Transform Client Engagement with Automated Deal Management: A Chat-Based Solution
Overview: To enhance communication between clients and deal managers, Chat Application implemented a custom chat-based platform. This web-based solution centralized deal management, document sharing, and communication using integrated Zoho technologies.
Business Challenge
- Fragmented Communication: Delays and miscommunication between clients and deal managers.
- Scattered Document Management: Invoices, quotations, and other files were not centralized.
- Manual Deal Tracking: Led to inefficiencies and errors.
- Lack of Integration: No unified system to connect communication, deal tracking, and document storage.
End-to-End Deal Management with Chat Application
To solve these challenges, a custom chat web application was developed that:
- Allowed real-time chat between clients and deal managers (via Zoho SalesIQ).
- Created and managed deals in Zoho CRM.
- Enabled large file uploads using Zoho WorkDrive.
- Used Zoho Catalyst for secure data storage and user authentication.
- Featured a visual deal progress stepper to view deal stage.
- Enabled in-chat payments and file sharing with Accept/Reject options.
Workflow Journey:
- User Login via Zoho Catalyst
- Chat Access – View existing or start new deal-specific conversations
- Deal Creation – Automatically triggered in Zoho CRM
- File Handling – Controlled upload/sharing via WorkDrive and SalesIQ
- Deal Tracking – Visual progression through inquiry to completion
- Payments – Triggered in-chat by deal managers and completed by clients
- Closure & Archival – Inactive chats auto-close; transcripts saved to CRM
Solution Architecture – Delivered by Elite Tech Global Using Zoho Ecosystem
Step 1: User Authentication (Zoho Catalyst)
- Users log in or sign up using Zoho Catalyst’s native authentication system.
- After successful authentication, users are redirected to the main chat interface.
Step 2: Accessing the Chat Platform
- The Sidebar shows a list of all active chats (each linked to a specific deal)
- Users can:
- Search chats
- Logout
- Click a chat to open it
- Click “New Chat” to start a new conversation
- Access WorkDrive
Step 3: Initiating a New Chat & Creating a Deal
- When a user starts a new chat:
- A SalesIQ chat session is created
- A new deal is automatically generated in Zoho CRM
- The chat is linked to the deal for seamless data tracking
Step 4: Deal Association & WorkDrive Setup
- For each deal, a dedicated Zoho WorkDrive folder is automatically created
- The WorkDrive folder is linked to the chat and becomes active if a deal exists
- Clients can upload documents only via this WorkDrive link (not via chat)
Step 5: Real-Time Chat Communication (Zoho SalesIQ)
- Users and deal managers communicate in real-time via SalesIQ
- Catalyst handles message exchanges via HTTP requests (no WebSocket)
- The chat window includes:
- A real-time message panel
- A stepper showing deal stage: Automatically updates when deal stage is changed
Step 6: File Sharing and Permissions
- Deal Manager can:
- Share files (quotations, invoices) in the chat
- Add the “#q” tag in messages to prompt Accept/Reject options for clients
- Client can:
- Only upload files via WorkDrive (not directly in chat)
- Use the WorkDrive link shown in chat only after deal is associated
Step 7: Payment Handling
- The deal manager sends “#p” in chat to generate a payment button
- The client clicks the button to complete the transaction directly in the chat
- Payment link is generated from Zoho Books
Step 8: Automatic Chat Closure Logic
- If a chat is inactive for 1–3 hours, it is auto-closed in SalesIQ
- From the client’s view, the chat stays open
- If a new message is sent in a closed chat, a new SalesIQ session starts (appears continuous to client)
Step 9: Archived Chats and Closed Deal Access
- Closed chats are converted into PDF transcripts
- Transcripts are saved in Zoho CRM linked to the deal
- Clients can access previous chat histories and attachments for any closed deal
Step 10: Complete Workflow Overview
- Login – User logs in via Zoho Catalyst
- Navigate – Redirected to chat dashboard
- Start Chat – New chat creates a CRM deal & SalesIQ session
- Upload Files – Deal-linked WorkDrive folder activated
- Chat & Track – Real-time communication + deal stage tracker
- Share Files – Managers share in chat, clients upload via WorkDrive
- Trigger Payment – Manager sends “#p” to prompt payment
- Close Chats – Inactive chats auto-close; reopen triggers new session
- View History – Archived chats available in CRM for future reference
Conclusion
By integrating Zoho’s powerful ecosystem, Chat Application developed a seamless, efficient, and client-centric chat application. The platform automates communication, deal tracking, and document management while maintaining a personalized touch, fostering stronger client relationships, and ensuring smoother project execution.
With real-time chat, automated deal management, and secure file sharing, Chat Application has enhanced transparency, accelerated decision-making, and significantly boosted client satisfaction.
Ready to Transform Deal Engagement?
Partner with Elite Tech Global to implement a Zoho-powered chat system that enhances communication, document sharing, and payment processing.