Installing and Using Add-ons to Extend the Functionality of Tally Prime

Tally Prime is a powerful accounting software that can be customized and extended through add-ons. Add-ons are external modules or plugins that extend Tally Prime's functionality, providing additional features like enhanced reporting, integrations with other software, and automations. This article will guide you through the process of installing and using add-ons to extend Tally Prime’s capabilities.

Step 1: Understanding Add-ons in Tally Prime

An add-on is a module written in TDL (Tally Definition Language) or another supported language that enhances or adds new features to Tally Prime. Add-ons can be used for various purposes, such as:

• Automating repetitive tasks.
• Integrating with third-party software.
• Enhancing reports and invoices.
• Adding custom workflows and processes.

There are two types of add-ons in Tally Prime:

• Internal Add-ons: These are add-ons created within Tally Prime using TDL scripts.
• External Add-ons: These are third-party add-ons developed outside of Tally, which can be installed and used within Tally Prime.

Step 2: Finding Add-ons for Tally Prime

There are several sources from where you can find add-ons for Tally Prime:

• Tally's official website: Tally provides a variety of add-ons that are compatible with Tally Prime.
• Third-party websites: Many developers create and sell add-ons for Tally, offering specialized features such as advanced taxation, inventory management, etc.
• Custom-developed Add-ons: You can also develop custom add-ons using TDL or hire a Tally professional to develop one specific to your business requirements.

Step 3: Installing an Add-on in Tally Prime

To use an add-on, you need to install it into your Tally Prime system. Follow these steps:

1. Download the add-on file (usually with a .tdl or .zip extension) from a reliable source.
2. Open Tally Prime on your computer.
3. Go to the Gateway of Tally screen.
4. Press F12 to open the Configuration menu.
5. Select Advanced Configuration and scroll down to the TDL Configuration section.
6. Click on Load TDL and browse to the location where you saved the add-on file.
7. Choose the add-on file (such as add-on.tdl) and press Enter to load the add-on into Tally Prime.

Once the add-on is loaded, its features will be available for use within Tally Prime.

Step 4: Using the Installed Add-on

After installing the add-on, you can start using its features in Tally Prime. The usage of an add-on depends on its functionality. For example:

• If the add-on provides a new report, you can access it by navigating to the relevant section in Tally Prime (e.g., Reports or Inventory).
• If the add-on automates tasks like sales order creation, it may provide a new button or shortcut for triggering the automation.
• If the add-on integrates with another software, such as a payment gateway or inventory management system, you may need to configure it by entering API keys or credentials.

Refer to the add-on's documentation for specific instructions on how to use its features. Most add-ons include an easy-to-follow guide or help section within Tally Prime itself.

Step 5: Configuring Add-on Settings

Some add-ons require additional configuration to work properly with Tally Prime. This may involve setting up preferences, user roles, or integration settings. Here’s how you can configure settings for an installed add-on:

1. Access the configuration screen for the add-on by navigating to the relevant menu (e.g., Gateway of Tally > Add-on Settings).
2. Configure the settings as required, such as enabling specific features or entering configuration details like API keys, company preferences, etc.
3. Save your settings and test the add-on to ensure it functions as expected.

For example, if the add-on is for managing GST (Goods and Services Tax), you may need to set up the GST details in the configuration screen, such as GST rates, taxable categories, and so on.

Step 6: Updating or Removing Add-ons

Over time, you may receive updates for the add-ons you’ve installed in Tally Prime. It’s important to keep your add-ons up to date to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features. Here’s how you can update or remove add-ons:

Updating an Add-on

1. Download the latest version of the add-on from the source.
2. Follow the same installation steps to load the updated .tdl file into Tally Prime.
3. If the add-on has been updated, Tally Prime will automatically use the latest version of the add-on.

Removing an Add-on

1. Go to the Advanced Configuration menu in Tally Prime.
2. In the TDL Configuration section, find the add-on that you want to remove.
3. Click Unload TDL to remove the add-on from Tally Prime.
4. Confirm the removal, and the add-on will be unloaded.

Step 7: Example: Using a GST Add-on in Tally Prime

Let’s look at an example where we install and use a GST add-on in Tally Prime to automate GST calculation and reporting.

Installing the GST Add-on

      1. Download the GST add-on file (e.g., gst_addon.tdl).
      2. Load the add-on in Tally Prime using the Load TDL option.
      3. The GST features will now be available in Tally Prime.
      

Using the GST Add-on

• Navigate to the Reports section in Tally Prime.
• Open the GST Reports option from the menu.
• The add-on will automatically calculate the GST amounts and generate detailed reports for your transactions.

The add-on will also allow you to file GST returns directly from Tally Prime if the integration supports it, automating tax filing processes and saving time.

Conclusion

Installing and using add-ons in Tally Prime is a powerful way to extend the functionality of the software and meet specific business needs. Whether you are automating tasks, integrating third-party systems, or enhancing reporting, add-ons can help make Tally Prime more versatile and tailored to your business processes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install, configure, and use add-ons to unlock new features and improve your accounting operations.