

1. Functionality and Features

The capabilities of customer relationship management systems, or CRM’s, have evolved well beyond just managing a sales pipeline. Our clients utilize CRMs to streamline processes for sales, marketing, operations and finance. Today’s CRM platforms are flexible databases that can help you manage data for your key relationships, products and team. In many cases, the best of breed CRM platforms are being implemented in lieu of ground up custom software application build-outs. They offer the majority of functionality that businesses need “out-of-the-box” while providing the ability to configure or customize the solutions to meet your needs.

For most businesses, the differences between the most popular CRM solutions are relatively small. The decision of which is right for your business typically comes down to cost, integration with other systems, and preference for how they look and feel.

 

2. Cost

One of the largest considerations for any business is the cost to get the system up and running as well as maintain it. The primary costs can be broken down into the cost of implementation, licensing, and ongoing support. The estimated cost will come down to your specific needs. However, it can be helpful to have reasonable expectations during your review.

It is understandable to want to try the software before purchasing, but few clients are able to implement a CRM package on their own. Therefore, consultants are typically involved in helping configure the system to your business and, in some cases, customize the software to meet your needs. Consultant costs range anywhere from $125-$250 per hour, depending on the system and requirements. On average, we have found the first phase of implementation to cost around $25,000-$50,000.

Licensing costs for these systems vary based on permissions and capabilities. Microsoft Dynamics’ monthly licensing is generally $65-$95 per user and Salesforce $75-$150 per user. The platforms also offer lower-cost licensing options for users interested in more limited usability. In addition, most CRM’s provide non-profit licensing discounts ranging from $30-$50 per user per month.

 

3. Integrations

Integration capabilities are another critical consideration when researching CRM platforms. The ability to push, pull and sync data with other systems allows you to reduce redundant data entry and use your CRM as a “source of truth” for customer data. Microsoft, Salesforce, and NetSuite have all built developer-friendly application programming interface layers, or APIs, that make it possible for your systems to talk.

The benefits of systems playing nicely together are clear. However, building and maintaining these integrations requires a deliberate data and process strategy.

 

4. Ongoing support

The hardest part of any CRM implementation is the final 10%. This is the point where budget and timeline constraints hit the team, and a hard look at what is in and out of scope becomes reality. There are often features or workflows that you hope to implement that will be pushed to later dates. In addition, regardless of how well you plan, there will be changes that you want after the team starts working in the system. The changes required may include small tweaks that your team can handle or more complex changes that require ongoing development support. With this in mind, we recommend two things to increase the success of your project.

The first is that your team members get involved during the implementation process. This allows your team to be trained in making changes to the system while you have the oversight of consultants.

The second is that you retain the contractors for at least three months following the system going live. This typically requires a retainer of hours that can be used for bug fixes, ongoing training, and configuration changes.

 

We are here to help

Our team is ready to assist whether you need help evaluating your options or understanding your current software. The first step involves a short call to discuss your needs to advise you on the right path. For questions or to learn more about our Lutz Tech services, please contact us.

  • Strategic, Individualization, Futuristic, Ideation, Arranger

Ryan Wade

Tech Director

Ryan Wade, Tech Director, began his career in 1996. With a well-rounded background spanning finance, marketing, and technology, he brings a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of how to align modern solutions with real business needs. His experience across industries allows him to connect the dots and deliver practical, value-driven outcomes for clients. 

Bringing a unique blend of technology expertise and business experience, Ryan works alongside clients and internal teams to identify and implement solutions that streamline operations and support long-term growth. His responsibilities include guiding software selection, modernizing outdated systems, implementing automation, and enhancing reporting capabilities. 

 

At Lutz, Ryan leads the ongoing development and support of ThreadWorks, the firm’s secure, centralized document management platform that streamlines document exchange and improves the overall client experience. He also serves on the firm’s Tax and Audit Policy Committees, contributing to innovation efforts that improve service delivery across divisions. His ability to think strategically and bring structure to evolving initiatives continues to drive progress across the firm. 

 

Ryan lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife, Tiffany, and children, Ethan and Veronica. Outside the office, you can find him playing guitar, golfing, working out, and being a loyal Jaysker. 

402.778.7958

rwade@lutz.us

Connect on LinkedIn

Recent News & Insights

Accounting
Tax Highlights of the Proposed “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”
On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping 1,116-page bill titled ...
Read More
Recent News
Lutz Announces Redemption of Ron Nebbia’s Shares
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, announces the redemption of ownership held by ...
Read More
Market Commentary
2025 Has Been a Boring Year + 5.14.25
2025 Has Been a Boring Year Imagine you went to sleep on New Year’s Eve and just woke up ...
Read More
Job Seeker
5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Employment
Let’s face it, job searching can be a rollercoaster. One moment you're motivated, the next ...
Read More
module-bg-desktop module-bg-mobile

Let’s get you where you want to go.

We work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions, and confidently focus on the things that are truly important to you. We embrace your business as our own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive.
Contact Us
Lutz-Logo-white
  • Services
    • Accounting
    • Consulting
    • Financial
    • M&A
    • Talent
    • Tech
  • About
    • Our Company
    • Our Team
    • Offices
    • Careers
    • Internships
    • Current Opportunities
  • Client Portal
    • Make a Payment
    • Accounting Client Portal
    • Financial Client Portal
    • Send Files Securely
    Submit RFP
TOLL-FREE: 866.577.0780 | © Lutz & company, PC 2025 | Privacy Policy
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Twitter - X Logo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook