Build a Custom CRM in Knack

Why Build a Custom CRM with Knack?

Building a custom CRM is one of the most common solutions our customers create. That’s because Knack allows you to tailor your CRM application to match your unique business process—something not always possible with off-the-shelf CRM platforms.

With Knack, you can:

• Design custom data models
• Create personalized user interfaces
• Implement workflows that reflect your real-world operations

No developer required. Plus, your CRM can grow with you—add new features, handle more data, and scale into new markets.

Industry-Specific CRM Use Cases

Many industries rely on Knack for CRMs tailored to their workflows:

Healthcare:

• Custom modules for patient records, appointments, notes, and compliance
• Track histories, treatment plans, and industry-specific requirements

Professional Services (legal, consulting):

• Modules for client intake, billing, time tracking, project and document management

Field Services & Construction:

• Work order tracking, technician dispatch, equipment logs, field data collection
• Improve service delivery and satisfaction

Each CRM is a unique “flavor”—Knack lets you build what you need.

Getting Started with a Custom CRM Template

You can build your CRM from scratch or choose the Custom CRM template. Just click Create New App and select the CRM sample.

Inside the template:

• Tables for Contacts and Notes
• Fields like lead source, title, company, LinkedIn profile, and more

You can rename “Contacts” to “Accounts” or “Opportunities,” depending on your workflow.

Connecting Contacts and Opportunities

Let’s say you create a new table for Opportunities. You can:

• Add a connection field to link it to Contacts
• Choose one-to-many or many-to-many relationships

For example:

Each opportunity connects with one contact; each contact connects with many opportunities.

You can create records such as:

• Company: DEF Fluids
• Contact: Dave Myers (linked to DEF Fluids)
• Monthly Value: $5,000 (via currency field)

Customizing Fields and Layouts

Knack makes it easy to:

• Add currency fields (e.g., value/month)
• Set default values and required fields
• Change field names, layouts, and placement via drag-and-drop

You can even enable side-by-side field layouts and conditional logic.

Dynamic Forms and Conditional Rules

Customize your forms with conditional logic:

• If the Sales Rep’s role contains “Sales Manager,” show a message or redirect
• Create dynamic interactions for a smoother UX

Workflow Automation

Use form Submit Rules, Display Rules, and Record Rules to automate:

• Redirects to other pages after form submission
• Auto-assign leads to Sales Reps based on criteria (e.g., industry = Auto → Johnny Gonzalez)

Integration and APIs

Knack integrates easily with other platforms:

• Sync with email, accounting, or customer support tools
• Use Zapier or Make (Integromat)
• Access robust API settings for custom workflows

User Roles, Permissions, and Security

Granular control over user access:

• Set password rules (length, expiry, history)
• Control field-level visibility by user role (e.g., hide monthly value from Sales Reps)

Admins can manage accounts, monitor activity, and configure advanced permissions.

Reports and Dashboards

Use Knack’s reporting tools to:

• Build dashboards grouped by field (e.g., industry)
• Track metrics like most active lead sources or biggest clients

Create visual reports to highlight insights and track performance.

Import, Export, and Data Management

• Import leads using CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets
• Export contact or deal data as needed

This ensures seamless data transitions and backups.

Seamless Onboarding and Customer Management

With Knack, you can:

• Create custom onboarding journeys
• Track account activity, contact history, and interactions post-sale

Use filters and search to manage outreach and follow-ups effectively.

Integrate with 5,000+ Apps

Knack works with platforms like:

• Gmail
• Calendly
• Slack
• Twilio

You can automate appointment scheduling, notifications, and more—all within one platform.

A True No-Code CRM Platform

Knack stands out as a no-code/low-code CRM builder:

• Empowering users of any technical skill level
• Offering unmatched flexibility for data models, workflows, and interface design

Explore Knack’s CRM template or others at Knack.com to get started today.

Ready to streamline your CRM?

• Visit knack.com
• Choose the CRM template or build your own
• Start customizing your way to smarter workflows