Zoho implementation for Ceramics, Tiles and Sanitaryware
Zoho for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware: track dealers, orders, batch and shade stock, dispatch and collections for ceramics and tile companies.
Business process workflow
How ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware work flows in Zoho
Track dealers, orders, batch and shade stock, dispatch and collections for ceramics and tile companies.
Common problems we fix
- Shade and batch mix-ups at dispatch
- Dealer credit is not controlled
- Sales by region is unclear
The process, step by step
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Zoho AnalyticsDepartment by department
How every department of a ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware business works in Zoho
A ceramics, tiles or sanitaryware company makes products in kiln batches that vary by shade and size, sells through dealers, projects and exports, and has to match the right lot to every order. In Zoho sales, production planning, the kiln and finishing lines, quality and grading, the warehouse, accounts and HR share one item, batch and shade record, so a dealer gets matching tiles and the factory knows its true yield.
How the departments hand work to each other
Each arrow is a handover. Because every team works on the same Zoho records, the next department picks up the work without re-entering it.
- 1Sales, Dealers and Projects to Production Planning: Order demand by design, size and grade
- 2Sales, Dealers and Projects to Finished Goods and Dispatch: Confirmed orders with shade lot preference
- 3Production Planning to Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln: Released batch orders by line
- 4Production Planning to Procurement and Raw Material Stores: Raw material and glaze shortages
- 5Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln to Quality, Sorting and Grading: Fired batches for sorting and grading
- 6Quality, Sorting and Grading to Finished Goods and Dispatch: Released lots with grade, shade and caliber
- 7Quality, Sorting and Grading to Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln: Defect trends by stage
- 8Procurement and Raw Material Stores to Finance and Accounts: Receipts and debit notes for supplier bills
- 9Finished Goods and Dispatch to Finance and Accounts: Dispatched quantities for invoicing
- 10Finished Goods and Dispatch to Sales, Dealers and Projects: Dispatch details for dealers
- 11Finance and Accounts to Management and Reporting: Monthly results and costs
- 12Finance and Accounts to Sales, Dealers and Projects: Dealers on credit hold
- 13HR and Payroll to Finance and Accounts: Payroll summary for posting
- 14Management and Reporting to Production Planning: Design priorities and stock targets
Each department in detail
Open a department to see its workflow, its own entity diagram, who does the work, what needs approval, the reports it watches and what it hands over.
Sales, Dealers and ProjectsSells through dealers, builders, architects and export buyers, and books orders with the right size, grade and shade.
Workflow
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Manage dealers and projects
Dealers, sub-dealers, builders and export buyers are set up in Zoho CRM with territory, price list and credit limit.
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Win project business
Project leads from builders and architects are tracked through sampling, mock-up approval and rate negotiation.
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Book orders
Orders are booked by design, size and grade, with available shade lots shown from stock.
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Run dealer schemes
Quarterly volume schemes and display support are tracked for each dealer.
Zoho FormsEntity diagram: Sales, Dealers and Projects
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho CRM
- Zoho Inventory
- Zoho Creator
Read the relationships as text
- Dealer places Sales Order (1:N)
- Project Lead becomes Sales Order (1:1)
- Dealer enrolled in Dealer Scheme (N:N)
Who does the work
- Area sales manager
- Project sales executive
- Export manager
Approvals and controls
- Project rates below the price list need the sales head
- Orders from dealers over their credit limit wait for accounts release
Reports they watch
- Sales by design, size and territory
- Project pipeline by stage
- Dealer scheme achievement
Hands over to
- Production Planning: Order demand by design, size and grade
- Finished Goods and Dispatch: Confirmed orders with shade lot preference
Production PlanningPlans which designs and sizes to run on each press, kiln and line to meet orders and keep stock balanced.
Workflow
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Review demand and stock
Open orders and stock by design and size are compared to decide what to run.
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Plan line runs
Runs are planned by press and kiln line, grouping similar sizes to cut changeover time.
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Check body and glaze materials
Clay, feldspar, glaze and frit needed for the plan are checked against stock.
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Release batch orders
Batch orders go to the shop floor with design, size, target square metres and line.
Entity diagram: Production Planning
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Creator
Read the relationships as text
- Run Plan includes Batch Order (1:N)
- Batch Order needs Material Requirement (1:N)
Who does the work
- Production planner
- Plant head
Approvals and controls
- Run plans that change committed delivery dates need the plant head and sales
Reports they watch
- Line load for the next two weeks
- Changeovers per line
- Material shortages by batch
Hands over to
- Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln: Released batch orders by line
- Procurement and Raw Material Stores: Raw material and glaze shortages
Body Preparation, Pressing and KilnPrepares the body, presses or casts, glazes, fires and finishes each batch, recording output and losses at every stage.
Workflow
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Prepare the body
Ball mill and spray dryer batches record raw material weights and moisture.
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Press or cast
Pressing or casting output is logged per shift with pieces made and green breakage.
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Fire in the kiln
Kiln entries record batch, temperature profile, cycle time and pieces fired.
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Entity diagram: Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Creator
Read the relationships as text
- Body Batch feeds Shift Output (N:N)
- Shift Output fired in Kiln Firing (N:N)
- Kiln Firing consumes Energy Log (1:1)
Who does the work
- Production manager
- Kiln operator
- Line supervisor
Approvals and controls
- Kiln profile changes need the production manager
- Losses above the normal level at any stage are reviewed before the shift closes
Reports they watch
- Output and breakage by stage
- Kiln fuel per square metre
- Yield from green to fired
Hands over to
- Quality, Sorting and Grading: Fired batches for sorting and grading
Quality, Sorting and GradingSorts fired pieces by grade, shade and caliber, tests to standards and releases stock in matched lots.
Workflow
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Sort by grade
Each batch is sorted into premium, standard and lower grades with defect reasons.
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Assign shade and caliber
Pieces are grouped by shade code and size caliber so a lot always matches.
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Run lab tests
Water absorption, breaking strength and glaze tests are recorded against standards.
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Release lots to stock
Graded lots move into finished goods with batch, grade, shade and caliber.
Entity diagram: Quality, Sorting and Grading
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Creator
- Zoho Inventory
Read the relationships as text
- Sorting Record creates Shade Lot (1:N)
- Shade Lot tested by Lab Test (N:N)
Who does the work
- Quality manager
- Sorting supervisor
- Lab technician
Approvals and controls
- Lots that fail lab tests cannot be released as premium grade
- Downgrading a full batch needs the quality manager
Reports they watch
- Premium grade percentage by design and line
- Defects by type
- Shade lots per batch
Hands over to
- Finished Goods and Dispatch: Released lots with grade, shade and caliber
- Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln: Defect trends by stage
Procurement and Raw Material StoresBuys clay, minerals, glazes, frits, packaging and fuel, and keeps raw material stock and quality under control.
Workflow
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Plan purchases
Material requirements from planning and reorder levels become purchase requests.
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Order from suppliers
Purchase orders go out with specification, quantity and delivery schedule.
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Receive and test
Raw materials are weighed in and sampled for moisture and chemistry before acceptance.
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Issue to mills
Material is issued to body preparation and glaze sections against batches.
Entity diagram: Procurement and Raw Material Stores
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Inventory
- Zoho Books
Read the relationships as text
- Supplier receives Purchase Order (1:N)
- Purchase Order delivers Material Receipt (1:N)
Who does the work
- Purchase manager
- Raw material storekeeper
Approvals and controls
- Material failing incoming tests is rejected or accepted at a lower rate with the plant head's approval
Reports they watch
- Raw material stock days
- Supplier quality rejections
- Purchase price trend by material
Hands over to
- Finance and Accounts: Receipts and debit notes for supplier bills
Finished Goods and DispatchStores boxes by design, grade and shade, picks matched lots for orders and dispatches trucks and containers.
Workflow
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Pick matched lots
Orders are picked from a single shade lot where possible, and mixed lots need customer consent.
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Load and document
Trucks and containers are loaded with invoice, e-way bill or export documents.
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Handle breakage claims
Transit breakage reported by dealers is logged with photos and settled.
Zoho DeskEntity diagram: Finished Goods and Dispatch
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Inventory
- Zoho Desk
Read the relationships as text
- Pallet picked for Pick List (N:N)
- Pick List loaded in Dispatch (1:N)
- Dispatch may raise Breakage Claim (1:N)
Who does the work
- Warehouse manager
- Dispatch supervisor
Approvals and controls
- Supplying mixed shade lots on one order needs the customer's written consent
- Breakage credits above the set percent need the sales head
Reports they watch
- Stock by design, grade and shade
- Orders pending dispatch
- Breakage claims by transporter
Hands over to
- Finance and Accounts: Dispatched quantities for invoicing
- Sales, Dealers and Projects: Dispatch details for dealers
Finance and AccountsInvoices dealers, projects and exports, pays suppliers, tracks cost per square metre and manages dealer credit.
Workflow
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Invoice dispatches
Invoices are created from dispatches with GST in India or VAT where it applies, and export documents for shipments.
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Collect and control credit
Dealer receipts, cheques and scheme credit notes are tracked against limits.
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Cost per square metre
Material, fuel, power and labour are rolled up to cost per square metre by design and grade.
Entity diagram: Finance and Accounts
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Books
- Zoho Analytics
Read the relationships as text
- Invoice settled by Receipt (N:N)
- Scheme Credit offsets Invoice (N:N)
- Invoice compared with Cost Sheet (N:N)
Who does the work
- Accountant
- Credit controller
- Finance manager
Approvals and controls
- Scheme credit notes are issued after sales head and finance sign off
- Payments above a set value need two approvers
Reports they watch
- Dealer receivables ageing
- Cost per square metre by design
- Gross margin by grade
Hands over to
- Management and Reporting: Monthly results and costs
- Sales, Dealers and Projects: Dealers on credit hold
HR and PayrollHires and rosters plant workers across three shifts, tracks attendance and overtime, and runs payroll.
Workflow
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Hire workers
Operators, sorters and loaders are hired through tracked openings.
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Roster shifts
Three-shift rosters for kilns and lines are planned and attendance captured.
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Run payroll
Wages, overtime and shift allowances run in Zoho Payroll where it is available or your local provider.
Zoho Recruit
Zoho People
Zoho Shifts
Zoho Learn
Zoho PayrollEntity diagram: HR and Payroll
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho People
- Zoho Shifts
- Zoho Payroll
Read the relationships as text
- Employee assigned to Shift Roster (N:N)
- Employee paid by Payslip (1:N)
Who does the work
- HR executive
- HR manager
Approvals and controls
- Overtime above the weekly limit needs the production manager
Reports they watch
- Manpower by line and shift
- Overtime cost
- Attrition
Hands over to
- Finance and Accounts: Payroll summary for posting
Management and ReportingShows leadership sales, yield, premium grade share, energy cost and cash across the plant.
Workflow
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Zoho Flow
Zoho CliqEntity diagram: Management and Reporting
The records this team creates and updates, their key fields, and how they link.
- Zoho Analytics
- Zoho Flow
Read the relationships as text
- Dashboard shows KPI (N:N)
- KPI triggers Alert (1:N)
Who does the work
- Managing director
- Plant head
Approvals and controls
- Price lists and dealer schemes are approved by management
Reports they watch
- Premium grade share trend
- Stock ageing by design
- Margin by territory
Hands over to
- Production Planning: Design priorities and stock targets
What to expect when you start
A typical plan for a focused project of one to three apps. Larger scope or messy data takes longer; we confirm the timeline after discovery.
Week 1 to 2
Map and agree
We walk through your ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware process from "Dealer network" to "Reports", list the records and fields you really need, and agree the scope.
Week 3 to 4
Build the core
We configure Zoho CRM and Zoho Creator with your stages, roles, approvals and templates.
Week 5 to 6
Connect and migrate
We clean and import your data, connect email, payments or other tools, and build the reports you will use every week.
Week 7 to 8
Test and go live
Your team tests with real cases, we train each role, and we cut over with a checklist.
Mistakes to avoid
- Copying the old spreadsheet column for column. Keep only the fields that help someone decide or act.
- Leaving out exceptions such as returns, changes and cancellations. Model them early so the team does not work around the system.
- No owner per stage. Name one person for "Dealer network" and one for "Reports".
- Going live without checking reports against numbers you already trust.
A good first win
Start with the problem that hurts most: Shade and batch mix-ups at dispatch. Fixing one visible problem in the first month builds trust and adoption for everything after it.
What you can measure
- Dealer collection days
- Dispatch accuracy
- Sales vs target
Questions about Zoho for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware
Which Zoho apps suit ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware businesses?
A typical ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware setup uses Zoho CRM, Zoho Creator, Zoho Inventory, Zoho Books, Zoho Analytics. We confirm the exact apps after mapping your own process in a discovery call.
How does the business process flow in Zoho for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware?
1. Dealer network; 2. Orders; 3. Batch and shade stock; 4. Dispatch; 5. Billing and credit; 6. Reports.
Which departments does a Zoho setup for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware cover?
A full setup covers Sales, Dealers and Projects, Production Planning, Body Preparation, Pressing and Kiln, Quality, Sorting and Grading, Procurement and Raw Material Stores, Finished Goods and Dispatch, Finance and Accounts, HR and Payroll, Management and Reporting. Each department works in its own Zoho screens, but they share the same customer, order and finance records, so work moves from one team to the next without being retyped.
Zoho apps we set up for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware
Zoho CRM
Zoho Creator
Zoho Inventory
Zoho Books
Not sure which apps fit your business? Book a free 30-minute call or see all Zoho products we implement
Zoho services for ceramics, tiles and sanitaryware
All Zoho services →- Zoho ERP implementationBooks, Inventory, CRM and HR connected as one system
- Zoho implementationZoho CRM live within 2 weeks, fixed price agreed in writing
- Zoho support100-hour support packs, first reply within 1 hour
- Zoho consultingChoose the right apps and plan before you build
- Data migration to ZohoMove from Salesforce, HubSpot, Tally, QuickBooks or spreadsheets
- Zoho integration servicesConnect Zoho to payments, ads, telephony, e-commerce and more
More industries we build Zoho workflows for
Zoho adapts to almost any business that has leads, orders, projects, people and money to track. A few examples are below; the industries page lists all 179 with a typical process flow and the Zoho apps behind each.
- Construction and ContractingControl tenders, project costs, subcontractors, site materials and progress billing from one system.
- Wholesale and DistributionRun orders, stock across warehouses, credit limits and collections for dealers and retailers.
- Food and BeverageTrack outlet and central kitchen stock, recipes, suppliers and daily sales with branch-wise accounts.
- Fitness and WellnessConvert enquiries into members, manage bookings and recurring fees, and keep members engaged.
- Staffing and RecruitmentManage client job orders, candidate pipelines, placements and invoicing in one flow.
- Travel and TourismTurn enquiries into itineraries, bookings and payments with supplier and customer tracking.
- Telecom and ISPsRun activation, installation, support and recurring billing for subscribers and enterprise accounts.
- Media and AdvertisingManage clients, briefs, campaign projects, approvals and retainer billing for agencies and media firms.
- Import and Export TradingHandle enquiries, proforma invoices, shipments, documentation and multi-currency accounting.