Power of Automation :: Preventing Infinite Loops in Zoho Projects - A Smart Approach to Task Workflow Automation

Power of Automation :: Preventing Infinite Loops in Zoho Projects - A Smart Approach to Task Workflow Automation

Hello Everyone,

Today, we’re excited to share a smart solution to a common issue in Zoho Projects: Infinite loops caused by Task Workflow Rules and Custom Functions.

Use Case:

In a task layout, the two custom fields—
Gross Rate (GR) and Net Rate (NR) —are automated as follows:

  • When a user updates GR, the system updates NR using the formula
    NR = GR × 0.85
  • When a user updates NR, the system updates GR using the formula
    GR = NR / 0.85

The Problem : Infinite Loop

If each field update triggers a workflow, they will keep calling each other indefinitely, creating an infinite loop. Since Zoho Projects allows workflows to trigger one another, this can quickly become a serious issue.

The Solution: Break the Loop with a Simple Check

We can 
prevent these infinite loops by ensuring that an update only happens when necessary.

✅ Before updating a field, check if the new value is different from the existing value.
✅ Only proceed with the update if a change is actually needed.

Implementation Steps :

We have composed the custom functions which helps in updating these custom fields.

1️⃣ Calculate the new value using the custom functions provided.
2️⃣ Compare it with the existing value before calling the Update Task API.
3️⃣ Update the field only if the value has changed to prevent unnecessary API calls.

Example in Action:

  • Suppose you update GR to 1000 in the UI.
  • The system calculates NR as:
    NR = 1000 × 0.85 = 850
  • Before updating, it checks the existing NR value:
    • If NR is already 850, no update is made. 🚫 (Prevents infinite loop)
    • If NR is different, it updates to 850, triggering the next workflow.
  • When the second workflow recalculates GR, it compares the new value with the existing one. Since they match, no further update occurs—breaking the loop. ✅

    We have attached the required screenshots & custom function scripts for reference.

Final Thoughts:

By applying this simple check, we can ensure smooth automation in Zoho Projects while avoiding infinite loops. This approach not only enhances workflow efficiency but also prevents unnecessary API calls, improving overall system performance.

We hope you found this post useful. If you have any questions, feel free to share them in the comments below.

    • Sticky Posts

    • Introducing Version-3 APIs - Explore New APIs & Enhancements

      Happy to announce the release of Version 3 (V3) APIs with an easy to use interface, new APIs, and more examples to help you understand and access the APIs better. V3 APIs can be accessed through our new link, where you can explore our complete documentation,
    • Schedule Exports for Regular Project Updates

      Tracking project data often means exporting data at regular intervals. Instead of manually exporting data every time, users can schedule exports for Phases, Tasks, and Tasks in Zoho Projects. These exports can be set to run once, daily, weekly, or monthly
    • Set Custom Business Calendars and Holidays for Global Teams

      Managing a project across diverse teams means accounting for more than just tasks and deadlines; it means acknowledging how and when each team actually works. Users might follow different working days or observe region-specific holidays that cannot be
    • Restore Trashed Records Anytime Within 30 Days

      Access the recycle bin from the Data Administration tab under the settings page in Zoho Projects, which gives better control over the trashed data. When records like projects, phases, task lists, tasks, issues, or project templates are trashed, they are
    • Organize and Clone Task Custom Views

      We have rolled out two new enhancements to task custom views: Custom View Groups and Custom View Clone. Custom View Groups Similar to predefined view groups, we have introduced groups for custom views to help organize and categorize them. My Custom Views:
    • Recent Topics

    • NFC Support

      Hi, I would like NFC Support like Zoho Creator, to pre-fill field values by scanning an RFID device. Zoho Creator NFC here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4JoMWnF82I Both on a Field's User Input (Mobile Apps), in additon to QR Code & Barcode today,
    • Live webinar: Building brand consistency using Zoho Show

      Getting people to remember your brand isn’t easy. And if your branding isn’t consistent, it becomes almost impossible. One place where consistency really matters? Presentations. Whether it’s a sales pitch, an event deck, or a team update, your slides
    • Getting an error "Not able to connect server. Verify your network connection" during proforma invoice converting to invoice.

      Getting an error "Not able to connect server. Verify your network connection" during proforma invoice converting to invoice. 
    • calendar I created in Zoho Creator not being imported to Google calendar any longer

      A calendar that I created in my Zoho Creator app is no longer updating (or showing up at all) in my google calendar. It used to export appointments I set up in my app to google calendar. I cannot figure out how to correct this.
    • Quoting Subscriptions with one Time costs

      Hello all, We sell a subscription SaaS service for which we provide one-time services for implementation and customization. Using CRM quotes i was able to create customized total fields to show the total one-time costs, monthly cost, total subscription
    • Automatisez efficacement avec le nouveau concepteur de workflows flexibles

      Auparavant, l'automatisation dans les modèles de fusion de Writer se limitait à des actions simples comme « fusionner et stocker », « fusionner et envoyer par e-mail » ou « fusionner et envoyer pour signature ». En revanche, il était jusqu’à présent impossible
    • More context, fewer tabs: View lookup modules' data within a CRM Canvas page

      Hello everyone, How often do your users juggle multiple browser tabs just to piece together the full context of a record? This update can make their lives easier. You can now add lookup modules' fields to a Canvas detail view page and a Canvas list view
    • On click of the Blueprint transition (Qualified or Not Qualified), the 'Convert' option should be enabled in the Lead module.

      On click of the Blueprint transition (Qualified or Not Qualified), the 'Convert' option should be enabled in the Lead module. console.clear(); let convertButton = ZDK.Page.getButton('convert'); let leadStatus = ZDK.Page.getField('Lead_Stage').getValue();
    • Show all items making up the composite item in transactions

      Dear Zoho, Currently, when we select a composite item in Zoho Inventory for a transaction, we do not receive a breakdown of the individual items that make up the composite. This makes it challenging for our team to accurately pick, pack, and ship the
    • Custom Roles & Granular Permission Control in Zoho SalesIQ

      Hello Zoho SalesIQ Team, We appreciate the functionalities offered by Zoho SalesIQ, but we would like to request a crucial enhancement regarding user roles and permissions. Current Issue: At present, Zoho SalesIQ provides fixed roles—Admin, Supervisor,
    • Condition to skip recipient signature

      Is there a way, alone or with a Zoho Form integration, to skip a recipient signature when a condition is set? This happens because in this template, not always all the recipients need to sign it. Sometimes its just a few. We are using a Zoho Form integration
    • How to filter emails by Reply-to field?

      I receive a very particular newsletter from an association A registered on a website W (that is used by many associations), and the emails fields are not great: the From just contains the generic website's W's email, while A is only mentioned in the Reply-to
    • Wich version of Backstage is included in Zoho One

      Hello I am in the event business and i am considering Zoho One to replace my current tools. I will need Backstage to manage my events but I am wondering wich version of backstage will I get if I subscribe to Zoho One. Thank you Guillaume
    • How to restore deleted campaigns?

      I accidentally deleted my first campaign that went out today (08/21/18). How do I restore it?
    • Organize and Clone Task Custom Views

      We have rolled out two new enhancements to task custom views: Custom View Groups and Custom View Clone. Custom View Groups Similar to predefined view groups, we have introduced groups for custom views to help organize and categorize them. My Custom Views:
    • Kits: Option to Hide Associate Items on Documents

      The new Kit type of Composite Item is very helpful, and we're already using it in several different ways. One problem is that there seems to be no way to hide the components on some documents, including Package Slips. There is an option given in settings
    • Zoho Books CREDIT LIMIT is completely USELESS due to a BUG!!! Please fix it ASAP!!

      Credit Limit should not be taken into account if payment terms on the Invoice are without credit. If selected Credit 0 days (Prepayment) why in this world would a notification pop up saying credit limit is exceeded and not allowing to create an invoice?
    • Is it possible to adjust the web browser tab title (when a ZoHo Desk ticket is opened)

      Hi All, When I open a ZoHo Desk ticket in a web browser, the tab title (text that appears at the top of the browser tab) uses the logic: *company icon picture* (xxxx) #ticket number - company name See below (highlighted in red) for reference. Company
    • Configure ChatGPT in Zoho Cliq | Now with GPT-4!

      Updated for GPT-4 Support: The post and scripts has been revised to take advantage of the new GPT-4 model's capabilities. Please use the updated version for enhanced performance and accuracy. If you have been on the internet for the past few months, you
    • Have completed Zoho Sign documents attach automatically to contact and/or account

      Hello, Just used ZohoSign for the first time to get an e-signature on an important document. Setting up the template was nice and easy and configuring the request to go to the right people and training a member of staff was also very easy. HOWEVER Why
    • Using email "importance" as workflow-criteria

      I'd like to set up a workflow that triggers if an incoming email has been flagged as "high importance" but I'm not seeing any way to do that. Hopefully I'm just missing something obvious...?
    • Update Lead Status in Zoho CRM When a Meeting is Booked via Microsoft Bookings

      Hi everyone, I’m trying to streamline our lead management process and would like to automatically update the Lead Status in Zoho CRM whenever a meeting is booked through Microsoft Bookings. Has anyone successfully implemented this kind of integration
    • Kaizen #199: FAQs on Multi-Select Lookup (MxN) Field in Zoho CRM

      Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone. Got
    • Zoho Desk Android app update: Enhanced UI of the History tab.

      Hello everyone! In the latest Android version(v2.9.10) of the Zoho Desk mobile app, we enhanced the UI of the 'History' tab within a ticket. Also, we have introduced a filter option to easily search the history based on the actions performed on the ticket.
    • Is Zoho Marketing Plus part of Zoho One?

      Hi, Is the new fancy Zoho Marketing Plus part of the Zoho One package? Is there any benefit in using this rather than the standalone products? Many thanks Jon
    • Is it possible to Bulk Update 'Product Name' in Zoho Desk?

      Is it possible to Bulk Update 'Product Name' in Zoho Desk? I cannot see that option now. Kindly help how we can do it.
    • Change visable Subform fields

      I have a form with 4 subforms in it. I added another field to each of the subforms in my main form. Now, how do I update the subforms to show the new fields that I added?
    • Trial Extenstion/ 2nd Go!

      Hi, Recently trialed FSM bit didnt get a chance to try out the most recent features is it possible to get another trial to try the new features and see if I can make it work for me?
    • Weekly Tips : Take Control of Your Sent Emails using Outbox Delay

      Ever clicked “Send” on an email, then instantly realized you forgot something—like a file, an attachment, or even made a small typo? It happens more often than you'd think. Wouldn’t it be helpful if your email waited a little before actually going out?
    • Format of data after export to spreadsheet

      Dear Zoho, can you explain to me what is the point of a report exporting to XLSX if the format of the amounts that will be created there is in text format and not suitable for anything? Why do I need data in a sheet with which nothing more can be do
    • Customer Payment

      Seprate voucher required for cash and bank .You can not authorized any one to enter cash payment .In statement clearly shown is it bank receipt or cash recipt .
    • how to add previous month purchase bill and claim ITC

      Hello we have a unclaimed ITC bill of April (we didn't claim it in may as seller didn't uploaded his gstr1 ) when we trying to file gstr 3b in june month we noticed the bill has been uploaded (april bill) .how to change the filing month of that april
    • Deluge security enhancements

      Hello everyone, At Deluge, security is a top priority, and we're continuously working to enhance the platform's safety and reliability. As part of our ongoing commitment to secure coding and industry best practices, we're rolling out key updates to how
    • How do I set users up to only send emails using org emails?

      We run marketing campaigns for multiple clients and strictly send emails using the official organization addresses provided by each client. However, we've encountered several instances where users unintentionally send emails from their own company accounts—a
    • open multiple notes at a time.

      Hey there, New to Notebook and liking it, but one thing that's really a bother is not being able to open more than one note at a time, either in a new window or in a new tab. Often times, I like to copy/paste from one note to another or compare drafts
    • Let’s Talk Recruit: Forms that think before you do!

      Welcome back to our Let's Talk Recruit series. In our previous post, we shared highlights from our community meetups held across India. This time, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked but makes a huge difference once you set it up
    • PEPPOL Support Needed for Zoho Books in Europe

      I'm reaching out to discuss the urgent need for PEPPOL support in Zoho Books for European users. With Belgium mandating B2B e-invoicing via PEPPOL starting in 2026, many of us are struggling to manage invoices without this integration. While Zoho Books
    • Allow Equity Accounts to be Used for Expenses

      Currently, when entering an Expense or Bill, the Expense Account (account to be debited) allows for accounts in any of these categories to be chosen: COGS Expense Other Current Liability Fixed Asset Other Current Asset Noticeably missing are Equity Accounts.
    • メール一括配信の未送信のメールについて知りたい

      メール一括配信の後の、未送信のメールの数は添付のようにシステムから連絡がくるのですが それらの対象者を知りたい。レポートなど一覧で知りたい。 また配信対象者なのに(担当者、リード)の メールの履歴に配信したメールの件名でさえ表示されないのはどう理解したらよいのか知りたいです。 また、これらの人をレポートで一覧で出す方法を教えてください。把握したいためです。
    • How do I add the time zone for the each recipient/subscriber

      Hi, I've read that Zoho allows for emails to be sent at a certain time based on the recipient's time zone. How do I add the time zone for the each recipient/subscriber? Thanks!
    • Next Page