What's new in Zoho CRM? | January 2025

Summary

Zoho CRM turns 20 in January 2025 with exciting updates focused on inclusivity and smarter CRM navigation. Key updates include expanded language support, improved mass conversion with customizable field mapping, and a revamped record timeline with color-coded statuses. WhatsApp message flexibility is enhanced, and dashboards now offer locked sharing and easier revenue comparison. Portal user management is also upgraded, allowing invitations from multiple modules. Finally, new accessibility features make CRM more user-friendly. These updates aim to make Zoho CRM more efficient, inclusive, and easier to use for all users.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zoho CRM now supports an expanded list of languages for greater inclusivity and accessibility.
• 😀 Admins can activate new languages, and users can apply them to their CRM interface while certain components remain in the default language.
• 😀 During mass conversion, users can now mark key fields to ensure important details are mapped correctly to converted contacts.
• 😀 The Record Timeline view has been updated with color-coded statuses, making it easier to track and review past activities.
• 😀 Users can now add notes directly in the Record Timeline for better context, and filter interactions by module, user, time, or source.
• 😀 The interaction history in the Record Timeline can now be revisited up to 3 years, extending the previous 180-day limit.
• 😀 WhatsApp communication is more flexible, with the ability to manually send approved WhatsApp messages from records or the 'Messages' module.
• 😀 The 'threaded reply' feature enables better response management for WhatsApp interactions, and users can preview and download audio files shared by customers.
• 😀 Shared dashboards can now be locked to prevent other users from making changes, ensuring data integrity in collaborative environments.
• 😀 Revenue figures in dashboards can now be displayed in shortened numbers, with adjustable formats and decimal places for easier comparison.
• 😀 New portal user features include sending invitations to leads, vendors, and other custom modules, with a new slab-based breakdown for additional licenses.
• 😀 Zoho CRM has introduced a major Accessibility update to improve usability, with an in-depth video available for further details.

Q & A

What is the significance of Zoho CRM's 20th anniversary?

Zoho CRM is celebrating its 20th anniversary in January 2025, marking two decades of innovation and improvements to the CRM platform. The updates this month reflect Zoho’s commitment to inclusivity and smarter CRM navigation.

How can I enable the new language features in Zoho CRM?

To enable the new language features, the admin must activate the desired language in the settings. Once activated, users can apply it to their CRM interface through the personal settings page. However, certain components, like the Setup page, will remain in the default language.

What changes were made to the mass conversion process in Zoho CRM?

During mass conversion, you can now mark key fields to ensure important details are properly mapped to converted contacts. The remaining fields will automatically populate based on preconfigured mappings, streamlining the conversion process.

What improvements have been made to the Record Timeline view?

The Record Timeline has received a visual overhaul, now featuring color-coded statuses to help you quickly review past activities. You can add notes for better context and check the full status history of sent emails. Additionally, users can filter results by module, user, time, or source, and interactions can be revisited for up to three years.

How has WhatsApp functionality improved in Zoho CRM?

WhatsApp interactions are now more flexible. You can send approved WhatsApp messages manually from records and use a 'threaded reply' feature for responses. You can also preview and download audio files shared by customers, making the communication process more seamless.

What new features are available for dashboards in Zoho CRM?

For dashboards, users can now lock a shared dashboard to prevent others from making changes. You can also enable the 'Display as shortened numbers' option for clearer revenue views and customize the format and decimal places. The 'Display record counts' checkbox enhances visibility of KPI components.

What updates have been made regarding portal user licenses?

You can now send portal invitations not only to Contacts but also to users from Leads, Vendors, and other custom modules. Additionally, there is a new section that allows you to monitor portal user counts, and a slab-based breakdown has been introduced for adding more licenses.

How does the new Accessibility feature improve Zoho CRM?

The new Accessibility feature improves Zoho CRM by offering more inclusive and accessible features for users with varying abilities. A detailed video explaining this update is available for users to get an in-depth understanding.

Can I filter past activities in the new Record Timeline?

Yes, the updated Record Timeline allows users to filter past activities by module, user, time, or source, making it easier to find specific information.

What is the purpose of the 'Lock this dashboard' feature?

The 'Lock this dashboard' feature allows users to restrict others from making changes to a shared dashboard. This is useful for ensuring that important dashboard settings remain consistent across the team.