Free CRM Vendor Capability Matrix & Evaluation Template
Compare CRM vendors against what your business actually needs, before the sales process shapes the evaluation. 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. We do not see or have access to your data.
The Matrix tab. Rename Vendor A, B and C to match your shortlist.
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.
4 = Out of the box · 3 = Partner solution · 2 = Customization · 1 = Unsupported
Vendors must also explain how they intend to satisfy each requirement, so you're comparing delivery approaches rather than yes/no claims.
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.
Four steps from shortlist to decision
Write and weight your requirements
List what the business needs, then set a priority on each so must-haves outweigh nice-to-haves.
Send it to vendors blind
Each vendor completes the same matrix without knowing who else is in the running.
Have them show their method
Vendors grade their own fit on each requirement and explain how they'd deliver it.
Verify, then evaluate
Validate each response through demonstrations, references and follow-up questions. The weighted scorecard gives your team objective evidence to compare vendors, but the highest score isn't automatically the right decision.
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.
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 the results provide a more objective foundation for your decision.
Built from real-world CRM evaluation experience
The methodology behind this matrix has been shaped through decades of CRM advisory and implementation work across organizations of different sizes and industries. It reflects a lesson we've seen repeatedly: the difficult part isn't determining whether a CRM can do something. It's understanding how it will do it, what that approach will cost, and what complexity your organization will inherit.
Get more out of the matrix
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.