Client Portal in Bitrix24 or a Separate Portal: What to Choose
Contents
Companies that already use Bitrix24 often ask: why build a separate portal if you can give clients access directly in the CRM? The answer depends on what clients need to do in the portal.
What you can do with Bitrix24 tools
Bitrix24 provides tools for working with external users: access to specific workgroups, documents, and tasks, open channels for communication, and request forms. Specific features depend on your plan and edition.
This is often enough if the client needs to:
- communicate with a manager and view conversation history;
- receive documents and files;
- submit requests and track their progress;
- participate in joint projects.
Where CRM capabilities usually fall short
- a personalized catalog with contract pricing;
- real-time warehouse stock levels;
- quick ordering by SKU and from Excel;
- credit limits and outstanding balances;
- reconciliation reports and documents from 1C;
- multiple legal entities and roles for a single dealer;
- a convenient mobile experience for wholesale orders.
These are accounting and wholesale trade tasks, not customer relationship management.
Comparison
| Task | Bitrix24 | Standalone portal |
|---|---|---|
| Communication with a manager | strong point | via CRM integration |
| Requests and tasks | strong point | supported |
| Catalog with personalized prices | limited suitability | strong point |
| Quick wholesale ordering | limited suitability | strong point |
| Documents and reconciliation from 1C | limited suitability | strong point |
| Roles within the client company | limited suitability | strong point |
When Bitrix24 is enough
- you have few clients, and they order irregularly;
- prices are identical or calculated individually for each project;
- most of your work involves projects and tasks rather than regular orders.
When you need a portal
- dozens or hundreds of dealers with regular orders;
- personalized prices and credit terms;
- a large catalog and frequent stock updates;
- dealers want to view documents and settlements without sending requests.
Frequently asked questions
Can you build a portal on the on-premise version of Bitrix24?
Customizations are technically possible, but a dedicated app with integration is usually more convenient for a wholesale portal.
Isn't a standalone portal more expensive?
It costs more upfront, but saves time for managers and accounting when order volume is high.
How do you connect the portal to Bitrix24?
Through the Bitrix24 REST API and an integration layer that transfers orders, tasks, and events.
