Title: Creating custom connections for extensions | Community | Zoho Finance

Title: Creating custom connections for extensions | Community | Zoho Finance

In our previous post, we discussed the significance of connections, identified their types, developed a predefined connection, and demonstrated how it can be integrated with Zoho Books using an example. In this post, we'll walk through the process of creating a custom connection using an example.

Custom connections facilitate the integration of applications with Zoho Books by aiding in configuring the required application's connection manually by providing application-specific details. Let's go over the steps involved in configuring custom connections in detail using a use case scenario.

Use case

Let's say an organization uses Zoho Books to manage its financial operations. To improve sales for the organization, one must contact and communicate with multiple clients, as well as check in with vendors on a regular basis to remain up to date on new products on the market, take demos, and assess whether the products need to be brought into the organization.

In these cases, it is best to schedule appointments with clients and vendors in order to conduct business in an organized manner. This can be easily performed by integrating an appointment scheduling software so appointments can be scheduled with a click.

For our demo purpose, let's consider Zoho Bookings as the appointment scheduling software. Since it is not available under the default list of services in predefined connections, let's create a custom connection to achieve this.

Steps to create a custom connection
  • Go to Sigma and access your workspace.
  • Enter the developer portal of the Zoho Books extension you're creating a connection for.
  • Navigate to the Build section and click Connections.
   
  • Click New Connection to create a new connection.
NotesNote: Alternatively, you can use the View All option under a connection type to see all the services under that particular connection type and begin creating connections.
     
  • Choose Custom Services and click Create Service.
   
  • Provide the details of the service.
➤ Enter a name for the service, and the service link name will be immediately filled in.
➤ Choose the authentication type that corresponds to the authentication mechanism supported by the service for which you are building the connection. These details will be available as part of the service's API documentation. For our example, we'll use OAuth2, because Zoho Bookings supports it as an authentication mechanism.         
  
➤ The remaining fields to be configured for the service differ based on the authentication type used. In our case, the parameter type is Header, and the grant type is Authorization Code.
   
➤ Please refer to the table below for the values that need to be configured in the remaining fields.
Note: Register the service in the Zoho Developer API console to get the client credentials.
  • Finally, click the Create Service button.
  
  • The service is created successfully. Click Create Connection to create a connection for this service.
  • Provide the connection details, select the scope, and click Create and Connect.
 
  • Proceed with the flow to accept the scopes and authorize the connection.
 

The connection is now authorized, and you'll be directed to the connection details page. This page will also contain sample code in both Deluge and JSON formats that can be used to utilize this connection as part of your extension components. Depending on which component you want to invoke the connection in, you can use the appropriate sample code format.

Additionally, a predefined connection for Zoho Books is created to perform operations on Zoho Books data to implement our use case. Get more information on predefined connections in our previous post.

Now, in accordance with our use case, let's create a custom button that includes this connection to schedule appointments (in Zoho Bookings) with clients and vendors using Zoho Bookings with a single click (from Zoho Books).
We require two custom fields for our logic, one for setting the meeting start time with the client or vendor, and the other to display the Bookings appointment calendar link once the meeting is scheduled.
  • Create custom fields for the Customers and Vendors module by selecting Preferences > Customers and Vendors > Field Customization > New Custom Field.
 
  • Next, create a custom button and include the logic to schedule an appointment.
  • Create a custom button for the Customers and Vendors module by selecting Preferences > Customers and Vendors > Custom Buttons > New.
InfoBook meeting custom button function Deluge code - Please find code snippet as an attachment in the post
  • In the above code, the Get Contacts API of Zoho Books is invoked through the InvokeURL method using the predefined connection to get the contact/customer details for whom the appointment has to be scheduled in Zoho Bookings. Refer to this post to get complete details on the parameters required to call the InvokeURL method.
  • From the API response, the required details are fetched from which the start time (custom field data) is formatted to the way required by the Zoho Bookings API.
  • Next, the Zoho Bookings API to get the service ID and staff ID are invoked consecutively through the InvokeURL method using the custom connection created.
  • The Book appointment API is used to schedule the appointment using the service ID, the staff ID obtained from the Zoho Bookings API, and customer details obtained previously via the Zoho Books API.
  • Finally, using the update contact Zoho Books API, the Zoho Bookings calendar URL is updated in the custom field created to display the calendar booking URL.
We've now completed the extension setup for our use case.

After testing and publishing the extension, as per our use case, you can book a meeting for a Zoho Books customer through Zoho Bookings and have your Zoho Bookings calendar reflected inside Zoho Books as well.

z
This is an example demonstration of the benefits of using a custom connection in a Zoho Books extension. This is a versatile use case that may even be used to schedule an internal meeting with your Zoho Books teammates who are working on a project. Similarly, this use case can be enhanced and implemented based on your needs.

We hope you found this information useful. Keep following us for more tips.

SEE ALSO

    • Recent Topics

    • 【Zoho Projects】サンドボックス機能（テスト環境）リリースのお知らせ

      本投稿は、本社のZoho コミュニティに投稿された以下の記事を参照し作成したものです。 Sandbox - Your Secure Testing Space in Zoho Projects ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの中野です。 本投稿では、Zoho Projects のサンドボックス機能リリースについてご紹介します。 サンドボックス（テスト環境）とは？ Zoho Projects の「サンドボックス」は、新たな設定を作成、検証、そして既存の処理を妨げることなく本番環境に適用することができるテスト環境です。

    • Sending from domain alias

      In the Control Panel/Domains, I have set up some domains as aliases for my main domain. Only my main domain has mail hosting. The other domains are verified as aliases for the main domain, and emails sent to <user>@<alias domain> arrive successfully at

    • Difficult to Purchase More users

      It's surprisingly difficult and un-intuitive to purchase more user licenses in Zoho One under the new UI. It's not actually possible to do it anywhere from the admin interface. You have to leave the admin/directory section, then click your profile icon,

    • How to link web sales payments through Stripe to invoices?

      I have just set up an online shop website which accepts payments through Stripe.  The payment appears in Zoho Books through the Stripe feed as 'Sales without invoices'.  In order to keep Zoho Inventory in step, I manually (for now) create a Sales Invoice

    • Announcing New Features in Trident for macOS (v.1.22.0)

      Hello everyone! Trident for macOS (v.1.22.0) is here with thoughtful updates to improve your daily workflow. Here's a quick look at what's new. Switch email response type easily. You can now switch between Reply, Reply All, and Forward directly in the

    • Layout Rules / Quick create

      Hello, is there a way to create a layout rule for quick create option? Regards, Katarzyna

    • Zoho Notebook Will Not Open After App Install

      I am a new user of Notebook. I was able to successfully import my data from Evernote and the product is working well on a Windows 11 computer and Pixel device. I have also installed Notebook on a Samsung S6 lite tablet however the software freezes on

    • Project template after project creation

      How can I apply a project template AFTER the project has been created?

    • Leads, contacts, deals table view is not sorting

      i am unable to sort the table view of leads, contacts and deals

    • Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field

      How we can use Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field field? Please help.

    • Zoho CRM Multi-select values not translated

      Hello! I have some issue with translate custom multi-select fields in zoho CRM in other language. I download export file, but it has all my custom fields and picklist values exept multi-select fields picklist values.  Please, help me to undestand, is

    • Unable to Download Invoices via API – Code 57 Authorization Error

      I’m integrating the Zoho Billing API with the scopes ZohoInvoice.invoices.CREATE,ZohoInvoice.invoices.READ. I’ve completed the OAuth2 flow successfully, including generating the auth code, access token, and refresh token. All tokens are valid and fresh.

    • Weekly Tips : Stay in loop with Conversation View

      You receive a series of emails back and forth with a client regarding a project update. Instead of searching through your inbox for each separate email, you would want to see the entire email conversation in one place to understand the context quickly

    • Introducing Zoho PDF Editor: Your free online PDF editing tool

      Edit your PDFs effortlessly with Zoho PDF Editor, Zoho's new free online PDF editing tool. Add text, insert images, include shapes, embed hyperlinks, and even transform your PDFs into fillable forms to collect data and e-signatures. You can edit PDFs

    • RSC Connectivity Linkedin Recruiter RPS

      It seems there's a bit of a push from Linkedin Talent Solutions to keep integrations moving. My Account Manager confirmed that Zoho Recruit is a Certified Linkedin Linkedin Partner but does not have RSC as of yet., (we knew that :-) She encouraged me

    • Water-Scrum-Fall approach for finance institutions with Zoho Projects Plus

      Finance is a highly regulated sector with strict rules and compliance requirements. Handling sensitive client data and complex transactions like multi-currency deals requires elaborate workflows and precise management. Implementing project management

    • Get instant summaries of your notes with the help of Zia

      Hello all, We've added a simple yet powerful feature to Zoho CRM that we're excited for you to try: Zia Notes Summary. It's designed to make the daily lives of a CRM user a bit easier by giving you quick summaries of your CRM notes. Whether it's a glance

    • Zoho one web page are not available

      Why I am not able to enter to zoho one web page?

    • Zoho People > Onboarding > Candidate do not view all the data field on the Employee Onboarding

      Hello In my onboarding portal I do not see all the fields that i want the candidate to fill in In my Employee Onboarding Form These details i can see In the work information, i have enable the Company View but in the Employee Portal i do not see I have

    • Has anyone implemented a ""switch"" to redirect emails in production for testing?

      Hi everyone, In our production Zoho CRM we have a fairly complex setup with multiple Blueprints and Deluge functions that send emails automatically — to managers and internal staff — triggered by workflows. We’re looking for a way to *test changes safely*,

    • Restrict Access/Shared Access

      Sometimes access to documents that go out from Zoho Sign need to be restricted or shared. For example: 1) HR department send out employment contracts. Any Zoho Sign admin can view them. Access should be restricted to those that HR would allow to view

    • Tip#44: Integrate with Xero to manage your financial operations

      Managing your project finances becomes more efficient with Xero integration in Zoho Sprints. With this integration, you can sync your Zoho Sprints data with Xero. Once you sync them to Xero, you can easily create invoices in Xero. This feature significantly

    • Zoho People Onboarding Unable to Convert to User

      Hello All I need help in this onboarding of candidate Currently at this stage the candidate is just being offered and we are filling in his details however not all information are fill up. The candidate is still using his/her personal email When i try

    • Integration with SharePoint Online

      Is there an integration where we can add a Zoho Sign link to the context menu of a document in the SharePoint document library. Then, we could directly initiate a workflow of sending a document for signature from a document library in SharePoint onl

    • White screen when connecting Zoho Cliq and Zoho People for birthday notifications

      Hi everyone, I'm new to Zoho and I'm trying to set up the employee birthday notifications, following this guide: Automating Employee Birthday Notifications in Zoho Cliq But when I try to connect Zoho Cliq with Zoho People, I just get a white screen and

    • Word file is messed up when i upload it to zoho sign

      Hi. I am trying to upload a word file to zoho sign and when i do that it ruins the file, It adds spaces and images are on top of each other. What can i do? Thanks.

    • Annotate widget?

      Is there something in creator or any zoho app that allows me to have an image markup field item in the form? I need to be able to complete a form that also allows the user to mark up a preloaded image. Other compay's call this an image markup field or

    • Dashboards / Home Page - Logged In User

      Lots of the dashboards that we use reference the Logged In User.  We also set up Home Pages for specific roles, where the Logged In User is referenced within the custom view.  As an admin, that means that these views are often blank when customizing and

    • I'm pissed as fuck

      What the hell Zoho! Always the same goddam problem. It takes time because the simplest things just don't fucking work. Today it just took me 3 hours to complete and send a 1page privacy letter to a client. And you know what 99% of the document was already

    • Configure Notifications for API Limit

      Hello developers, APIs are essential for businesses today as they enable seamless integration between different software systems, automate workflows, and ensure real-time data sync. To ensure that admins are notified well in advance before APIs reach

    • Introducing Blueprints for Custom Modules!

      Hello developers, We've added a new feature called Blueprints in Custom Modules. Blueprints are the online representation of a business process. In Zoho Books, you can use Blueprints to design a process flow using states and transitions. Developers can

    • Campaign Links Blocked as Phishing- Help!

      We sent a Campaign out yesterday. We tested all of the links beforehand. One of the links is to our own website. After the fact, when we open up the Campaign in our browser, the links work fine. The links in the emails received, however, opened in a new

    • Zoho Tables July 2025 Update: Smart Creation, Smarter Automation

      We’re excited to introduce a powerful set of updates across Web, Android and iOS/iPad apps. From AI-assisted base creation to advanced automations and mobile enhancements, this release is packed with features to help you build faster, automate better,

    • Zoho Voice est désormais en France !

      Nous avons des nouveautés très intéressantes qui vont transformer la façon dont vous communiquez avec vos clients. Zoho Voice, la solution de téléphonie d'entreprise et de centre de contact basée sur le cloud est arrivée en France ! Vous pouvez enfin

    • Numbers in MA

      I have an issue rationalising the various numbers around MA2. Not convinced that any are truly accurate. However have a specific problem in that i have a list with 1301 records in the list view. When i come to email there is only 1289 Then have another

    • Android mobile app unable to log in

      When I open the mobile up for zoho mail it asks me to sign in, but when i push the sign in button nothing happens. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling still not working

    • Pie chart in Zoho Analytics shows ridicoulous numer of decimals of a percentage.

      Is there a way to set the number of decimals of a percentage value in the Pie chart? Now it displays 15 decimals instead of a round-off value. The value is a count and percentage calculated in the chart, so there is no number of decimals that can be specified

    • Zoho People > Leave Management > Unable to import balance leave

      Hello Zoho I am unable to import balance leave into the system I have follow the steps It show only 5 fields - the date field i am unable to select from date and to date Error Date in excelsheet

    • Narrative 4: Exploring the support channels

      Behind the scenes of a successful ticketing system - BTS Series Narrative 4 - Exploring the support channels Support channels in a ticketing system refer to the various communication methods that customers use to contact a business for assistance. These

    • Tip of the Week #65– Share email drafts with your team for quick feedback.

      Whether you're replying to a tricky customer question or sharing a campaign update, finding the right words—and the right tone—can be tough. You just wish your teammates could take a quick look and give their suggestions before you send it. Sometimes,

    • Next Page