LinkedIn Automation Showdown: 4 Octopus CRM Alternatives Tested

Compare 4 top Octopus CRM alternatives for safer, smarter LinkedIn automation to boost outreach without risking account bans.
Linkedin Automation Showdown: 4 Octopuc CRM Alternatives Tested

LinkedIn is a crucial platform for B2B outreach and lead generation. It connects professionals, decision-makers, and businesses across industries, creating opportunities for targeted networking and sales automation. To use LinkedIn effectively, many people turn to automation tools that help with repetitive tasks like sending connection requests, messaging, and follow-ups.

Octopus CRM has become popular as a LinkedIn CRM because it is affordable and has essential features. It automates important outreach actions such as visiting profiles, sending bulk connection requests, and managing message sequences. However, Octopus CRM has some limitations: its interface can be confusing, customization options are basic, and it mainly works as a browser extension which raises concerns about safety and compliance with LinkedIn's changing API rules.

We tested 4 alternatives to Octopus CRM for 2 weeks to see if there are better options available. Our goal was to find tools that are safer, more flexible, and easier to use in order to improve your LinkedIn outreach without risking account restrictions. By comparing these top alternatives directly in real-life scenarios, we hope to provide you with clear insights on choosing the best LinkedIn automation solution for your business needs.

However, apart from using such tools, there are other strategies that can greatly enhance your LinkedIn experience. For example, using LinkedIn Sales Navigator can give you advanced search capabilities and personalized recommendations based on algorithms, which can significantly improve your lead generation efforts.

Additionally, if you are concerned about privacy while browsing through profiles or gathering information for leads, there are ways to view LinkedIn profiles anonymously, allowing you to conduct research without revealing your identity.

Understanding the Need for Octopus CRM Alternatives

Octopus CRM offers a solid foundation for LinkedIn engagement automation, particularly appealing to those focused on lead generation and LinkedIn profile views. Its core features include:

  • Automated profile visits to boost visibility
  • Connection requests sent in bulk with basic targeting
  • Messaging campaigns allowing follow-ups on accepted connections
  • Simple pipeline management to track outreach progress

Pricing starts attractively at $9.99/month, making it one of the more affordable LinkedIn CRM tools for users stepping into automation. This low entry cost lowers the barrier for individuals and small businesses aiming to scale their LinkedIn lead generation.

Despite these advantages, many users find themselves seeking alternatives due to several Octopus CRM limitations:

  • The user interface can feel unintuitive and clunky, causing friction during campaign setup and monitoring. This reduces overall productivity when managing multiple sequences or contacts.
  • It relies heavily on browser-based automation, which introduces risks such as account restrictions or bans because it mimics user actions directly through browsers. LinkedIn's strict API limits make this approach fragile.
  • Lack of a cloud-based platform means you must keep your computer running with the browser extension active — not ideal for 24/7 operations or remote accessibility.
  • Message customization and sequencing options are relatively limited, restricting how personalized and dynamic your outreach can be.
  • Campaign scheduling features exist but aren’t as advanced or flexible compared to newer cloud-first tools that support complex workflows.

These factors push LinkedIn users toward alternatives emphasizing safer cloud automation, enhanced personalization, and scalable campaign scheduling. For professionals serious about maximizing LinkedIn engagement automation without risking compliance issues, exploring options beyond Octopus CRM becomes essential.

Criteria for Selecting Top Octopus CRM Alternatives

Choosing the right LinkedIn automation tool requires careful consideration of key factors that protect your account, improve outreach effectiveness, and simplify campaign management.

LinkedIn Safety Measures

LinkedIn's strict policies require automation tools to have strong safety features. Without these, users risk account restrictions or bans. Important safety measures include:

  • Activity randomization: Varying the timing and order of actions like connection requests and messages to imitate human behavior.
  • Compliance with LinkedIn API limits: Staying within daily and hourly thresholds set by LinkedIn to avoid triggering automated activity detection.
  • Session management: Avoiding browser extensions that can be flagged; instead using cloud-hosted environments reduces risk.

Automation without proper protections puts your LinkedIn presence at risk, making safety the top priority.

Cloud-Based Solutions for Accessibility and Reliability

Cloud-based CRMs eliminate reliance on local machines or browser plugins, offering several advantages:

  • Accessibility from any device or location without installation hassles.
  • Continuous operation with high uptime guaranteed by dedicated servers.
  • Seamless updates and maintenance handled by providers, ensuring tools remain compliant with LinkedIn’s evolving policies.
  • Centralized data storage enables real-time prospect tracking and lead tracking dashboards accessible across teams.

These factors contribute to dependable campaigns with minimal manual oversight.

Advanced Personalization with AI

Effective B2B outreach depends on personalized messaging that resonates with prospects. Basic template-based sequences are no longer enough. Look for tools offering:

  • AI-driven message generation that creates unique, context-aware connection requests and follow-ups.
  • Dynamic prospect segmentation based on profile data, engagement history, or campaign performance.
  • Adaptive sequencing that modifies outreach based on prospect responses or behaviors.

Such personalization increases response rates while reducing the chance of being marked as spam. AI capabilities elevate outreach beyond repetitive scripts into meaningful conversations.

By prioritizing these three pillars—LinkedIn safety measures, cloud-based infrastructure, and AI-powered personalization—you can ensure that you choose an automation tool that scales your lead generation efforts without compromising security or effectiveness. These criteria will guide you in evaluating alternatives to Octopus CRM in detail.

The Four Octopus CRM Alternatives We Tested

The 4 Octopus CRM Alternatives

We tried 4 Octopus CRM alternatives for 2 weeks, focusing on their capabilities in LinkedIn smart automation, LinkedIn message automation, inbox management, and LinkedIn network management. Each tool brings a distinct approach to streamlining your LinkedIn outreach.

1. SalesRobot

Known for its AI-powered message drafting, SalesRobot helps craft personalized LinkedIn messages that feel natural and engaging. It goes beyond simple templates by generating tailored content based on recipient profiles. This makes it a powerful choice if you want to automate outreach without sacrificing authenticity.

2. LeadDelta

LeadDelta centers on LinkedIn contact management rather than just automation sequences. It provides an intuitive interface to organize your connections, tag contacts, and manage your network efficiently. If maintaining an organized LinkedIn network is your priority alongside outreach, LeadDelta stands out.

3. Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred excels in smart sequencing of connection requests and follow-up messages. Its automation engine adjusts timing and content based on user interaction patterns, aiming for higher response rates. The platform integrates multi-channel outreach including email, expanding the reach beyond just LinkedIn messaging.

4. PhantomBuster

PhantomBuster offers cloud-based automation with extensive workflow customization. It supports scraping data, automating connection requests, and running complex multi-step campaigns. Its flexibility suits users who want full control over their LinkedIn automation workflows without relying on browser extensions.

Each alternative addresses common limitations found in Octopus CRM by offering enhanced personalization, better compliance safety features, or more sophisticated network management tools. These differences shape how they fit specific outreach strategies and user preferences.

Comparative Analysis of Key Features in Each Alternative

Connection Request Automation

SalesRobot incorporates AI-powered outreach to send connection requests with personalized message templates that adapt to recipient profiles, reducing the risk of LinkedIn flags by mimicking natural behavior.

LeadDelta focuses less on automation and more on managing existing contacts but offers basic connection request automation with strict daily limits to maintain safety.

Meet Alfred excels in safe connection request automation by employing smart sequences that randomize timing and limit daily volumes, ensuring compliance with LinkedIn’s usage policies.

PhantomBuster provides cloud-based automation with extensive workflow customization. It allows you to build automated campaigns for connection requests while integrating delay intervals and activity randomization to avoid detection.

Personalized Message Templates & AI-Generated Sequences

SalesRobot stands out with its AI-generated message sequences that tailor outreach based on lead data. The tool offers dynamic automation templates which evolve during campaigns, enhancing engagement rates through human-like messaging.

LeadDelta enables manual personalization and tagging of contacts but lacks advanced AI-driven message sequencing. Its strength lies in contact segmentation rather than automated messaging sophistication.

Meet Alfred offers a comprehensive automated sequence builder with customizable steps including connection follow-ups and lead nurturing sequences. It supports multi-step campaign flows but uses rule-based logic rather than AI for message generation.

PhantomBuster allows flexible creation of automated sequences through its campaign builder. While it does not natively generate AI messages, its integration capabilities let you connect AI services externally for smarter outreach.

Automation Templates & Lead Nurturing Sequences

SalesRobot’s library of automation templates includes scripted lead nurturing sequences that adjust based on recipient responses, making it ideal for complex outreach strategies requiring adaptability.

LeadDelta relies primarily on manual workflows without preset automation templates, placing more control in your hands but demanding extra effort to maintain consistent lead nurturing.

Meet Alfred provides a robust set of pre-built templates for automated campaigns covering initial connection, follow-ups, and eventual conversion attempts, streamlining campaign setup.

PhantomBuster’s strength lies in its highly customizable workflow engine where you can design intricate lead nurturing sequences across multiple steps, though it requires more technical input.

Each tool balances safety in connection request automation with varying degrees of sophistication in personalized messaging. If you prioritize AI-powered message sequences and dynamic templates, SalesRobot leads the pack. For structured smart sequences and predefined campaign flows, Meet Alfred delivers dependable performance. PhantomBuster suits users needing cloud-based workflow flexibility combined with external AI integrations, while LeadDelta appeals if contact management takes precedence over automated outreach complexity.

Safety Measures in Place to Ensure Compliance with LinkedIn Limits

Maintaining LinkedIn safe mode is critical for any automation tool aiming to bypass LinkedIn limits without risking account suspension. Each alternative we tested incorporates specific techniques designed to align with LinkedIn’s usage policies and protect your LinkedIn account.

1. SalesRobot

SalesRobot uses AI-driven activity randomization to mimic human behavior in connection requests and messaging, reducing the chance of triggering LinkedIn’s automated security flags. It also respects daily limits on bulk messaging and connection requests, adhering strictly to LinkedIn’s thresholds.

2. LeadDelta

LeadDelta emphasizes manual control combined with smart batching of outreach tasks. By avoiding aggressive bulk actions such as LinkedIn event targeting or group targeting en masse, it minimizes suspicious patterns while offering detailed LinkedIn analytics for smarter lead gen decisions.

3. Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred integrates a “LinkedIn safety” feature that spaces out automated actions over varying intervals, simulating natural user activity. Its workflows are designed to avoid rapid-fire connection requests or messages, protecting your account from LinkedIn’s anti-spam algorithms.

4. PhantomBuster

PhantomBuster, being cloud-based, runs automation from secure servers with built-in compliance checks. It uses throttling and randomized delays within workflows to prevent crossing API limits. PhantomBuster also supports safe LinkedIn bulk messaging by chunking messages into smaller batches and monitoring response rates.

All four tools prioritize LinkedIn account protection by balancing automation speed with caution. Their methods combine temporal distribution of actions, adherence to daily limits, and avoidance of repetitive patterns common in banned activities. This approach ensures you can use powerful LinkedIn lead gen tools without raising red flags or risking penalties.

Exploring Multi-Channel Outreach Capabilities in SalesRobot and Meet Alfred

SalesRobot and Meet Alfred stand out in the world of LinkedIn automation by combining cold email automation with LinkedIn messaging, enabling truly personalized outreach across multiple channels. This multi-channel approach enhances your chances of connecting with prospects who may prefer email over LinkedIn or vice versa.

SalesRobot

SalesRobot offers several features that make it a powerful tool for multi-channel outreach:

  1. Seamless integration: SalesRobot integrates LinkedIn email outreach alongside automated connection requests and messaging, ensuring a smooth workflow.
  2. AI-powered personalization: With the help of AI outreach tools, SalesRobot can draft personalized cold emails based on recipient data and past interactions, increasing the chances of getting a response.
  3. Email finder feature: The platform includes an email finder feature that provides email finder credits, allowing you to discover accurate contact details and expand your reach beyond LinkedIn profiles.
  4. Customized campaigns: SalesRobot supports multi-channel campaigns where sequences can be customized to alternate between LinkedIn messages and emails, increasing engagement rates.
  5. Comprehensive tracking: The tool offers robust outreach tracking, giving clear insights into open rates, replies, and overall campaign performance.

Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred also has its own set of features designed for effective multi-channel outreach:

  1. Intelligent sequencing: Meet Alfred is designed for intelligent sequencing that blends LinkedIn messaging with automated email follow-ups, ensuring a seamless flow of communication.
  2. Coordinated campaigns: Users can launch coordinated campaigns combining connection requests, message sequences, and cold email blasts from a single platform, saving time and effort.
  3. Advanced personalization: The platform provides advanced personalization options within both channels, ensuring each touchpoint feels tailored rather than generic.
  4. Interaction tracking: Meet Alfred tracks all interactions across channels, making it easier to monitor pipeline progress without juggling multiple tools.
  5. CRM integration: The tool supports exporting contacts and syncing with CRM systems to maintain consistent lead management.

Both tools elevate traditional LinkedIn outreach by embedding cold email capabilities directly into their workflows. This integration enables you to run more comprehensive campaigns that capture attention through different communication preferences. The ability to customize sequences with AI assistance further refines the outreach process, helping you craft messages that resonate and prompt responses.

User Experience Insights: Intuitiveness and Ease of Use Compared to Octopus CRM

Navigating LinkedIn automation tools requires a balance between powerful functionality and user-friendly design. Octopus CRM, while popular, often draws criticism for its clunky interface that can slow down workflow automation and complicate managing the CRM database. Users frequently report challenges with its layout and steps needed to execute basic tasks like setting up campaigns or customizing message sequences.

The four alternatives tested bring notable improvements in intuitiveness:

  • SalesRobot offers a clean dashboard where AI-powered message drafting feels seamless. Its workflow automation is designed to be accessible even for users without technical expertise, making repetitive tasks simpler.
  • LeadDelta focuses heavily on contact management, presenting an organized CRM database that allows you to quickly segment and interact with LinkedIn connections without navigating through multiple menus.
  • Meet Alfred stands out for smart sequencing features integrated into an easy-to-understand interface. Setting up multi-step outreach sequences becomes straightforward, reducing friction in campaign setup.
  • PhantomBuster provides extensive customization options yet maintains clarity in workflows through guided steps and helpful prompts, avoiding the overwhelming experience some users face with Octopus CRM.

These tools prioritize ease of use by streamlining common actions, minimizing clicks, and integrating smart defaults to help you get started faster. The ability to quickly adapt workflows without deep configuration contrasts sharply with the often unintuitive nature of Octopus CRM. For professionals who want efficient lead generation without wrestling with complicated setups, these alternatives demonstrate how user experience can elevate productivity in LinkedIn automation.

Evaluating Pricing Structures and Value Proposition Across All Tested Tools

Pricing comparison is a critical factor when selecting LinkedIn growth tools, especially for those who rely on these platforms for B2B outreach. Octopus CRM offers a competitive entry point with its base plan at $9.99/month, making it an attractive option for startups and individuals exploring LinkedIn marketing tools. However, the pricing landscape among Chrome extension tools and cloud-based alternatives varies significantly.

Here’s how the pricing structures of the other four tools compare to Octopus CRM:

  • SalesRobot positions itself as a premium AI-driven solution, with plans starting around $49/month. Its value proposition leans heavily on AI-powered message drafting, which can justify the higher cost for users seeking advanced personalization.
  • LeadDelta focuses on LinkedIn contact management rather than pure automation, offering plans in the range of $20-$40/month. This tool appeals to users prioritizing relationship organization over aggressive messaging.
  • Meet Alfred provides smart sequencing capabilities starting at about $39/month, combining multi-channel outreach features that extend beyond LinkedIn to email campaigns—a strong value-add for sales teams.
  • PhantomBuster operates on a credit-based pricing model, often making costs variable but generally starting near $30/month for moderate usage. Its cloud-based automation and extensive workflow customization provide flexibility but may require more careful budgeting.

All four alternatives exceed Octopus CRM’s low entry price but deliver enhanced features such as AI integration, multi-channel options, or cloud accessibility. You must weigh upfront costs against potential gains in efficiency, compliance safety, and outreach effectiveness when choosing your ideal auto messaging tool.

Real-world Testing Insights from Our 2-week Trial Period with Each Tool

CRM Alternatives

Testing these four Octopus CRM alternatives over two weeks provided valuable insights into their uptime reliability and operational stability. Continuous use revealed how each platform manages extended automation tasks without interruptions or performance drops.

1. SalesRobot

SalesRobot delivered consistent uptime, leveraging AI to draft messages smoothly during prolonged hours. No significant lag or crashes occurred, indicating strong backend support for sustained activity.

2. LeadDelta

LeadDelta excelled in reliability, especially in handling large LinkedIn contact databases without slowdowns. Its cloud-based architecture prevented common issues seen in local browser extensions, ensuring steady operation.

3. Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred showed impressive stability with smart sequencing features running non-stop. The tool maintained smooth execution of multi-step campaigns, with minimal downtime observed throughout the trial.

4. PhantomBuster

PhantomBuster’s cloud automation proved robust, performing complex workflows reliably over long periods. The platform’s extensive customization options did not compromise its uptime performance even under heavy usage.

Each tool demonstrated resilience against typical automation pitfalls like session timeouts or LinkedIn disconnections. This level of stability is crucial when you depend on uninterrupted lead generation and outreach efforts.

We Tried 4 Octopus CRM Alternatives for 2 Weeks, and This is What We Found: all four alternatives deliver strong uptime reliability, making them trustworthy options for sustained LinkedIn automation needs.

Recommendations Based on Different Use Case Scenarios for These Tools We Tried Out!

Choosing the right LinkedIn automation tool depends heavily on your specific business goals, team size, and budget. Each alternative we tested brings unique strengths that suit different user needs.

Best AI-Powered Outreach Tool for You: SalesRobot

SalesRobot excels at AI-driven message drafting and personalization. If your priority is crafting highly tailored outreach messages without spending hours writing sequences, this tool stands out. Its AI capabilities adapt to recipient responses, enhancing engagement rates while reducing manual workload. Ideal for solo entrepreneurs or small sales teams who want smart automation with minimal setup.

Best Multi-channel Campaigns Including Email Automation Tool for You: Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred goes beyond LinkedIn by integrating email outreach in its campaign workflows. This multi-channel approach improves lead nurturing and follow-up efficiency. Use Meet Alfred if you need to coordinate LinkedIn messages with email sequences under one roof. Marketing teams and sales departments aiming for comprehensive outreach strategies will find this extremely valuable.

Best Collaboration Features Tool for You: LeadDelta

LeadDelta focuses on LinkedIn contact management with a strong emphasis on team collaboration. It allows multiple users to organize, tag, and segment contacts efficiently. This makes it perfect for agencies or larger sales teams who rely on shared pipelines and coordinated communication efforts. If managing relationships collectively is crucial, LeadDelta offers robust tools designed around teamwork.

Most Affordable Yet Effective Upgrade from Octopus CRM Tool for You: PhantomBuster

PhantomBuster provides cloud-based automation with extensive workflow customization at competitive pricing tiers. For users looking to scale beyond Octopus CRM's basic features without breaking the bank, this tool delivers flexibility and reliability. Its no-extension approach reduces risk of LinkedIn restrictions, making it a safe choice for cost-conscious users wanting advanced capabilities like scraping data or automating diverse tasks.

Summary of which tool fits which scenario:

  • If AI-assisted message quality and adaptability top your list: Choose SalesRobot
  • When your campaigns require seamless email + LinkedIn integration: Go for Meet Alfred
  • For teams needing shared contact management and collaboration: Lean towards LeadDelta
  • If affordability combined with powerful cloud automation matters most: PhantomBuster is your upgrade

Each of these tools addresses pain points found in Octopus CRM while targeting different aspects of outreach and workflow optimization. Assessing your daily operational needs alongside budget will guide you toward the best fit among these tested alternatives.

You tested four Octopus CRM alternatives over two weeks, and here’s what the comparison revealed about LinkedIn prospecting tools and automation platforms:

Safety and Compliance:

Each tool implemented careful safety mechanisms to respect LinkedIn’s limits—an important factor since browser-based tools often risk temporary restrictions or bans.

Personalization and AI Integration:

SalesRobot’s AI messaging and Meet Alfred’s smart sequencing stood out for delivering authentic, personalized outreach at scale.

Cloud-Based Convenience:

PhantomBuster and LeadDelta offered seamless cloud-based access, reducing dependency on local browser extensions and improving overall reliability.

Multi-Channel Outreach:

SalesRobot and Meet Alfred combined LinkedIn with email outreach, giving a broader and more effective prospecting strategy.

User Experience:

Where Octopus CRM struggles with a clunky interface, these alternatives delivered cleaner, more intuitive dashboards that make campaign execution smoother.

Pricing Value:

Although Octopus CRM starts affordably at $9.99/month, some tools justify higher pricing with richer features and added flexibility.

Overall, choosing the right LinkedIn automation software depends on what matters most to your workflow—AI-driven personalization, cloud performance, user interface, or multi-channel support. These four alternatives each brought unique strengths that can significantly elevate LinkedIn prospecting. As automation continues to evolve, selecting tools that combine efficiency with platform safety remains essential.

HyperClapper: Standout Features You Shouldn’t Miss

HyperClapper

If you're exploring tools beyond conventional sales automation platforms, HyperClapper sets itself apart with advanced AI-driven features designed to boost visibility, engagement, and content performance on LinkedIn.

🎯 Target Audience Engagement

HyperClapper helps your posts get discovered by the right people through intelligent targeting and AI-driven amplification—ensuring maximum visibility among relevant audiences.

🤖 Auto AI Comments & Replies

Let the AI work for you. HyperClapper automatically generates natural, human-like comments and replies that boost engagement while saving hours of manual effort.

📌 Prior Engagement Boost

Before you publish, HyperClapper engages with profiles most likely to interact. This pre-engagement strategy ensures your posts get instant traction the moment they go live.

🏢 Company Pods

Perfect for teams and brands—Company Pods coordinate internal engagement, amplifying posts related to hiring, announcements, product launches, and more.

🚀 Post Outreach Campaigns

Expand your reach with automated outreach campaigns that bring consistent visibility and targeted engagement to every post you publish.

📈 LinkedIn Feed Improver

HyperClapper’s AI improves your feed ranking by maximizing early engagement signals, helping your posts show up more frequently—and prominently—across LinkedIn.

HyperClapper supercharges your visibility and engagement strategy, making it a powerful addition—or alternative—to traditional LinkedIn automation tools for creators, professionals, and businesses aiming to grow faster on the platform.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the main reasons to consider alternatives to Octopus CRM for LinkedIn automation?

Octopus CRM provides a solid foundation for LinkedIn engagement, but users may seek alternatives for advanced AI personalization, multi-channel outreach capabilities, cloud-based accessibility, enhanced safety measures compliant with LinkedIn policies, and varied pricing structures. Exploring alternatives can help find tools better suited to specific B2B outreach needs and lead generation strategies.

Which LinkedIn automation tools were tested as alternatives to Octopus CRM?

Four Octopus CRM alternatives were tested over a two-week period: SalesRobot, known for AI-powered message drafting; LeadDelta, focusing on LinkedIn contact management; Meet Alfred, excelling in smart sequencing and multi-channel campaigns including email; and PhantomBuster, offering cloud-based automation with extensive web integration.

How do these Octopus CRM alternatives ensure compliance with LinkedIn's safety policies?

Each tool incorporates safety features to maintain compliance with LinkedIn limits. SalesRobot uses AI-driven activity randomization to mimic human behavior; LeadDelta combines manual control with smart batch processing; Meet Alfred includes a 'LinkedIn safety' feature that spaces out activities; and PhantomBuster runs automation from secure cloud servers ensuring reliable operation without risking account suspension.

What unique features does SalesRobot offer compared to other LinkedIn automation tools?

SalesRobot stands out with its AI-generated message sequences and advanced personalization capabilities. It offers a library of automation templates including scripts for various outreach scenarios and uses AI-powered activity randomization to enhance engagement while maintaining LinkedIn safety standards. It is positioned as a premium AI-driven outreach solution.

Which tool is recommended for multi-channel outreach including email automation?

Meet Alfred is recommended for users looking for effective multi-channel campaign capabilities. Beyond LinkedIn automation, it integrates email outreach features, smart sequencing of connection requests, and maintains stability and compliance with LinkedIn policies, making it suitable for comprehensive B2B lead generation strategies.

How do pricing structures compare among the tested Octopus CRM alternatives?

Pricing varies across the four tools based on features and target users. SalesRobot offers a premium AI-driven solution likely at higher price points; LeadDelta emphasizes collaboration features possibly at mid-range pricing; Meet Alfred provides multi-channel capabilities which may reflect in its pricing; PhantomBuster presents an affordable yet effective cloud-based automation option. Evaluating cost versus value is crucial when selecting the right tool.