Choosing the right CRM: NetSuite CRM vs HubSpot

In the digital age, selecting the perfect customer relationship management (CRM) system is pivotal for business success.

When choosing a CRM for a manufacturing business, two popular options stand out: NetSuite CRM and HubSpot. Both cater to different needs, offering unique features, pricing structures, and benefits. This guide compares these platforms to help you make an informed decision. 

What’s the main difference between HubSpot and NetSuite CRM?

NetSuite CRM and HubSpot both provide robust CRM capabilities but differ in focus and functionality. 

• HubSpot specializes in marketing, sales, and customer service. It’s ideal for businesses aiming to improve customer acquisition and engagement. It also offers great features for managing leads and marketing automation.

• NetSuite CRM is part of Oracles ERP system. This means it integrates seamlessly with other Oracle business tools, offering a holistic view of business operations. It’s better suited for larger enterprises that require the integration of business management, CRM, analytics, and more.

If you’re deciding between these platforms, consider HubSpot as a focused CRM tool, while NetSuite serves as an all-in-one ERP solution.  

HubSpot: A comprehensive CRM for marketing-focused teams

HubSpot stands out as a powerful ally for SMBs looking to streamline marketing and sales efforts. Its user-friendly design and robust features ensure teams can focus on building relationships and driving growth, rather than navigating complex systems. Let’s take a closer look at its key capabilities. 

Key features of HubSpot CRM 

HubSpot excels in marketing automation and customer relationship management, making it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs): 

• Marketing automation — Tools to create campaigns, automate emails, and track customer journeys
• Lead nurturing — Advanced segmentation and workflows to guide leads through the sales funnel
• Integrations — Access to over 1,000 apps, including Slack, Zoom, and Shopify
• Ease of use — Intuitive design with a minimal learning curve
• AI tools — Predictive lead scoring, content suggestions, and workflow optimization 

Pricing for HubSpot CRM 

HubSpot offers a free CRM plan for small businesses, with premium tiers starting at $15/month per user. Costs increase with additional features and users. Transparent pricing is available on their website. 

AI-powered advantages 

HubSpot’s AI tools streamline marketing and sales efforts: 

• Content optimization for emails, blogs, and social media
• Chatbots to handle customer inquiries and capture leads
• Predictive lead scoring to prioritize sales efforts
• Workflow optimization to enhance team efficiency

NetSuite CRM: The ERP-integrated powerhouse

NetSuite CRM combines the capabilities of customer relationship management with the operational power of ERP. This integration empowers businesses to streamline processes, gain deeper customer insights, and scale efficiently while leveraging advanced tools like AI-driven analytics.

Key features of NetSuite CRM

NetSuite CRM integrates with its ERP, making it a robust solution for businesses requiring complex operational management:

• ERP integration — Seamless connection between sales, inventory, and financial data
• Sales forecasting — Tools for revenue prediction and inventory management
• Customer insights — Comprehensive data on customer behaviors
• Customization — Tailored workflows and reports for large enterprises
• AI tools — Predictive analytics for demand planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation

Pricing for NetSuite CRM 

NetSuite follows a custom, quote-based pricing model. Implementation and training costs can be significant, but its modular structure allows businesses to scale features as they grow. 

AI-powered advantages 

NetSuite leverages AI for operational efficiency:

• Predictive analytics for market trends
• Demand planning to optimize production schedules
• Financial forecasting for budget automation
• Resource allocation for efficient departmental collaboration

Direct comparison: NetSuite CRM vs. HubSpot

Combining HubSpot and Katana for manufacturing efficiency 

For businesses dealing with physical products, HubSpot lacks native inventory management tools, but integration with Katana Cloud Platform bridges the gap. Katana handles inventory and production, while HubSpot manages customer relationships.

Katana’s integration with HubSpot enables you to:

1. Import orders from HubSpot to Katana
2. Update inventory levels between systems for accurate sales data
3. Trigger inventory updates or production schedules based on HubSpot sales activities
4. Combine manufacturing and sales data for comprehensive reporting
5. Update customers on order status using HubSpot’s email tools

Which CRM should you choose? 

The choice between NetSuite CRM and HubSpot depends on your business priorities: 

• Choose HubSpot if you prioritize marketing, sales, and ease of use for SMBs. 
• Choose NetSuite if you need a comprehensive ERP solution for large-scale operations. 

For manufacturers, pairing HubSpot with Katana can create an efficient system for managing both customer relationships and production workflows. Evaluate your business needs carefully to select the CRM that aligns best with your goals.

If you need more information about how Katana connects with HubSpot and helps you better manage your inventory and customers, book a demo now.

James Humphreys

Head of Content Marketing

James Humphreys has produced content on manufacturing and inventory management practices for 6+ years. He began his journey into writing via the creative industry, writing and producing plays, some of which toured the UK and Europe.