Free template

The CRM Vendor Capability Matrix

Score every CRM vendor against what your business actually needs, before a sales deck decides for you. It's the same matrix we use in paid engagements.

Free, no sign-up. Excel file, 110 KB. Copying to Google Sheets saves your own editable copy to your Google Drive.

The Matrix tab: business requirements with importance ratings and a description, and columns for each vendor's score, method and weighted score

The Matrix tab. Rename Vendor A, B and C to match your shortlist.

What's inside

Everything you need to compare vendors on evidence

Every vendor says yes to everything, and by the third demo they blur together. The matrix turns each claim into a graded answer you can compare side by side.

163 pre-built requirements

Twelve categories, from core CRM and sales to security, administration and vendor commercials. Edit, delete or add your own.

Priority weighting

Mark each requirement High, Medium or Low, so a vendor that's strong on the wrong things can't win on volume.

Blind, self-grade then verify

Vendors score themselves and explain their method without seeing each other. You check before a score counts.

A Results tab that scores itself

Weighted totals for every category and vendor update as you score, so you end with a decision you can defend.

How to use it

Four steps from shortlist to decision

  1. Write and weight your requirements

    List what the business needs, then set a priority on each so must-haves outweigh nice-to-haves.

  2. Send it to vendors blind

    Each vendor completes the same matrix without knowing who else is in the running.

  3. Have them show their method

    Vendors grade their own fit on each requirement and explain how they'd deliver it.

  4. Verify, then score

    Check each grade against demos and references. The weighted scorecard names the strongest fit.

Read the full method

StrataNorth helped us find the right CRM fit for our organization, the licensing and the platform both. We made the call with confidence instead of guesswork.

Louise J. Elliott, EVP, Port Electronics Corporation

Independent by design

We have no software to sell you and no preferred vendor behind the recommendation. The matrix is built around what your business needs, which is why you can trust the score.

Choose your CRM on evidence

Score your shortlist the way an independent advisor would.

Free, no sign-up.

Not sure your team is ready to compare vendors yet?

Take the 3-minute CRM Readiness Assessment first.