Getting started · LessonBy Ravi M, SAP Trainer, 10 yrs · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels
SAP vs Salesforce
SAP and Salesforce are often compared but are really strongest in different domains: SAP in back-office ERP, Salesforce in front-office CRM. They frequently coexist and integrate rather than compete head-on.
Quick answer
They are complementary more than competitive: use SAP for the operational and financial core and Salesforce for customer engagement, connected via integration.
Key takeaways
- Core focus: SAP is ERP (finance, supply chain, operations); Salesforce is CRM (sales, service, marketing).
- Overlap: SAP offers CX/CRM (SAP Sales/Service Cloud) and Salesforce touches some operational areas, but their centres of gravity…
- Data model: SAP is the system of record for transactions and inventory; Salesforce for customer relationships and pipeline.
- Watch out: Assuming one is universally better, fit depends on your needs.
How they differ
- Core focus: SAP is ERP (finance, supply chain, operations); Salesforce is CRM (sales, service, marketing).
- Overlap: SAP offers CX/CRM (SAP Sales/Service Cloud) and Salesforce touches some operational areas, but their centres of gravity differ.
- Data model: SAP is the system of record for transactions and inventory; Salesforce for customer relationships and pipeline.
- Integration: many enterprises run both, integrating Salesforce front-office with SAP back-office.
Which to choose
They are complementary more than competitive: use SAP for the operational and financial core and Salesforce for customer engagement, connected via integration. The "versus" is usually really an "and".
Common pitfalls
- Assuming one is universally better, fit depends on your needs.
- Comparing on price alone, capability and fit matter more.
- Ignoring integration with your existing systems.
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 3
Which statement is true of SAP vs Salesforce?
Frequently asked questions
What does the term SAP vs Salesforce refer to in SAP?
SAP and Salesforce are often compared but are really strongest in different domains: SAP in back-office ERP, Salesforce in front-office CRM. They frequently coexist and integrate rather than compete head-on.
What is another point to note about SAP vs Salesforce?
They are complementary more than competitive: use SAP for the operational and financial core and Salesforce for customer engagement, connected via integration.
What else is worth knowing about SAP vs Salesforce?
Core focus: SAP is ERP (finance, supply chain, operations); Salesforce is CRM (sales, service, marketing). Overlap: SAP offers CX/CRM (SAP Sales/Service Cloud) and Salesforce touches some operational areas, but their centres of gravity differ. Data model: SAP is the system of record for…
What tends to go wrong with SAP vs Salesforce?
Assuming one is universally better, fit depends on your needs. Comparing on price alone, capability and fit matter more. Ignoring integration with your existing systems.