DSL Telecom - Blog #zoho south africa

Zoho Books Support in South Africa: Why Work With A Certified Zoho Premium Partner

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:27:19 +0200

If you're running a growing business in South Africa and are using - or considering - Zoho Books for your accounting needs, the platform you choose is only half the equation. How it's set up, configured, and supported makes all the difference.

Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform built for growing businesses. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, and much more - all from one centralised system accessible anywhere, on any device. Crucially, it includes a dedicated South African edition built specifically to meet local tax and compliance requirements.

Why Zoho Books Works for South Africa

Zoho Books isn't a generic global accounting tool with a ZAR currency option bolted on. The South African edition has been built with local regulatory requirements at its core:

VAT201 Return reporting built to SARS specifications, so your VAT returns are accurate and submission-ready
VAT Audit Report download, ready for SARS audit processes
Domestic Reverse Charge support for qualifying transactions
ZAR pricing and local data considerations
Integration with South African payment gateways

For South African businesses, this means the platform is already doing a lot of the compliance heavy lifting - provided it's configured correctly from the start.

The Challenge: Getting It Set Up Correctly

This is where many businesses run into difficulty. Zoho Books is a powerful platform, but its value depends entirely on how well it's implemented. Without the right expertise, businesses can end up with:

VAT configuration that doesn't account for South African tax rules
A chart of accounts that doesn't reflect their industry or business model
Bank feeds and reconciliation that haven't been set up for local banks
A team that hasn't been properly trained and isn't using the platform effectively

The result is an accounting system that technically works, but isn't working for your business. And when tax season or a SARS audit arrives, the gaps become costly.

Why Local Zoho Books Support Matters

When your business operates under South African tax law, there are realities that only a local partner can address effectively.

VAT Compliance: South African businesses need to comply with SARS VAT regulations, file VAT201 returns, and maintain accurate audit trails. Your Zoho Books setup should reflect this from day one - not be retrofitted later.

POPIA Considerations: When handling customer financial data, it's worth working with a partner who understands the Protection of Personal Information Act and how it applies to your business processes and software configuration.

Local Banking and Workflows: South African bank feeds, payment terms, and business processes have their own specific requirements. Getting these right requires a team that works with them daily.

Context, Time Zones, and Language: Having a local team on hand means fast, relevant support from people who understand your business environment.

Why DSL Telecom

DSL Telecom is South Africa's longest-standing Zoho Premium Partner, the highest tier in Zoho's partner programme, awarded to partners who demonstrate exceptional implementation quality, customer satisfaction, and technical expertise.

Award-Winning Track Record

Zoho Partner of the Year, South Africa, for three consecutive years
Zoho Partner of the Year, MEA - 2024
Zoho Key Business Contributor Award - 2024

17 Years in Business. DSL Telecom has been operating for over 17 years, with a team of 50+ specialists and 16 Zoho certifications held across the business, covering applications including Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, Zoho Creator, Zoho Analytics, and more.

Consistently 5-Star Rated at the highest level of Partner tier on Zoho's Partner platform for implementation, support, training, and service delivery.

Locally Based. We are based in Somerset West, Western Cape, and support businesses across South Africa and beyond. We bring both local expertise and global best practices to every implementation.

What DSL Telecom Zoho Books Support Includes

Our support covers every stage of your Zoho Books journey, from initial setup through to ongoing success:

Initial setup and configuration tailored to your business
VAT and SARS compliance setup, including VAT201 Return configuration and VAT Audit Report
Bank feed and reconciliation setup for South African banks
Opening balance data migration from Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, or spreadsheets
Automation setup to reduce manual work and human error
Staff training, both in-person and online
Integration with other Zoho apps, including Zoho CRM, Zoho Inventory, and Zoho Desk
Ongoing Zoho Customer Success Plans with one-on-one coaching, dedicated support, and proactive guidance

What Our Customers Say

" Working with DSL Telecom has been an exceptional experience. They are quick to respond, hands-on, and consistently deliver effective Zoho software solutions. What sets them apart is their commitment to client empowerment - involving us in the process, explaining every change, and providing thorough training. DSL Telecom has been indispensable in supporting our expansion. Thank you for this profoundly positive partnership! ''

- Titan Secure

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zoho Books support South African VAT?

Yes. Zoho Books includes native VAT201 Return reporting, a VAT Audit Report download, and Domestic Reverse Charge support - all built to SARS specifications. Our implementation services ensure your VAT configuration is set up correctly from the start.

Can I migrate from Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks to Zoho Books?

Absolutely. DSL Telecom handles data migration from Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and spreadsheets. The migration process ensures your customers, vendors, items, and chart of accounts with opening balances are transferred cleanly, with minimal disruption to your business.

How long does a Zoho Books implementation take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your business and the amount of data being migrated. Straightforward implementations can be completed in as little as two weeks, while more complex projects with significant data migration may take longer. DSL Telecom will provide a clear project plan and timeline upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

What is a Zoho Premium Partner?

Zoho Premium Partner is the highest tier in Zoho's partner programme, awarded to partners who demonstrate exceptional implementation quality, customer satisfaction, and technical expertise. DSL Telecom holds this status and is South Africa's longest-standing Zoho Premium Partner, with 14 years of continuous partnership.

From first-time setup to migration and ongoing support, we're here to help make your Zoho Books experience a success.

Why South African Businesses are Replacing Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace with Zoho Workplace - A DSL Telecom Webinar Recap

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:50:37 +0200

South African businesses are no longer accepting rising licence costs as “just part of doing business.” With Microsoft 365 prices climbing again in 2026 and Google Workspace costs steadily increasing, many organisations are actively looking for a smarter, more cost-effective workplace solution.

Microsoft has announced further pricing adjustments taking effect in 2026, adding to multiple increases over the past few years. For many organisations, this means:

Higher per-user monthly costs
Additional charges for premium security and compliance features
Paying separately for tools that were previously bundled

Zoho Workplace offers a fully integrated workplace app suite at a predictable, transparent cost, without the layered pricing model that continues to drive Microsoft licensing higher year after year.

In our recent webinar, Adriaan Dijkstra and Gideo Beukes unpacked why more businesses are moving away from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and how Zoho Workplace is emerging as a powerful, cost-effective alternative.

About Zoho Workplace

Zoho Workplace is a fully integrated workplace productivity suite built to replace the complexity of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Instead of stacking multiple apps, licences, and add-ons, businesses get one connected platform for email, file storage, document collaboration, meetings, and team chat. (Zoho Mail, Zoho WorkDrive, Zoho Writer, Zoho Meeting, Zoho Cliq)

Many businesses don’t realise how much they’re overspending on workplace apps. Between Microsoft 365 licences, Teams add-ons, security upgrades, and third-party integrations, monthly costs quietly escalate.

Over the past four years, Microsoft 365 E3 pricing (combined with Teams and security features) has increased by approximately 26%, and 2026 will introduce additional pricing adjustments.

That means higher recurring costs, with no significant increase in functionality for most SMEs.

Zoho Workplace addresses this by:

Consolidating essential workplace apps into one licence
Removing the need for costly add-ons
Providing enterprise-grade features without enterprise-level pricing

Enterprise-Grade Email and Security

When businesses think of email, they often think “inbox.” But in reality, professional email is far more than sending and receiving messages. It supports your organisation’s identity, protects sensitive data, enables secure collaboration, and ensures communication remains available at all times.

Whether you’re a growing SME or a large organisation, email remains one of your most critical business systems, and it needs to be secure, reliable, scalable, and privacy-focused. Unlike ad-driven platforms, Zoho Mail operates on a privacy-first model, meaning your business data is never monetised.

Zoho Mail for business, as a fully integrated component of Workplace, works seamlessly alongside documents, storage, chat, and meetings within one connected ecosystem.

Zoho Workplace offers:

Predictable, lower licensing costs

Integrated workplace apps
Local migration and support from your Zoho Workplace partner in South Africa - DSL Telecom
Enterprise-grade email and collaboration

With Microsoft 365 prices increasing again in 2026 and Google Workspace costs continuing to rise, now is the time to reassess your productivity stack. Zoho Workplace offers predictable, lower licensing costs, fully integrated workplace apps, secure business email, and collaboration tools - plus local migration and support from DSL Telecom.

Q&A Highlights

The live Q&A session sparked valuable discussion, with attendees raising important questions about migration, security, and scalability. Here are some of the highlights:

Question 1: Can we migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho Workplace easily?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, definitely. We’ve helped a number of customers migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho Workplace. The process usually starts with a discussion to understand your setup: how many users you have, the number of mailboxes, etc. From there, our team plans the migration carefully to ensure minimal disruption to your business.

Question 2: How does Zoho Workplace compare to SharePoint on permissions and external access sharing?

DSL Telecom Team: That’s a great question. You’ve got plenty of flexibility when it comes to sharing files externally. You can create secure links for specific documents or folders, share them with clients, and set permissions to control access.

For example, you can password-protect links or set them to expire after a certain time. If needed, clients can also be added as users in Zoho WorkDrive - Zoho’s equivalent of SharePoint or OneDrive, giving you even more control over how files are accessed and managed.

Question 3: Can I try out Zoho Mail with only a few of my team members?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, with Zoho Mail, hybrid setups are definitely possible. A hybrid solution means you don’t have to move everyone over at once, allowing you to integrate Zoho Mail into your existing email environment. This can be helpful if you want to test the platform first, move departments in phases, or keep certain teams on a different system temporarily.

Question 3: What backup measures are in place during migration, and how can data be restored if required?

DSL Telecom Team: Once your data is migrated to Zoho, it’s safely backed up as part of their regular processes. We can also set up extra backups if needed, so your data can be restored anytime.

Key Takeaways

Webinar attendees got a clear look at how Zoho Workplace helps South African businesses work smarter, stay secure, and cut software costs. The session covered its all-in-one apps, and showed how moving from Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace can be smooth and hassle-free.

If you missed the webinar or want to revisit the insights, you can watch the full recording or reach out to our team for personalised guidance on getting started with Zoho Workplace.

If you’d like a cost comparison between Microsoft 365, Google Workplace, or a Zoho Workplace migration assessment, speak to our team today, or start exploring Zoho Workplace yourself with a free trial by clicking here .

How DSL Telecom Streamlined Sancert Global's Certification Processes With Zoho Software

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:31:42 +0200

Sancert Global

Industry
ISO Certification Services

Type
Privately Held

Location

Somerset West

Sancert Global is a leading internationally accredited certification provider, holding UKAS and SANAS accreditation. With over 20 years of experience and a global footprint, Sancert helps businesses decrease risk and achieve operational excellence through ISO certification services including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 31000 (Risk Management), ISO 13485 (Medical Devices Quality Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety).

Through expert auditors and structured processes, Sancert guides organisations through the full external certification journey.

The Challenge:

As Sancert Global experienced rapid growth, its certification processes became increasingly complex, requiring close coordination between auditors and back-office teams across every stage. Relying on email and messaging tools led to fragmented communication, limited visibility, scheduling challenges, and manual inefficiencies. To sustain growth, Sancert needed a centralised, customisable system to streamline workflows and improve transparency, without compromising efficiency or compliance.

The Solution: A Centralised Zoho System Built for Certification Excellence

To help Sancert streamline its growing operations, DSL Telecom, an award-winning Zoho Premium Partner in South Africa, implemented a fully integrated Zoho ecosystem tailored specifically to the certification lifecycle.

The foundation of the implementation was Zoho CRM, which became the central hub of Sancert’s operations. Instead of tracking certification progress across emails, spreadsheets, and messaging apps, the entire client journey now lives inside one structured system.

DSL Telecom set up custom Zoho CRM modules to match Sancert’s certification workflow, from costing and audits to surveillance and re-certification. Step-by-step blueprints and automated workflows now guide team members, trigger tasks and reminders, and reduce manual work.

One of the standout features for Sancert has been the mail merge functionality. Key details like account names and addresses now auto-populate from the CRM, saving time and eliminating manual copy-and-paste errors.

This gives Sancert clear visibility and control over every client’s progress.

To reduce manual data entry and speed up responses, DSL Telecom implemented Zoho Forms and connected it to Zoho CRM. Website forms now automatically create or update CRM records. This ensures accurate data, avoids duplicates, and makes onboarding faster and smoother for both the Sancert team and their clients.

Certification requires many documents to be signed, from NDAs and quotes to audit agreements. Previously, this was done manually, causing delays and extra follow-ups. DSL Telecom simplified the process by implementing Zoho Sign. Documents are now generated from the CRM, sent electronically for signature, and automatically linked to the client record. This has sped up approvals, improved tracking, and removed administrative bottlenecks.

The subsequent phase focused on structured document management, and to keep certification documents organised and accessible, DSL Telecom integrated Zoho WorkDrive with Zoho CRM. Each new client account automatically gets a structured folder for all relevant files, accessible directly from the CRM. Auditors can securely share and collaborate on documents, making compliance easier and eliminating scattered files.

One of Sancert’s key operational requirements was improved visibility of auditor availability and a simpler way to schedule audits. To solve this, DSL Telecom created a kiosk within Zoho CRM that integrates with Zoho Creator. All bookings now automatically appear on the embedded Zoho Creator calendar, giving the Sancert team clear visibility and streamlining planning across all certification stages.

The next step was to provide leadership with meaningful business insights. DSL Telecom's skilled team deployed Zoho Analytics to deliver real-time dashboards and reporting. Instead of manually compiling reports, management can now access up-to-date performance data at any time. This empowers Sancert to make informed, data-driven decisions and continuously refine their processes.

Finally, to support continuous improvement, Zoho Survey was introduced to gather structured client feedback once a certification is completed. Surveys are linked directly to the CRM records, allowing Sancert to monitor client satisfaction and identify areas for enhancement. This reinforces their commitment to service excellence and long-term client relationships.

The Results: A Structured Environment That Supports Operational Efficiency While Delivering A Smoother Experience

By partnering with DSL Telecom, Sancert Global now operates from a fully integrated, centralised system that connects people, processes, and documentation across the entire certification lifecycle.

The new Zoho software environment has reduced manual workload, improved collaboration, enhanced compliance tracking, and positioned Sancert for scalable growth - all while delivering a more seamless experience to their clients.

To ensure they maximise ROI on their Zoho investment, Sancert also signed up for a DSL Telecom Customer Success Plan, giving them access to expert advice on Zoho best practices, adoption strategies, and proactive recommendations to optimise their certification processes.

Testimonial from Sancert

'' It was an absolute pleasure working with the DSL Telecom team to bring our Zoho system to life. Despite the complexity of our processes, it was amazing to see how every person we worked with at DSL Telecom took the time to truly understand our business in order to provide the best support possible. We genuinely appreciate all their efforts. ''

Ready to Transform Your Operations with a Customised Zoho Solution?

DSL Telecom specialises in delivering expert Zoho implementation, consulting, and support to help businesses streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and gain complete visibility over their processes.

Book a free consultation

Zoho Voice Launches In South Africa - Highlights From The DSL Telecom Webinar

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:50:34 +0200

DSL Telecom recently hosted an insightful webinar introducing Zoho Voice to the South African market, showcasing how businesses can now enjoy seamless, Zoho-integrated telephony with local VoIP calling rates. The session offered a deep dive into the platform's key features, integrations, and cost-saving potential for local businesses.

About Zoho Voice

Zoho Voice is a cloud-based telephony solution that allows businesses to manage all calls - inbound and outbound - directly from within the Zoho ecosystem. Whether your team works remotely, in-office, or across international borders, Zoho Voice ensures smooth communication through an intuitive interface and rich integration options.

One of the highlights of the session was Zoho Voice's "Bring Your Own Carrier'' (BYOC) capability, now available in South Africa through DSL Telecom's SIP integration. This allows businesses to:

Use their existing business numbers or port them to DSL Telecom.
Access true per-second billing for more accurate cost management.
Benefit from superior call quality and lower latency, as calls are routed locally instead of internationally.

Key Features And Integrations Showcased

During the live session, attendees were guided through some of Zoho Voice's most powerful features and real-world use cases.

1. Centralised Communication with WhatsApp Integration

Zoho Voice integrates seamlessly with WhatsApp, allowing teams to communicate with customers via calls or messages from a single unified interface. This not only improves response times but also enhances customer satisfaction by meeting clients on the platforms they already use daily.

2. Call Transcription and Sentiment Analysis

The webinar highlighted how Zoho Voice's AI-driven transcription converts voice calls into searchable text while also detecting sentiment. These insights help businesses:

Improve training and quality assurance.
Identify customer sentiment trends.
Make data-driven decisions based on real conversations.

3. Deluge-Powered Automation and Integrations

Through Zoho Deluge scripting, Zoho Voice can automate key processes and integrate with both Zoho and third-party applications. For example:

Automatically create a follow-up task in Zoho CRM after a missed call.
Trigger customer feedback surveys once calls are completed.
Update deal stages based on call outcomes without manual output.

4. Advanced Telephony Tools for Teams

From IVR menus and call queues to whisper and barge modes for coaching and escalation, Zoho Voice equips businesses with advanced tools to manage more calls more efficiently.

Affordable Local Calling with DSL Telecom

With the new Zoho Voice + DSL Telecom SIP setup, South African businesses can now enjoy local VoIP rates, improved call quality, and flexible billing options. Businesses can even port their existing numbers to DSL Telecom without service interruption, ensuring brand continuity and minimal downtime.

Q&A Highlights

During the live session, attendees had the opportunity to submit their questions. Here's a summary of the top questions and answers from the webinar:

Question 1: Does Zoho Voice integrate with Zoho Desk?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, Zoho Voice offers native integrations with several Zoho applications, including Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, Zoho Bigin, Zoho Recruit, and ManageEngine Service Desk. Additionally, integrations can be extended beyond the Zoho ecosystems using Zoho Deluge scripting, allowing Zoho Voice to connect with third-party platforms and custom workflows.

Question 2: When does call transcription start in Zoho Voice?

DSL Telecom Team: Immediately. Call transcription begins from the first second of the connected call. This includes IVR messages and all interactions throughout the conversation, ensuring a full and accurate record of each call from start to finish.

Question 3: Will Zoho Voice be included in the Zoho One licence in the future?

Question 4: Can Zoho Voice integrate with WhatsApp for sending and broadcasting messages?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, Zoho Voice supports WhatsApp messaging integration through approved message templates. However, broadcast messaging is subject to Meta's policies and restrictions, so bulk or promotional broadcasts would need to comply with WhatsApp's official API rules. DSL Telecom can assist clients in setting up approved templates for compliant usage.

Question 4: Does Zoho Voice integrate with Zoho Analytics for reporting?

DSL Telecom Team: While Zoho Voice already includes comprehensive built-in reporting, you can push data to Zoho Analytics using Zoho Deluge scripting. This allows businesses to create custom dashboards and combine call data with analytics from other Zoho applications for deeper insights.

Key Takeaways

The webinar gave attendees a clear understanding of how Zoho Voice can enhance business communication through seamless Zoho integrations. advanced telephony features, and affordable local VoIP calling rates powered by DSL Telecom.

If you missed the session or would like to revisit the insights and live demo, you can watch the full recording or contact our team for personalised guidance on getting started with Zoho Voice.

Ready to explore Zoho Voice for your business?

If you'd like to learn more about Zoho Voice or need help getting started, our team is ready to assist.

Zoholics 2025 Recap: Insights, Innovation, And Connection

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:50:14 +0200

Zoholics is Zoho’s flagship event, and 2025 marked another standout year. Hosted in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, Zoholics South Africa brought together hundreds of Zoho users, partners, and product experts. The DSL Telecom team was there in full force to engage, learn, and share how South African businesses can get more value from the Zoho ecosystem.

AI Takes Center Stage at Zoholics 2025

AI was the central theme at Zoholics 2025, and Zoho delivered practical tools to help businesses work more efficiently. A standout announcement was Zoho Solo, a new mobile-first app built for solopreneurs. With Zoho Solo, users can manage tasks, track income, control payments, and stay on top of their business from one app. It’s currently available only in South Africa and the USA.

Other key AI-driven features announced included:

Zia Agent Studio (Coming Q3) – Think of this as a central hub for building your own AI agents that work across Zoho apps. You can create custom Zia agents that answer questions, automate tasks, and support both your team and your customers. No coding needed.
Creator AI Builder – This new tool inside Zoho Creator helps you build apps even faster. Just explain what your app should do, and AI creates your app for you, with fields, forms, and logic. It's like having a smart assistant help you build business tools in minutes instead of hours.
AI Upgrades In Zoho CRM – Zoho CRM now lets you use natural language to create modules or automation. You can type something like ''create a task when a deal moves to negotiation'', and Zoho will build it. It also recommends next steps, highlights key data, and saves your team time with AI-powered suggestions.

Real Takeaways, Immediate Impact

One of the biggest takeaways from Zoholics 2025 was the clear, practical insights our team gained. We left with ideas we could implement right away, helping us deliver more value to our clients and strengthen our overall approach. As a Zoho Premium Partner, our focus is always on applying what we learn to drive real results.

Looking Ahead To Zoholics 2026

Zoholics South Africa 2025 proved again why it's a must-attend event for Zoho customers and partners. DSL Telecom is already looking forward to Zoholics 2026, where we'll continue our journey of learning, growth, and delivering success to businesses across South Africa.

Zoho Books SA Edition: How To Migrate With Confidence - Webinar Recap

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:42:06 +0200

Our recent webinar '' Zoho Books SA Edition: How To Migrate With Confidence'', hosted by Paul Wilson and Matt Mederer from DSL Telecom, provided valuable insights into the new VAT-compliant Zoho Books SA Edition and its benefits for South African businesses. If you missed the session, here's an overview of the key points discussed, along with answers to some of the most common questions raised during the Q&A.

Webinar Overview:

A major highlight of the session was the practical guidance from our team, based on real migration experiences to Zoho Books SA Edition. These insights helped attendees understand the steps and best practices for a smooth migration process.

Here's what was covered:

Zoho Books SA Edition Overview: Key features, VAT compliance, and other enhancements designed for South African businesses.

In the session, we highlight how Zoho Books SA Edition simplifies VAT compliance with features like VAT 201 and Audit Reports, payment tracking, and custom VAT rates. It also streamlines shipping with a Bill of Entry function and integration with The Courier Guy, making financial management effortless.

Migration Process: A step-by-step guide on migrating from Zoho Books Global to Zoho Books SA Edition, with actionable tips.

We share a few important tips to consider before migrating, such as disabling all unsupported preferences by ticking the appropriate boxes, and making sure to back up your data for added security. The new VAT configuration feature allows you to validate VAT registration numbers, ensuring compliance. Additionally, you can now map your existing tax rates to the corresponding default rates in Zoho Books SA Edition, making the transition smoother and more efficient.

Q & A: We also addresses several common questions related to the migration.

Q & A Highlights:

During the interactive Q & A, we addressed several key concerns from the attendees.

Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions:

Question 1: Will there be more integrations into source vectors in this release?

DSL Telecom Team: At present, there's no direct integration with source systems. However, Zoho Books SA Edition includes VAT number validation, and direct filing integrations are expected in future updates.

Question 2: How will this pull through to the CRM if customers are pulled from the CRM?

DSL Telecom Team: You can integrate Zoho CRM with Zoho Books by updating the mapping settings. Ensure VAT numbers are correctly mapped between systems for seamless data flow.

Question 3: How far back can I migrate my data?

DSL Telecom Team: The VAT structure will apply from the date of migration. It's recommended to start at the beginning of a tax period for smooth transition. Previous transactions will remain under the old VAT structure, but can still be accessed in Zoho Books.

Question 4: If a client is not yet VAT-registered, can we prepare by adding their VAT number once they become liable?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, you can still prepare the client or supplier profile by adding their VAT number once they become liable for VAT. This ensures seamless updates when their VAT registration is finalised.

Question 5: If an organisation is initially set up as non-VAT registered, can VAT numbers still be added for clients later?

DSL Telecom Team: Yes, you can add a client's VAT number once they become VAT-registered, and the system will update automatically.

Question 6: Do I need to migrate if I don't use VAT?

DSL Telecom Team: Even if you're not using VAT right now, we recommend migrating to ensure compliance with future tax regulations.

Question 7: Will migration to Zoho Books SA Edition affect my financial statements?

DSL Telecom Team: The migration shouldn’t affect your financial statements, but new VAT-related accounts will be added. Ensure you adjust your financial reports accordingly.

Question 8: How will the subscription module's billing be affected by the migration?

DSL Telecom Team: After migration, all invoices and transactions will follow the new VAT rules. Any necessary changes will be handled during the migration process.

Key Takeaways

The webinar provided attendees with a clear understanding of the Zoho Books SA Edition migration process and benefits. If you missed the session or want to revisit the information, feel free to watch the full recording or reach out to us for further assistance.

Ready To Migrate To Zoho Books SA Edition?

If you're ready to get started with your Zoho Books SA Edition migration, contact our team today for more information or support. We're here to help!

DSL Telecom's Highlights at Zoholics South Africa 2024: A Recap

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:41:15 +0200

August 2024 was a landmark month for Zoho enthusiasts across South Africa, as Zoholics, Zoho's annual user conference, made its vibrant return to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The event drew a diverse crowd of attendees, all eager to explore the depths of the Zoho ecosystem. From insightful sessions to hands-on workshops and valuable networking opportunities, Zoholics delivered on all fronts. DSL Telecom was right at the heart of the action, with an impressive team of 27 members in attendance.

DSL Telecom's Strong Presence

DSL Telecom made its mark at both the Zoholics Johannesburg and Zoholics Cape Town events, solidifying our reputation as a leading Zoho Premium Partner in South Africa. We set up a kiosk where attendees could meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about Zoho's wide array of solutions. Our team was able to engage with many participants, join various discussions, and contribute to Q&A sessions, ensuring that DSL Telecom’s presence was well-received throughout the event.

Interactive Engagement: Scratch-To-Win Success

One of the standout moments of our participation was the Scratch-to-Win card inserts we cleverly placed in the Zoho goody bags. These cards introduced a fun, interactive element to the event, offering attendees the chance to win exciting prizes. Participants could simply scan the QR code on the card, which led them to a form to enter their details. This data was immediately integrated into Zoho’s CRM, triggering an automated WhatsApp message with a link to their unique scratch card. Once scratched, the results were instantly updated in the CRM, and the corresponding voucher was sent out via Zoho Mail.

This seamless integration not only created a buzz and sparked numerous conversations but also demonstrated Zoho’s powerful automation capabilities. The Scratch-to-Win initiative allowed us to engage with more people while showcasing DSL Telecom’s expertise.

Our Team in Action

With quite a few of our Zoho consultants in attendance, DSL Telecom was able to contribute meaningfully across various sessions and activities. From engaging in in-depth discussions with Zoho’s product experts to attending workshops and networking with fellow Zoho users and partners, our team was everywhere—absorbing valuable insights and sharing our own expertise.

Reflections from the DSL Telecom Team

"The growth of Zoho is clearly reflected in the rising number of attendees and fresh faces at Zoholics each year. Having attended my fourth Zoholics, it's evident that this event keeps expanding, which speaks volumes about Zoho's success and its widespread adoption across South Africa." - Hansie Swanepoel, Success and Implementation Manager

"Zoholics is always a great mix of excitement and networking. We got to see how Zoho can be tailored to different business needs, and the sessions on new app upgrades were a big hit. Our Scratch n Win game was a fun way to break the ice and meet new people." - Courtney Piggott, Customer Success, Project Coordinator

"Going to Zoholics in Cape Town was such a great experience. The sessions were super helpful, and I met a ton of awesome people." - Nicholas Pannewitz, B2B Sales - Telecoms Cloud Specialist

Looking Ahead

With Zoholics 2024 now behind us, we're energised to carry this momentum forward. The knowledge we've gained and the connections we've made are priceless, and we're eager to continue delivering top-tier Zoho solutions to our clients. If you missed us at the Zoholics event this year, don’t worry—there’s always next year, and we’ll be back with even bigger plans!

Nova Human Capital Solutions Drives Better Customer Engagement With Zoho

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:48:43 +0200

Nova Human Capital Solutions is a full-service HR and Payroll consulting and outsourcing partner specialising in delivering tailored business solutions to businesses of all sizes in The Middle East and Africa.

Their areas of expertise include people development, payroll management, talent management, performance management, HR and B-BBEE compliance and consulting services, hosted HR and Payroll management systems, training, learning, and skills development solutions.

Highly experienced teams of consultants at both their Johannesburg and Cape Town offices take pride in developing solutions based on the unique requirements of each customer.

The Challenge

Before transitioning to Zoho software, Nova Human Capital Solutions encountered challenges with their customer data being stored across various platforms which didn't necessarily communicate with each other.

Another major difficulty which the company faced was keeping track and management of customer and project correspondence.

Recognising the need for a robust and customisable software system to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, they reached out to DSL Telecom in 2019. With the guidance of DSL Telecom's Zoho Implementation team, Nova Human Capital Solutions set out to explore the capabilities of Zoho's suite of software solutions.

The Solution

After an intensive discovery and design process to analyse their business processes, the DSL Telecom Zoho implementation team was able to pinpoint essential optimisation areas for Nova Human Capital.

Industry Type: Consulting

Type Of Business: Privately Held

Headquarters: Johannesburg and Cape Town

Employees: 29

Zoho Applications That Helped Us:

Zoho CRM

Zoho Sign

Zoho Desk

The subsequent phase involved the set up of a fully customised Zoho CRM system which serves as the core application to effectively address all their sales as well as customer tracking and management requirements.

The Zoho CRM implementation included the building of a process to handle new sales. The process included a Blueprint to assist with needs analysis and qualifying new leads. A deals Blueprint was also set up to structure the deals process and send out automated emails. Finally, a quoting tool was built within the deals module to increase efficiency during the quoting process.

As an HR consultancy, it goes without saying that team members at Nova Human Capital Solutions have a lot of documents that need to be signed and managed. In order to streamline the way they sent documents for signatures, DSL Telecom suggested the implementation of Zoho Sign, a paperless digital signature solution that allows users to sign, send and manage documents directly from the CRM. As a result, the document signing process has now been made seamless and secure for both users and customers.

The next requirement was for a user-friendly solution for their help desk department. In an effort to provide great customer support availability across multiple channels, maintain prompt response times and manage the overall customer experience, DSL Telecom's Zoho specialists implemented Zoho Desk.

Zoho Desk is a context-aware customer service software that has helped transform Nova Human Capital Solutions' customer service offering. In addition, the solution as a whole consolidates all help desk and support information, leading to a better experience for their internal support agents to report on.

DSL Telecom also set up a basic SLA within Zoho Desk which assists every user to respond to tickets in agreed upon and standardised times. It also allows for ticket escalation should it not have been handled according to the set out response times.

To ensure they maximise ROI on their Zoho investment, Nova Human Capital Solutions has also chosen to sign up for a DSL Telecom Customer Success Plan, ensuring they have access to expert advice on Zoho best practices, adoption strategies and proactive recommendations.

Choose DSL Telecom

In conclusion, DSL Telecom has successfully implemented a wide range of feature-rich Zoho applications for Nova Human Capital Solutions resulting in streamlined operations and greatly enhanced efficiency

Lilani Botha ~ Nova Human Capital Solutions' Sales Coordinator

Interested in beginning your own Zoho software journey similar to Nova Human Capital Solutions? Book your free evaluation meeting today!

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The Solar Experts Achieve Digital Transformation By Leveraging Zoho

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:36:04 +0200

About The Solar Experts

Located in the Western Cape, The Solar Experts is a reputable solar company specialising in personalised solar solutions for both individuals and businesses. Their comprehensive services include solar design, supply, and installation, offering customers the means to liberate themselves from the challenges of load shedding and high electricity costs.

Their highly-skilled team encourages customers to choose a brighter, more sustainable future with their superior residential and commercial solar solutions, installed by qualified engineers and technicians with years of experience that makes them experts in their field. They believe in building a relationship with their clients and back up their solutions by top-notch after-sales support. The Solar Experts are proud certified Deye, Sunsynk, Greenrich & Fox Ess Installers. The Solar Experts have installed more than 600 power systems in the Western Cape to date.

The Challenge

The Solar Experts had been managing all their data on time-consuming spreadsheets and outdated manual documentation. These outdated methods resulted in missed opportunities and kept them from reaching their full potential.

As a growing business, they recognised the need for the implementation of a software solution that would help manage operations, streamlining their entire business process and ultimately increasing their ROI. It was in May 2023 that they reached out to DSL Telecom, a South African Zoho Premium Partner, for assistance with their software journey.

The Solution

To align with The Solar Experts' objectives, DSL Telecom's Zoho implementation team set about on a thorough analysis of their business processes, identifying key areas in need of optimisation.

The next phase involved implementing a fully customised Zoho CRM system, serving as the centralised application to address the company's immediate needs being data capturing, data storage and data management.

Industry Type: Energy Industry

Type Of Business: Privately Held

Headquarters: Macassar, Western Cape

Employees: 23

Zoho Applications That Helped Us:

Zoho CRM

Zoho Forms

Zoho Sign

Zoho Flow

Zoho Mail

Zoho CRM was configured to establish a logical and efficient data storage system, empowering The Solar Experts team to effortlessly capture and retain records of past, present and future client installations.

Email templates within Zoho CRM, is a feature that was set up to allow team members to send emails in a predefined format, thereby standardising their mails and boosting efficiency.

Our Zoho implementation team also designed a complete data flow structure, anticipating future CRM requirements as the company grows and requires more functionality.

The DSL Telecom team of Zoho software experts next identified the need to create various forms to capture data during different stages of the installation process. Zoho Forms was set up and used to create 5 individual forms which integrate seamlessly into the CRM. All form fields are mapped to their corresponding fields within Zoho CRM and once the fields have been populated and the form submitted, the data populates to the corresponding fields and sections within Zoho CRM. The set up of these forms assists their on site team with site surveys and installations and also automatically attaches to the relevant record in the CRM, which in turn limits the need for manual documentation.

In an effort to streamline their tedious document processing activities and provide a better customer experience,

Zoho Sign was the next application which was adopted. Clients now receive documentation via email to sign digitally and this also allows The Solar Experts team to keep track of all sent documents. The integration between Zoho Sign and Zoho CRM enables the user to send documentation to a client with pre-populated information, directly from the client record. Once signed, documents are simply attached to the client record in Zoho CRM.

Zoho Flow played a pivotal role in streamlining communication for The Solar Experts. The Zoho implementation team leveraged Zoho Flow to automate the dispatch of emails containing links to Zoho Forms. This seamless integration ensures a prompt response mechanism, triggered through webhooks when users interact with custom buttons.

Next up, with the aim of improving time management throughout the organisation as well as on an individual level, The Solar Experts team underwent a complete mail migration from Microsoft Outlook to Zoho Mail. This migration also enables The Solar Experts team to be more productive with everything they need in one window. The impressive ease of use, high-level security, and remarkable features of Zoho Mail, combined with its seamless integration with all other Zoho Apps, made it a standout choice.

Finally, to ensure that they achieve success faster with their Zoho investment, The Solar Experts have signed up for a DSL Telecom Customer Success Plan which includes hands-on support, one-on-one coaching sessions and expert advice from their dedicated Customer Success Manager.

Choose DSL Telecom

In conclusion, DSL Telecom has seamlessly implemented a comprehensive range of Zoho features and solutions for The Solar Experts, resulting in improved overall operational efficiency and enhanced customer service.

Looking to embark upon your own Zoho journey like The Solar Experts? Book your free evaluation meeting today .

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DSL Telecom Wins Key Business Contributor Award At Zoho Inspire MEA

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:40:09 +0200

We're proud to announce that for the first time, DSL Telecom has received Zoho's Key Contributor Award for South Africa at the recent Zoho Inspire MEA (Middle East and Africa) conference held in Dubai.

DSL Telecom's Managing Director, Dean Schreuder, Marketing Director, Danielle Schreuder and Technical Director, Paul Wilson attended the event, which took place at Atlantis, The Palm on the 23rd of January 2024.

Zoho partners unite

Zoho's Inspire conferences, are known worldwide to be learn and grow initiatives designed exclusively for Zoho partners, providing them with the necessary insights, training and resources that can help scale their businesses.

These flagship events are typically powerful knowledge-sharing platforms between MEA partners, industry leads and Zoho experts as they explore the latest trends and solutions shaping the future of modern businesses. The full-day event aims to accelerate Zoho partners' growth and success by providing insightful growth hacks and the chance to learn about the latest enhancements to the partner program.

The agenda for Zoho Inspire Dubai 2024 event featured several standout sessions including updates on the latest Zoho developments, essential strategies for businesses venturing into new markets or industries, and a detailed exploration of sales and marketing planning.

Attendees then delved into the intricacies of Zoho Creator and other developer tools, learning how they can be used effectively, illustrated with real-world business use cases.

There was also ample opportunity to network, engage in discussions and share valuable insights with both fellow partners and members of the Zoho team allowing participants to build important relationships within the Zoho community.

About the award

The Zoho Partner Key Business Contributor Award is an accolade given to outstanding Zoho partners who have not only fully integrated the power of Zoho products within their own businesses but have also exponentially helped customers succeed on their own software journeys.

Winning this award not only enhances DSL Telecom's credibility within the industry, it also solidifies our position as a reputable provider of Zoho's software solutions. Being recognised for our proficiency in leveraging Zoho products means customers can be assured that they will receive access to top-notch expertise, services and support from the DSL Telecom team.

Some highlights of the Zoho Inspire 2024 event

With our Key Contributor award in hand and as a proud Zoho Premium Partner, the team at DSL Telecom is more inspired than ever to continue delivering Zoho's superior software solutions to customers and looks forward to what 2024 holds.