Business terms, plain English

Software that tracks every customer — their contact details, purchase history, appointments and communication. A CRM for a salon records each customer's last visit, preferred services and mobile number so you can send a re-booking reminder at the right time. AgenticVani's vertical CRMs are built on Google Sheets.

A tax invoice that shows the supplier's GSTIN, buyer's GSTIN (for B2B), HSN/SAC code, taxable amount and GST rate. Mandatory for any GST-registered business for supplies above ₹200. AgenticVani's GST Invoice Generator creates a compliant invoice in under 60 seconds.

A register (traditionally paper) that records credit given to customers and their repayments. Common in kirana stores, wholesale trade and petty services. A digital khata shows each customer's running balance and lets you send a WhatsApp reminder when dues cross a threshold.

A progressive invoice raised by a contractor for work completed up to a date, not the full project. The client pays in stages. An RA bill shows contract value, cumulative work done, retention deducted, advances recovered and net amount payable. Used in civil, interior and infrastructure contracts.

A paid, developer-grade integration that lets large businesses send automated WhatsApp messages at scale. Requires approval from Meta, a Business Service Provider (BSP) and costs ₹0.35–₹0.70 per conversation. Most Indian small businesses don't need it — the free WhatsApp Business app handles reminders and broadcasts well.

A simplified GST filing option for businesses with annual turnover below ₹1.5 crore. Pay a flat 1% on turnover (quarterly), file one quarterly return, but cannot collect GST from customers or claim input tax credit. Popular with kirana stores, small restaurants and petty traders.

The GST you paid on purchases (raw material, goods, services) that you can deduct from the GST you owe on sales. E.g., you paid ₹180 GST buying cement; your client owes you ₹360 GST — you only remit ₹180. ITC requires a proper tax invoice from a GST-registered supplier.

A 15-digit unique ID assigned to every GST-registered taxpayer. Format: 2-digit state code + 10-digit PAN + 1-digit entity number + 1 check digit. Required on every tax invoice, and verifiable on the GSTN portal.

A 4–8 digit code that classifies goods for GST. Every item on a GST invoice needs an HSN code (for goods) or SAC code (for services). Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore must use 6-digit codes; below that, 4-digit codes are sufficient.

A scheduled reminder sent to a patient or customer when they are due for a repeat visit. In dental clinics, a 6-month recall for cleaning or check-up is standard. AgenticVani's Dental CRM auto-calculates recall dates and generates a WhatsApp message when the date is due.

A document raised at a construction site or warehouse when materials arrive. Records supplier name, vehicle number, material description, quantity and condition. The GRN is signed by the site supervisor and forms the basis for matching against the purchase order and supplier invoice.

A daily attendance register for contract workers on a construction site. Records each worker's name and present/absent status, signed by the worker or gang leader. Legally required under the Contract Labour Act; labour inspectors can demand records up to 5 years back.

A document issued to a student or parent confirming fee payment — includes student name, amount paid, period covered, mode of payment and institute stamp. Required for income tax exemption claims under Section 80C (tuition fees). AgenticVani's Coaching Fee Receipt Generator creates a printable PDF in one click.

A document sent to a prospect before the sale, showing the proposed price breakdown. Not a tax invoice and not legally binding unless accepted. For contractors, a quotation covers labour, materials and profit margin. AgenticVani's Quotation Maker generates a professional PDF with your branding.

A document that accompanies goods in transit when a tax invoice is not yet issued — for instance, goods sent for approval, job work or free samples. A delivery challan includes seller and buyer details, item description, quantity and a statement that it is not a tax invoice.

India's first comprehensive data privacy law, enacted in 2023. Requires businesses that collect personal data (name, phone, medical records) to have a stated purpose, obtain consent, and protect the data from breaches. Clinics storing patient records and coaching centres storing student data are covered.

Google's free cloud spreadsheet application, available on any Android, iOS or browser. Used by AgenticVani as the underlying platform for all its CRM tools — because it's already on every phone, works offline, shares in real-time, and needs no training for someone who has used MS Excel.