ZRA Smart Invoice Upgrade Frustrates Users with Airtel-Only Access
The ZRA Smart Invoice system recently rolled out a significant upgrade, featuring version 1.0.4 of the VSDC API, effective from 23rd September 2024. The upgrade introduces improvements and new features that aim to enhance the user experience.
However, despite the technical advancements, users are facing a frustrating barrier: the download process itself. If you are having challenges updating your Smart Invoice desktop version then you have come to the right place.
To upgrade the Smart Invoice system desktop version, users are required to log in to https://siportal.zra.org and download an executable file. Simple enough, right?
Well, here’s the catch—you can’t use just any network. My attempts to download the file using SpaceX Starlink, MTN Zambia, and Zamtel networks all resulted in the same issue: the download would halt randomly, and there was no option to resume.
The struggle went on until I sought help from an assistant, who informed me that the file could only be downloaded through Airtel’s network. What!!!!
This exclusivity to the Airtel network is both inconvenient and inefficient. It creates an unnecessary hurdle for users, especially those who do not have Airtel or access to stable Airtel connections. With no option to resume a failed download and a seemingly arbitrary restriction to a single network, users are left wasting time and resources.
Personally wasted a full working day and had to make deliveries without a ZRA Smart invoice. This means delays in my company payments and sending invoices later (Mines accepts physical copies).
What is new in Version 1.0.4 of VSDC API?
Despite the awkwardness of downloading the smart invoice launcher the upgrade itself boasts several key features, such as the ability to;
Register Minimum Taxable Value (MTV) or
Recommended Retail Price (RRP) items,
Enhanced transaction support, and the
Introduction of new item types like rental and service charge items.
These updates should bring significant value to businesses using the platform. However, what good is an upgrade if the process to access it is cumbersome?
ZRA must address this glaring issue if it wants users to benefit from these improvements. Until then, the new features, while impressive on paper, remain out of reach for many, bottlenecked by a frustratingly exclusive download process.
From the business sentiments, the system itself is not fully welcomed by many users, and such hassle even an upgrade only pushes the negativity.