App patchwork
Separate subscriptions for CRM, jobs, inventory and reporting.
QuickBooks alternative
When QuickBooks plus spreadsheets stops scaling.
QuickBooks is excellent for bookkeeping. But it isn't built to run your sales pipeline, job scheduling, stock or operations, so growing businesses end up bolting on apps and spreadsheets. CRM Lab builds the operational system QuickBooks was never meant to be, and keeps it in sync.
- Fixed price, written scope
- You own 100% of the code
- No per-seat licences
The problem
Sound familiar?
Limited operations
Job costing, stock and scheduling stretched beyond what the tool is for.
Manual reporting
Exporting to Excel to see real margins.
Growing pains
More staff, more workarounds, more errors.
What we build
One system, shaped around your business.
Only the modules you need, connected from day one, with AI built into the workflow.
CRM & quoting
Leads, quotes and customer history connected to your invoices.
Operations
Jobs, stock and purchasing in one place.
QuickBooks sync
Invoices, payments and customers synced both ways.
Margin reporting
True job and customer profitability in real time.
Not sure what you need? We'll map it with you on a free 30-minute call.
Compare
QuickBooks vs CRM Lab
| QuickBooks | CRM Lab | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Accounting + bolt-on apps | One operational system + your accounts |
| Subscriptions | Several, per user | One fixed build, no per-user fees |
| Reporting | Exports to Excel | Live dashboards |
| AI | Limited | Built into daily workflows |
When QuickBooks is enough
For bookkeeping, VAT and payroll QuickBooks is a strong choice, and we usually recommend keeping it. We replace the patchwork of apps and spreadsheets around it, not your accounting.
How it works
From first call to go-live in weeks.
- Free systems audit30 minutes to map your tools, costs and pain points.
- Written scope & fixed priceExactly what we'll build, when, and for how much.
- Build in two-week sprintsWorking software every fortnight.
- Migrate & launchWe move your data and train your team.
- Support & evolveOptional flat-fee support, or take the code in-house.
Starting prices
- Custom CRMfrom £4,900
- Operations / ERPfrom £7,900
- Finance & invoicingfrom £3,900
- AI agentsfrom £1,900
- Integrationsfrom £1,500
- Portals & dashboardsfrom £2,900
Core Builds from £12,000. Optional support from £495/month, flat, whatever your headcount. Prices exclude VAT; every project is quoted in writing.
Get a fixed quoteFAQ
Questions we get asked
Will this replace QuickBooks?
Usually not. We keep QuickBooks for accounting and VAT and build the operational system around it, synced automatically.
Which apps can it replace?
Typically separate CRM, job management, inventory, scheduling and reporting tools, often saving several subscriptions.
Do we own the system?
Yes. On final payment the full source code and IP transfer to you. You can host it anywhere and hire anyone to work on it, so there's no lock-in.
How much does it cost?
Every project is fixed price, agreed in writing after a free audit. Typical Core Builds start from £12,000; single modules start from £1,500. There are no per-user licence fees.
How long does it take?
Most Core Builds go live in 6–12 weeks. We build in two-week sprints, so you see working software every fortnight.
Ready to see what it would look like for you?