The verdict in three sentences
Syncing ERP and CRM removes double data entry, a major source of errors and lost time between sales and operations. The choice is between an iPaaS connector (rented monthly, standard) and a custom integration (bought once, bidirectional) at 18,000 to 45,000 EUR. Over three years, total cost of ownership often tips the decision.
iPaaS vs custom
An iPaaS (Boomi, Workato, Make) offers ready-made connectors billed by subscription, ideal to start fast. A custom integration requires upfront investment but finely handles field mapping, bidirectional sync and business rules, with no subscription growing with volume.
| Criterion | iPaaS connector | Custom integration |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | 2,000 - 8,000 EUR | 18,000 - 45,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost | 400 - 2,000 EUR/month | Maintenance 300 - 800 EUR/month |
| Delivery time | 3 - 6 weeks | 6 - 12 weeks |
| Bidirectional sync | Connector-dependent | Full |
| Complex field mapping | Limited | Unlimited |
| Transaction volume | Tiered billing | Unlimited |
| Solution ownership | No | Yes |
Total cost of ownership over 3 years
The headline price hides the essential: what you pay over time. Here is a 36-month comparison for average sync volume.
| Item | iPaaS (1,200 EUR/month) | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 5,000 EUR | 30,000 EUR |
| Subscription / maintenance over 3 years | 43,200 EUR | 18,000 EUR (500 EUR/month) |
| Volume overages | 3,000 - 8,000 EUR | 0 EUR |
| 3-year total (order of magnitude) | 51,200 - 56,200 EUR | 48,000 EUR |
| Ownership at the end | No | Yes |
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Sophie, IT director of a services SME in Toronto (40 sales reps, 900 synced customer accounts), gets a custom integration quoted at 30,000 EUR plus 500 EUR/month maintenance. Removing double entry saves 3 h/day across the admin team, i.e. about 60 h/month at 30 EUR/h, or 1,800 EUR/month. Net of maintenance, the gain is 1,300 EUR/month, paying back the project in 30,000 / 1,300 ≈ 23 months, while making customer data and reporting reliable.
FAQ
What does an ERP-CRM connector cost in 2026? An iPaaS runs 400-2,000 EUR/month; a custom integration 18,000-45,000 EUR plus maintenance of 300 to 800 EUR/month.
iPaaS or custom: which to choose? iPaaS starts fast and suits modest volumes; custom becomes cheaper over 3 years once volume or complexity rises.
What is bidirectional sync? Any change in the ERP reflects in the CRM and vice versa, ensuring a single source of truth without conflict.
How long to integrate? Three to six weeks for an iPaaS, and 6 to 12 weeks for a custom integration with full mapping.
What if an API changes? Maintenance covers exactly this risk: it keeps connectors up to date and fixes sync breaks quickly.
Let's scope your project. Share your ERP and CRM systems, the number of accounts to sync and an indicative budget, and we will frame the best integration. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
