What is the Best Solution Zoho CRM + Zoho Books + Zoho Project?
Hello, I work as an independent consultant, specializing in CAD/CAM software in the Kitchen Design and Manufacturing space. My clients are users of the software and I provide a wide range of services such as consultation, training, management, setup, interoperability with other software/platforms, etc. 'Services' are time spent on phone with client or time spent developing or modifying software features that my clients use.
My clients can use my Zoho Booking page to book and pay for a session or I can sell them a block of hours in 10 hour blocks. Clients who purchase a block of hours have access to a pre-paid calendar to book a session.
I started out with just Zoho Invoice and after a year I upgraded to Zoho One which allowed me to switch to Zoho Books as well as to use so many other great Zoho products. I am a novice with understanding certain business processes and I'd like to get some feedback to make sure that I am using features in Zoho One properly.
Currently I create a client account in Zoho CRM, then I generate and send the invoice from Zoho Books. Although this part seems to work quite well I have noticed issues with the client details not syncing properly from Zoho CRM to Zoho Books.
The part that I struggle with most is this: I'd like to generate a Project linked to the client for 1) tracking time and 2) to generate a report showing the client the value of his/her investment.
If possible, I'd like my clients to receive a real-time update which displays the remaining 'hours' (if they purchased a block of hours) or confirmation a paid booking session has been completed.
I've struggled with with choosing whether to generate the 'Project' in Zoho Projects, or Zoho CRM or Zoho Books. I've noticed that some projects that I create in 'Books' do not show up in 'CRM'.
I'd really like to automate as much as I can and I'm confident that it can be done with Zoho One.
Does my work flow/process make sense - or should I consider a different approach?
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