Improve CRM system v0.1
Evaluation of whether a CRM is needed vs. extending the current GitHub-based workflow with automation.
Owner review pending. Retained in the company portfolio after the 2026-09-28 scope review. The commitment dates below have expired; the owner must confirm the current outcome, next milestone, review date, and execution tracker. No renewed commitment is recorded yet.
Evaluate whether introducing a CRM adds real value, or whether we should instead extend our current system (GitHub, Gmail, Drive) with automation and agent-based workflows.
Plan of work
| Milestone | ETA | Output / deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Document current system and gaps | 2026-04-24 | SCQH - Clear overview of how opportunities are currently managed and where breakdowns occur |
| Evaluate CRM tools | 2026-04-30 | Notes on Attio, Relate, Twenty (fit, limitations, integration challenges) |
| Define direction based on findings | 2026-05-06 | Plan of action and next steps |
| Explore and prototype Claude AI workflows to improve sales workflows and operations | 2026-05-13 | A documented v0.1 evaluation of Claude workflows, including prototypes, results, limitations, and a concrete plan for next iteration. |
Links / Evidence
- SCQH: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sr8SCgGFZLjxpf2NJgmP95kCIOJicgJV-mVA6imu70s/edit?tab=t.0
- CRM tool evaluation notes (Attio, Relate, Twenty): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Io4pqnKb5vgrBdqN0RQ39_LUGd64_yXZKFtJhCygLb4/edit?tab=t.0
- Concept for extending current system + plan of action and next steps: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Io4pqnKb5vgrBdqN0RQ39_LUGd64_yXZKFtJhCygLb4/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.yhfzxeqjfxux
Related Issues
- https://github.com/datopian/bizdev/issues/147
- https://github.com/datopian/bizdev/issues/148
- https://github.com/datopian/bizdev/issues/149
- https://github.com/datopian/bizdev/issues/150
Notes
- Current system already covers core functionality but is highly manual and fragmented across tools
- Main issue is not lack of tooling, but:
- lack of structure
- lack of automation
- lack of reliable follow-up mechanisms
- CRM tools tested (Attio, Relate, Twenty) introduce:
- rigid data models
- migration overhead
- poor fit with existing workflows and historical data
- Initial conclusion:
- A dedicated CRM does not provide enough added value at this stage
- Higher leverage comes from augmenting the current system, not replacing it
- Promising direction:
- Use automation / agents (e.g. Claude routines, workflows) to:
- process inbound emails → create / update opportunities
- assess and qualify leads
- trigger follow-ups based on inactivity
- draft and send emails
- maintain issue state (status, next step) automatically
- Use automation / agents (e.g. Claude routines, workflows) to:
- Key principle:
- Shift from “people updating the system” → “system maintaining itself with human oversight”
