Automation Series: Auto-create Dependent Task on Status Change

In Zoho Projects, you can automatically create and assign a dependent task when a task’s status is updated. This helps teams stay aligned, ensures reviews happen on time, and reduces manual effort.

In this post, we’ll walk through an easy setup using a Custom Function scripted in Deluge.

Use-case

In a scenario where an auditor schedules a task that requires a compliance review, once the task status is updated from Scheduled, a Dependent task is automatically created and assigned to the Compliance team. All related attachments are carried forward, ensuring the auditors and reviewers have full overview and can proceed without manual coordination.

To configure this flow,

1. Navigate to the upper-right corner of the page and click  → Developer Space → Connections → Create Connection using the following scopes:

1. ZohoProjects.portals.READ
   
2. ZohoProjects.portals.ALL
   
3. ZohoProjects.projects.READ
   
4. ZohoProjects.tasks.CREATE
   
5. ZohoProjects.tasks.UPDATE
   
6. ZohoProjects.tasks.READ
   
7. WorkDrive.workspace.ALL
   
8. WorkDrive.files.ALL
   
9. ZohoProjects.documents.READ
   
10. ZohoProjects.documents.CREATE
    

2. Navigate to  → Developer Space → Custom Functions. Under the Task tab, create a new custom function and add the following Deluge script.

Ensure that the portal URL aligns with your data centre. If not, the function may not execute as expected. Also, make sure the specified team is associated with the project; otherwise, the task assignment will fail.

1. // TODO : Replace Dependency Type here with "FS, SS, SF, FF"
2. // scopes: ZohoProjects.portals.READ, ZohoProjects.portals.CREATE, ZohoProjects.projects.READ, ZohoProjects.tasks.CREATE, ZohoProjects.tasks.UPDATE, ZohoProjects.tasks.READ, WorkDrive.workspace.ALL, WorkDrive.files.ALL, ZohoProjects.documents.READ, ZohoProjects.documents.CREATE.
3. // get team id
4. endPoint = "https://projects.zoho.in/restapi/portal/";
5. endPointV3 = "https://projects.zoho.in/api/v3/portal/";
6. getTaskStatusTimeline = invokeurl
7. [
8. url :endPointV3 + portalId + "/projects/" + projectId + "/tasks/" + taskId + "/status-timeline"
9. type :GET
10. connection:"connectionprojects"
11. ];
12. size = getTaskStatusTimeline.size() - 1;
13. oldStatusName = getTaskStatusTimeline.get(size).get("previous_status").get("name");
14. if(oldStatusName.containsIgnoreCase("Scheduled"))
15. {
16. teamName = "Compliance Team";
17. userGroupsResponse = invokeurl
18. [
19. url :endPoint + portalId + "/projects/" + projectId + "/usergroups/"
20. type :GET
21. connection:"connectionprojects"
22. ];
23. teams = userGroupsResponse.get("userGroups");
24. for each team in teams
25. {
26. if(team.get("groupObj").get("group_name").containsIgnoreCase(teamName))
27. {
28. teamId = team.get("groupObj").get("group_id");
29. }
30. }
31. teamIds = List();
32. teamIds.add(teamId);
33. dependencyType = "FS";
34. //Create Tasks parameters
35. values_map = Map();
36. values_map.put("name","Compliance Audit Verification");
37. values_map.put("description"," Review task created for the Security and Compliance team to validate requirements, assess risks, and confirm adherence to defined standards. Attachments from the originating task are included for reference.");
38. values_map.put("associated_teams",teamIds);
39. //Invoke Create Task
40. createTaskResponse = zoho.projects.create(portalId,projectId,"tasks",values_map,"connectionprojects");
41. // Get TaskId From Task response
42. if(createTaskResponse != null && createTaskResponse.get("tasks") != null)
43. {
44. taskInfo = createTaskResponse.get("tasks").get(0);
45. newTaskId = taskInfo.get("id_string");
46. // copy attachments to new task
47. getAttachmentsResponse = invokeurl
48. [
49. url :endPointV3 + portalId + "/projects/" + projectId + "/attachments?entity_type=task&entity_id=" + taskId
50. type :GET
51. connection:"connectionprojects"
52. ];
53. if(getAttachmentsResponse.get("attachment").size() > 0)
54. {
55. taskAttachments = getAttachmentsResponse.get("attachment");
56. for each attachment in taskAttachments
57. {
58. associateParam = Map();
59. associateParam.put("entity_type","task");
60. associateParam.put("entity_id",newTaskId);
61. associateToTaskComment = invokeurl
62. [
63. url :endPointV3 + portalId + "/projects/" + projectId + "/attachments/" + attachment.get("attachment_id")
64. type :POST
65. parameters:associateParam
66. connection:"connectionprojects"
67. ];
68. }
69. }
70. //Add Dependancy Between Tasks Parameter
71. dependencyParam = Map();
72. dependencyParam.put("taskid",newTaskId);
73. dependencyParam.put("predids",taskId);
74. dependencyParam.put("projId",projectId);
75. dependencyParam.put("toupdate","dependencyset");
76. dependencyParam.put("childprojId",projectId);
77. dependencyParam.put("dependencytype",dependencyType);
78. // invoke task dependency Api
79. dependency = invokeurl
80. [
81. url :endPoint + portalId + "/projects/" + projectId + "/taskdependency/"
82. type :POST
83. parameters:dependencyParam
84. connection:"connectionprojects"
85. ];
86. info dependency;
87. info "-------------------------------------";
88. }
89. }
90. return "success";

Customise the task name and description in lines 36 and 37 as needed, then save the function.

Replace "connectionprojects" with your Zoho Projects connection name in lines 10, 21, 51, and 84 of the deluge.

3. Add the below arguments during configuration.

After mapping the arguments, save the function and enter the Task ID when prompted. This custom function will execute automatically whenever an issue status changes from Scheduled, creating the dependent task as defined in the workflow rule.

4. After saving the custom function, Navigate to  → Automation → Workflow Rules → Projects Tab → New Workflow Rule with the below settings.

5. Configure the workflow to trigger Based on User Action when a task is Updated, and associate the custom function to execute automatically on the status change.

With this automation in place, tasks are triggered automatically, dependencies are assigned, and supporting attachments are transferred ensuring hand-offs without manual effort.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to us at support@zohoprojects.com.

• Topic Participants

• Ritula S

  

• Sticky Posts

• CodeX Scripts for Enforcing Custom Project Logic

  Every organization has a defined way of executing projects. There are clear expectations around how tasks should move, when projects should progress, and which actions require validation. When these rules are consistently followed, projects remain structured

• Automation Series: Auto-create Dependent Task on Status Change

  In Zoho Projects, you can automatically create and assign a dependent task when a task’s status is updated. This helps teams stay aligned, ensures reviews happen on time, and reduces manual effort. In this post, we’ll walk through an easy setup using

• Time Log Reminder

  Tracking the time spent on tasks and issues is one of the most important functions of a timesheet. However, users may forget to update the time logs because they have their own goals to achieve. But, time logs must be updated at regular intervals to keep

• Introducing the Zoho Projects Learning Space

  Every product has its learning curve, and sometimes having a guided path makes the learning experience smoother. With that goal, we introduce a dedicated learning space for Zoho Projects, a platform where you can explore lessons, learn at your own pace,

• Update on V2 API End-of-Life Timeline

  Dear Users, Earlier this year, we shared the launch of the V3 APIs and requested users to migrate from the older V2 APIs by December 2025. We have received valuable feedback from our users and partners regarding their migration timelines. We are happy

• Recent Topics

• Zoho Writer Frequently not loading

  I've reported this as a problem already but I can't log into my email right now or get onto the main site so you're going to hear about it again here: at least once a week, Zoho Writer will just refuse to load entirely. The main page will load and load

• Bulk Associate Tasks/Task Lists to Milestones (Similar to Issues)

  Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We would like to request an enhancement regarding Milestone management for Tasks in Zoho Projects. Current Behavior: In the Issues module, it is possible to select multiple issues and easily associate

• Allow agents to enable or disable notifications from certain departments

  Currently, agent notifications are configured by admins through predefined settings in Setup > Customization > Notifications. As a result, agents may not customize the notifications as per their preferences and needs. However, agents who are part of multiple

• Unable to produce monthly P&L reports for previous years

  My company just migrated to Books this year. We have 5+ years financial data and need to generate a monthly P&L for 2019 and a monthly P&L YTD for 2020. The latter is easy, but I'm VERY surprised to learn that default reports in Zoho Books cannot create

• WorkDrive API returning empty response even after placing file in Team Folder

  Hi everyone, I am trying to fetch a file from Zoho WorkDrive using a Deluge standalone function in Zoho People. The API call executes successfully using a configured connection, but the response is coming back empty. I have verified the following: The

• Address Typeahead Extension for Zoho Books

  I installed the Address Typeahead extension for zoho books but when I went to configure it, it said that that version was deprecated. Is there a newer version somewhere?

• Transaction Rules & Customer Payments

  So I have a situation as follows. We have many clients who are all invoiced on the 1st of each month on a recurring invoice for 1 of 10 plans. This means that almost all payment dates are the same (some people pay late) and that a lot of the amounts are

• Can I Integrate ADP Payroll with Zoho Books?

  Hi, I am hoping that I can integrate ADP Payroll with Zoho Books so that I do not need to manually input the payroll journal entries. Is this possible? If so, how do I do that?

• Zoho Books | Product updates | February 2026

  Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From Advanced Reporting Tags to the ability to mark projects as completed, explore the latest updates designed to improve your bookkeeping experience. Introducing Advanced Reporting

• Darshan Hiranandani : How many participants can join a Zoho Meeting at once?

  Hi everyone, I'm Darshan Hiranandani, trying to find out the maximum number of participants that can join a Zoho Meeting at once. Has anyone here used Zoho Meeting for larger groups and can share their experience or knowledge about the participant limit?

• Ask The Expert: Deep Dive into Zoho CRM, Desk, SalesIQ, and Campaigns!

  Are you using Zoho to power your sales, support, and marketing, and have questions about configuration, automation, or best practices? We have great news: the “Ask The Expert” session is coming to the Zoho Benelux Community! This session is specifically

• How to create a new Batch and update Stock via Inventory?

  Hi everyone, We are building an automation where a user enters batch details (Batch Number, Mfg Date, Expiry, and Quantity) into a Custom Module. I need this to trigger an API call to Zoho Inventory to: Create the new batch for the item. Increase the

• Zoho books Inventory valuation report VS Stock GL value

  At one client, we track inventory using composite (bundled) items, and in the system settings we have enabled the option to prevent stock from going below zero. After the year-end physical count and quantity adjustments, we identified a mismatch: Inventory

• Zoho Zoom extension for CRM

  When meetings are booked through Zoho using the Zoom extension, the Zoom link in the invite is a host start link that contains an expiring ZAK token. The invite should instead use a standard attendee join link or a non-expiring host link - why is this

• Setting GC session variable programatically in a website

  Hi! Is there a way now to programatically set session variables from a website for a Guided Conversations? The current available methods are dependent on react-native.

• Stereo audio

  L.S. Is stereo audio supported in Zoho Meetings? I would like to conduct music lessons with Meetings, but the audio needs to be good (if not great!) and stereo, and not too much compressed and such.

• Usar o Inventory ou módulo customizado no CRM para Gestão de Estoque ?

  Minha maior dor hoje em usar o zoho é a gestão do meu estoque. Sou uma empresa de varejo e essa gestão é fundamental pra mim. Obviamente preciso que esse estoque seja visível no CRM, Inicialmente fiz através de módulos personalizados no próprio Zoho CRM,

• Is Zoho Sites still actively being developed?

  Hello, Is Zoho Sites still actively being developed as part of the Zoho ecosystem? I noticed that the What's New page (https://www.zoho.com/sites/whats-new.html) does not show any updates since Q1 2025. We were considering migrating our website from Squarespace

• Zia should track how customer relationships evolve over time

  Here's a feature idea that I've been thinking about The Problem Zia is great at analyzing individual interactions email sentiment, call transcription, best time to contact. But here's what it can't do: tell you how a relationship has evolved over time.

• Zoho Surveys

  Dear Zoho Support Team, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the availability and documentation for the Zoho Survey API. Background: I am currently working on a project that requires programmatic access to survey data and

• Zoho FSM API Delete Record

  Hi FSM Team, It would be great if you could delete a record via API. Thank you,

• Duplicate Leads Concerns with Round Robin and Lead Approval Process

  It is great to have the Duplicate Lead Approval Process, there are a few issues with the process that I would greatly appreciate taken consideration in enhancing. It appears that A Lead comes in Lead owner assigned by the Round Robin Check for Duplicate,

• Cliq iOS can't see shared screen

  Hello, I had this morning a video call with a colleague. She is using Cliq Desktop MacOS and wanted to share her screen with me. I'm on iPad. I noticed, while she shared her screen, I could only see her video, but not the shared screen... Does Cliq iOS is able to display shared screen, or is it somewhere else to be found ? Regards

• Incoming email replies not automatically associating with Deals/Opportunities - Is this possible in Zoho CRM?

  Hello Zoho Community, I'm running a travel agency (B2B and B2C) and we've been struggling with what seems like a basic functionality that we cannot get to work properly. Our use case: We send emails to suppliers (hotels, transportation companies) and

• Writing SQL Queries - After Comma Auto Suggesting Column

  When writing SQL Queries, does anyone else get super annoyed that after you type a comma and try to return to a new line it is automatically suggest a new column, so hitting return just inputs this suggested column instead of going to a new line? Anyone

• Desk API that can search Merged Tickets

  Is there any method that can still search a ticket that was already merged? zoho.desk.searchRecords - doesn't explicitly mention

• Issue with "Send Email" from Quotes not loading Email Template data

  Hi everyone, I'm currently experiencing an issue when using the "Send Email" option from a Quote record in Zoho CRM. What’s happening: When I go to the Quotes module and select a record, then click Send Email, the attached file (Quote) correctly pulls

• Suggestions for Improved Table Management and Dashboard Filter Controls in Zoho Analytics

  Dear Zoho Analytics Community, I hope you are doing well. I would like to share a few suggestions based on issues I am currently experiencing while working with visualizations and dashboards. Firstly, when I create a new visualization using the Sales-Order

• Introducing Rollup summary in Zoho CRM

  ------------------------------------------Moderated on 5th July'23---------------------------------------------- Rollup summary is now available for all organizations in all the DCs. Hello All, We hope you're well! We're here with an exciting update that

• Zoho Projects and CRM Integration in Analytics

  Hi Team, In Zoho CRM, I’ve integrated CRM with Zoho Projects and associated a project within the CRM. The integration is visible under the Deals module. However, I’m unable to find this data in Zoho Analytics. Does anyone know where this information is

• All new Address Field in Zoho CRM: maintain structured and accurate address inputs

  Availability Update: 29 September 2025: It's currently available for all new sign-ups and for existing Zoho CRM orgs which are in the Professional edition exclusively for IN DC users. 2 March 2026: Available to users in all DCs except US and EU DC. 24

• Cursor lands on disabled fields when tabbing through forms

  As of yesterday, form behavior has changed w/ regard to disabled fields. Previously when tabbing through a form the cursor would skip over disable fields (as would typically be desired). But now the cursor is landing on all disabled fields, in all of

• Permission query

  we have two permission settings i.e 'user permission ' & 'portal user permission' and both have the same setting that we enable for our users, Now those who have access to user permission can see a button on the pivot table, "regenerate" but those who

• Zoho Forms sheet prefil

  I've been using zoho sheet prefill for a week and it was working perfectly, as soon as i deleted the particular sheet and replaced it with another one no matter what I do it cant find the record and i get this message. Could you please assist me to resolve

• "Create Deal" button should default to the currently selected layout/pipeline

  When viewing Deals in Kanban or List view with a specific layout and pipeline selected, clicking "Create Deal" should default to that same layout — not the profile's default layout. Currently it always opens the default layout regardless of context, requiring

• Zoho mail admin panel not opening

• Dynamic Questions in Zoho Forms

  Is it possible to add dynamic questions (like displaying a user’s name) in Zoho Forms? I know this is possible in surveys, but can we implement similar functionality in Zoho Forms?

• How to add "All Open AND Overdue" back to the Home Page Task Component?

  Hi everyone, I’m looking for a way to restore the Tasks component dropdown list on the Zoho CRM Home Page. Since the recent update to the Task area in my Home Page Classic View, the dropdown options (e.g., My Next 7 Days + Overdue) are too restrictive

• Canvas: is it possible to have a fixed header?

  Hello. Does Canvas provide the option to have a fixed header, similar to the standard view? It would also be interesting for other parts of the interface, like the header or sidebar of the tab section. Thanks!

• Removing Related Modules Lookup Fields Assignment / Relationship

  Issue: When creating a related list, I accidently selected module itself creating a circle reference. See attached. Situation: I wish to relating a custom module called "Phone Calls" to Leads and Contacts. Outcome: 1) I either want to remove the this

• Next Page