A spreadsheet is not a moral failure.
Use the simplest system that can reliably hold the process you actually have.
A spreadsheet is still fine when
- One or two people use it
- The process is simple
- There are not many handoffs
- You do not need automatic reminders or activity history
- Everyone agrees which file is the real one
A CRM starts earning its keep when
- Leads need owners and follow-up dates
- Several people touch the same customer
- You need activity history
- Pipeline status matters
- You want triggers, reminders or integrations
The real warning sign
It is not row count. It is behavior. When people keep making private copies, adding hidden color codes and asking “which version is current?”, the spreadsheet is no longer the simple option.
Do not migrate chaos
A CRM will faithfully preserve a messy process at greater expense. Decide what the stages and ownership rules should be before importing everything.
Talk to us about your workflow
You do not need to know the technology. Start with what is taking too long or falling through the cracks.
Start there