This quick start walks through the order in which to set up PRM for Zoho CRM, from installation through to commissions. Each step has its own detailed article, linked at the end.

Before You Begin

• Zoho CRM access with the permissions needed to install and configure apps.
• Your partner accounts and contacts ready to add.
• A clear idea of your partner programmes, their requirements and benefits, and how commissions should work.

1. Install PRM

In Zoho CRM, go to App Space, then PRM, then Install PRM. Once installed, you can switch between CRM and PRM from the app menu.

2. Add Partner Accounts and Contacts

Create partner accounts in the Partner Accounts module, either one at a time or by import when you have many. Then add contacts in Partner Contacts, choosing the partner account each belongs to. Imports work for contacts too.

3. Create a Partner Programme

A partner programme defines how you onboard, evaluate, and reward partners. Go to Setup, then PRM, then Partner Programs, then Create Partner Program, and choose a type: non-tiered (everyone participates at the same level) or tiered (partners move between tiers based on performance).

• Requirements. For each, specify the module and date field to track, a calculation method (Count, Sum, or Average), the minimum or maximum value, and the achievement cycle (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually). Configure the review settings, requirement details, and eligibility criteria before enabling requirements.
• Benefits. Define what partners receive when they meet the requirements, with different benefits per tier in a tiered programme.
• Partners. Choose Add Partners, select the partner accounts to include, and set each as Active or Inactive.

4. Set Up the Partner Portal and Invite Partners

Go to Settings, then PRM, then Partner Portal. A Portal User Group is created automatically for each partner programme, and for a tiered programme, one per tier. For each group, choose which modules partners can access, set module permissions, and set field permissions to View, Edit, or Hidden. Up to five modules can be enabled at a time.

To invite partners, click Invite Users in the Partner Portal settings, select the partner contacts, and send the invitations. Each receives an email giving access to the portal.

5. Set Up Deal Registration

Deal Registration lets partners submit and manage deals through the portal. Configure module mapping, how conflicts are detected, how registered deals are converted, and which users review registrations.

6. Set Up Partner Commissions

Configure your partner programmes and sales modules first, then go to Setup, then PRM, then Partner Commissions. A commission plan covers plan details, the event that triggers calculation, discrepancy and clawback settings, the commission structure (flat or tiered), the recipient partner accounts, who approves payouts, and the schedule for when the plan is active.

Setup Checklist

1. Install PRM.
2. Add partner accounts and contacts.
3. Create a partner programme.
4. Configure requirements and benefits.
5. Add partner accounts to the programme.
6. Set up the Partner Portal.
7. Invite partner contacts to the portal.
8. Configure Deal Registration.
9. Set up Partner Commissions.