Customer relationship management (CRM) involves creating and enhancing individualized relationships with customers to maximize their lifetime value. CRM originated in the 1970s as a process to manage customer relationships beyond individual business transactions. The purpose of CRM is to create long-term value for both customers and companies by understanding customer needs and preferences through mass customization and one-to-one marketing rather than mass production and standardization. CRM allows companies to gain a competitive advantage through superior customer service and retention.