Onboarding Video
This knowledge base provides a comprehensive walkthrough of setting up and using Zest, a modern PSA (Professional Services Automation) tool designed to reduce onboarding time and complexity compared to traditional, outdated PSA systems. This guides new users through initial setup steps, key configurations, and integrations to help businesses quickly leverage Zest for service management and client support.
Zest Onboarding Checklist
Account Setup
Log in to Zest
Invite team members
Assign roles and user groups
Customer Access
Configure ticket email (or Outlook integration)
Set up ticket submission portal
Verify SSL and DNS
Customer Data
Import or create companies
Add customer contacts
Set email domains
Integrations
Connect QuickBooks or Xero
Connect RMM (Level / NinjaOne)
Connect Outlook or Google Calendar
Billing & Contracts
Create customer contracts
Configure billing categories
Define contract types
Operational Setup
Configure notifications
Add non-working days
Build services & products library
Customize issue types
Review and adjust queues & SLAs
Finalize
Add payment method
Review dashboard & work feed
Go live 🚀
Timeline of Major Setup Steps
Step | Description |
User Invitations | Invite team members, assign roles and groups for access control |
Email Setup | Configure email for ticket sending/receiving or enable Exchange Online integration |
Client Portal Setup | Configure custom URL, update DNS records, and enable SSL |
Import/Create Customers | Import CSV or manually add companies; ensure company names match accounting system |
Import/Create Contacts | Add contacts with required info; assign VIP status, link to companies |
Integrations Setup | Connect accounting (QuickBooks/Xero), RMM (Level/Ninja), calendar (Outlook/Google), and email |
Contract Creation | Define contracts with billable work types, services, and licenses |
Accounting Categories | Map categories to ledger codes and tax codes for integration |
Additional Configurations | Set contract types, notifications, non-working days, services/products library, issue types, queues |
Payment Information | Add payment method, start monthly billing, manage subscription |