The world of customer management keeps getting tougher for big companies. They deal with things like growing fast, keeping data in one spot, and making sure teams work well together. So, how do these firms fix issues and build stronger ties with buyers? A lot comes down to picking the right tools, like mixing CRM with AI and linking it to back-end systems. To talk about this, APPSeCONNECT joined forces with Zoho for a webinar called “Unlocking AI-Powered CRM for Enterprises with Zoho & APPSeCONNECT.” Our main speaker was Dilip Nagarajan, Product Manager at Zoho, and we covered ways to make CRM fit large setups.
Keep reading to catch the main parts from the webinar and see how to set up a better system for your company.
Webinar Overview
First off, let’s go over what the webinar covered. The talk focused on Zoho CRM as a solid choice for mid-size and large firms, with a close look at its AI tools and how it handles big operations. We also dug into the gaps between CRM and ERP systems, and showed how APPSeCONNECT fills those holes with smooth links.
Think about it: many firms run CRM for front-end sales and ERP for back-end tasks like stock and billing. Without a good connection, data sits separate, leading to mistakes and slow work. The webinar showed real fixes, like syncing info back and forth, and included live examples to make it clear.
Stay with us as we break down tips from Dilip on using AI in CRM, plus why linking to ERP matters, and how it all helps firms run better.
About Dilip Nagarajan and Zoho
Dilip Nagarajan runs the product side for Zoho CRM. He knows the ins and outs of making tools that work for big users. Zoho itself has been around for 29 years, with over 55 apps and serving a million paying customers in 150 countries. They focus on private setups with strong data centers for local rules.
Zoho CRM stands out for firms with 500+ staff, offering ways to tweak things deeply without heavy costs. It links well with other systems, breaks down data walls, and uses AI to help sales folks, bosses, and ops teams. Examples include big names like Union Bank with 75,000 users and Mercedes with custom dealer setups.
With that info on Dilip and Zoho, let’s hit the key spots from the webinar and pull out steps to use AI and links in your own setup.
Webinar Highlights and Recap: AI in CRM for Large Firms with Zoho and APPSeCONNECT
The session had plenty of useful bits, tips, and examples on AI in CRM and tying it to ERP. Here’s a short list of what came up.
- Zoho CRM setup for big companies.
- AI tools like Zia for sales help and predictions.
- Gaps between CRM and ERP, and why they hurt.
- How APPSeCONNECT links them for better flow.
- Live show of quote-to-order process.
- Q&A on things like turning on AI, supported ERPs, and PDF sync.
We won’t go through every bit here, just the main ones from the talk. If you want the full recording, check the link we shared after.
That out of the way, we’ll run through the big talking points and ideas on AI-driven CRM for enterprises, as shared by Dilip and the APPSeCONNECT team.
Dilip’s Thoughts on Zoho for Enterprises
Dilip kicked off by explaining Zoho as a full setup, not just apps. For firms over 3,000 staff, it means custom builds on top of basics. He pointed to challenges like high costs over time, hard setups, and measuring returns. Zoho cuts those with easy changes, low ownership fees, and strong links to other tools.
Why Pick Zoho CRM
It lets firms build exactly what they need, with layers for data, services, and AI. Dilip showed cases like Chola with 15,000 users and 125+ links, or Mercedes with 100 custom points. The key is one spot for all data, helping quick choices at every level.
AI Tools in Action
Dilip talked up Zia, Zoho’s AI helper. For sales reps, it picks best call times, suggests next steps, and spots churn risks with reasons. It sums up calls and notes too. For leaders, it pulls sentiments from emails and tickets, plus word clouds for buyer moods. Coming soon: agentic AI where firms make their own agents and share them.
The ERP Link Gap
Shujit from APPSeCONNECT jumped in here. Firms use ERP for back stuff like orders and stock, but without ties to CRM, sales folks miss updates. This leads to wrong quotes or over-promises on items. APPSeCONNECT acts as the middle piece, syncing accounts, deals, invoices, and stock in real or near-real time.
What Cycles Get Automated
Main ones include quote-to-order, billing, stock checks, and service tickets. Sales reps see current stock to avoid issues, and back teams get deal info for planning.
Live Example
Sanjana showed a quick run: make a quote in Zoho CRM, it hits SAP Business One as a sales quote. Then turn it to an order with a 5% cut, and it syncs back to CRM with the new total and ID. Sales can then grab the PDF and send it out.
Q&A Bits
Folks asked about turning on Zia (go to settings as admin), ERPs that work (SAP, Microsoft, Sage, Oracle, Acumatica), field service (use Zoho FSM linked to CRM), PDF sync (attach in CRM or use WorkDrive), and AI agents (APPSeCONNECT handles links to back systems).
Making AI CRM Work for Enterprises with Zoho and APPSeCONNECT
The talk with Dilip Nagarajan made clear how AI in CRM changes things for big firms. Zoho offers a strong base that’s easy to adjust, with AI that helps daily work and big choices. APPSeCONNECT ties it all to ERP, cutting errors and speeding things up. By linking front and back, companies get a full picture, better buyer service, and smoother runs.
Boost Your Business Setup with APPSeCONNECT
AI CRM is key, but it’s part of a bigger picture. As your firm grows, linking front tools like Zoho to back ones like ERP or other apps gets must-do. That’s where APPSeCONNECT comes in as a smart link platform.
APPSeCONNECT is an easy-to-use setup that joins lots of business tools for auto workflows. We have ready links for ERPs, CRMs, online stores, and more, including Zoho mixes. Make your own flows with our parts or pick pre-made packs for quick starts. Join your Zoho CRM to other apps in one safe spot and see your business pick up speed.
