It can technically be used as one, but in reality, it doesn’t even come close to being an actual CRM platform. Excel is just a tool that lets you create spreadsheets, and while it can be used to store lead and customer data, you have to input every piece of information manually and build your own database. Plus, you’re missing key CRM features like reporting and pipeline management – meaning you’ll be very limited in what you can do. If you have more than a couple of employees, it’s time to move beyond spreadsheets.