[Early Access] — Presenting a new and improved email parser in Zoho CRM!

[Early Access] — Presenting a new and improved email parser in Zoho CRM!

====EDIT==============================
Latest update: As on 20th Feb, 2023

Old Email Parser will reach end-of-life on June 1, 2023. After EOL, old email parser will not be available in your CRM account. In the spirit of preparing for this deprecation, we encourage all of you to try the all-new email parser at the earliest.
======================================

Dear Customers,

We are thrilled to present to you, a refreshingly new set of enhancements and flows for email parser. Email parsing is now much easier, more contextual and powerful than ever before.

As part of this "early-access" release, we'd be delighted to enable the new version of email parser if you are interested to try it out. In that case, please submit your request using this Early Access Request Form. 

Please note:
  • Once you submit a request, the new version of email parser will be enabled in the requested email account. 
  • You will also get an invitation to join our exclusive CRM Early Access (EA) Community. 
  • Since this is a Beta version, we would like to keep our discussions on this restricted, until the feature is made available to all.
  • Therefore we request you to join the EA Community to post your questions and suggestions regarding this Beta version. For the same reason, comments on this particular post will be disabled. 

What's email parser — a quick overview:

Email parser is a data extraction tool in Zoho CRM that helps an organization in various business functions such as lead generation and information updates. It is designed to automate the process of adding records to Zoho CRM by extracting information from incoming emails.

For instance, a real estate company may want to add all email enquiries they receive via a property portal as CRM leads. Doing this manually for hundreds of enquiries may become tiring, so here is where they can use email parser. By simply getting the emails sent to a "parser ID" generated in CRM and, they can automatically extract information from the enquiry emails and add them as records in CRM with desired field values. All it requires is a few minutes of initial setup and then you are good to go.

What's new and what's changed

While email parser has been largely functional, a few areas of this feature needed to be ironed out, which is what this post is all about. We are thrilled to present the following enhancements, which you can now see when you switch to the new version of email parser.


1) Single parser email ID for all parser rules

Earlier, for each parser rule, there was a different parser address. It could have been tedious to assign a new parser ID for different vendors and also keep a track of it. The logistics involved in the tracking and maintenance of these parser IDs could be time-consuming in itself. However, in the new version of email parser, there's only a single, common parser email ID for all rules. Regardless of how many vendors you are working with or how many rules you create, you can use this single parser ID for all. This makes working with email parser much easier and cuts down your setup and maintenance time significantly.

Also, a maximum of 5 approved parser addresses can be set up in common for all rules, early on during the configuration.

2) Configuration Interface Made More Powerful and Intuitive

In the latest version of email parser, the entire configuration interface allows free parsing and is highly intuitive, powerful and most importantly, user-friendly, unlike the previous version which involved rigid adherence to delimiters.


The email parser interface —automatically gives you a preview of the parsed data on the same screen where the field mapping occurs, so it is easier for you to get a snapshot of all the fields that are being parsed.


There's also an advanced configuration tab which involves options for filtering emails applicable for the parser based on criteria and associating automated actions such as sending for approval, field update and record assignment to chosen users based on assignment rules.

You can also parse HTML emails directly, as opposed to converting them to plain text emails which was the case previously with the old parser. You can also create email parser rules for each layout in a module.

3) Custom Functions — Configure email parser without associating a module

Email parser now supports execution of custom functions based on parsed data. In this case, the parser rule is not attributed to a particular module. Using custom functions helps you with extensibility and interoperability in Zoho CRM. You can extend the email parser function to more than one module within Zoho CRM, and even to connect with other Zoho services. You can also perform ad-hoc actions in third party applications based on the parsed data.

  • For example, based on an incoming email enquiry, a property management company called Zylker wishes to update both Contact and Account records in CRM. The name of the email sender, their phone number and address will go to the Contacts module, whereas their company information should go to the Accounts module.
  • The same company has another requirement — based on an incoming email from customer regarding the status of their property, they want to update corresponding information on a third party listing website automatically. They can achieve this via email parser using custom functions.
Once you have the required custom functions written, you can associate them to the parser rule and have the action executed for subsequent incoming emails.

4) Update Record and Send for Approval

Update Record is a function using which you can update the latest information on a record from an incoming parsed email.


For example, say you receive an incoming email from a prospect called Jane Evans. Normally, a new lead record would be created for a new enquiry email but, if Jane is already in the CRM system, you want the CRM to update Jane's information on the same record as opposed to creating a duplicate record. If this is your expectation, you may check the Update Record option in the Advanced Configuration settings of the parser rule.

Note:
CRM will use the email field to detect duplicate records. For the Update Record option to show up, you must have first mapped the "Email" field from the email content, which serves as the primary identifier or a "unique field" for a record.

You can also choose the Send for Approval option, in which case, records parsed via email parser need to be reviewed and approved from the Waiting for Approval tab in the selected module in order to become a part of the CRM system.

5) Informative parser reports

In the new version of email parser, you are presented with accurate, detailed insights on the number of emails being parsed per rule, the fields extracted and a list of customized actions associated to the records created via the parser. This summary of details gives you a clear picture of how effective your rules have been and indicates the revisions you may need to make to those rules based on the insights.

Detailed weekly performance reports can be sent to the creator of these rules or a custom email ID. Email reports are also sent on record creation failure, so that immediate action can be taken by the users.


6) Reorder and filter

You now have an option to reorder the list of parser rules based on order of preference. This is important because, the email parser system is designed to execute only the very first rule whose criteria is met by an incoming email. Therefore the order of the parser rules becomes essential for effective performance email parser.

 
You can also filter rules by status (active/inactive) and also by module.

7) Contextual access to parsed emails

While on the one hand, you can view Configuration Info for each parser rule, on the other hand, you can also view insights based on emails that are parsed.




This way, both from the angle of parser rules and parsed emails, you are presented with useful insights.

An "Email" tab, lists the most recent email in your parser inbox, where you can check properties like parsing status, rule parsed with, and more. If the email has not met any rule, you may also create a new parser rule contextually from this email page.


You can also re-run an email in the event of parser failure if there's no match found.You can also parse emails in bulk. (Note that this is applicable only for the emails that have a template match and the parsing was unsuccessful.)

These are some of the key highlights of the new and improved email parser. We encourage you to try this and offer your feedback. We'd also like to reassure you that upon switching to the new parser, your old parser rules will be intact, there will be no hassles. There will be no data loss— your old parser rules will continue to bring in emails and corresponding data to CRM.

Please note:

  • While this new version of email parser will become the default version over a period of time, as of now, the old and new versions will co-exist.
  • This is an early-access release. In a few more weeks, as we get closer to public launch of the new version, we will keep you posted regarding details about EOL of the old version. Watch this space for updates.

Further Reading

Help Doc: Click here
What's New and What has Changed — A comparison guide: Click here
Request access to the new version: Register Now

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know by commenting below. We look forward to receiving your requests and feedback! 

    Access your files securely from anywhere







                          Zoho Developer Community






                                                • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                • Digest


                                                • Functions


                                                • Meetups


                                                • Kbase


                                                • Resources


                                                • Glossary


                                                • Desk Marketplace


                                                • MVP Corner


                                                • Word of the Day


                                                • Ask the Experts





                                                          Manage your brands on social media



                                                                Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                    Zoho CRM Plus Resources

                                                                      Zoho Books Resources


                                                                        Zoho Subscriptions Resources

                                                                          Zoho Projects Resources


                                                                            Zoho Sprints Resources


                                                                              Qntrl Resources


                                                                                Zoho Creator Resources



                                                                                    Zoho CRM Resources

                                                                                    • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                                      CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                                    • Kaizen

                                                                                      Kaizen

                                                                                    • Functions

                                                                                      Functions

                                                                                    • Meetups

                                                                                      Meetups

                                                                                    • Kbase

                                                                                      Kbase

                                                                                    • Resources

                                                                                      Resources

                                                                                    • Digest

                                                                                      Digest

                                                                                    • CRM Marketplace

                                                                                      CRM Marketplace

                                                                                    • MVP Corner

                                                                                      MVP Corner







                                                                                        Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                        Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                        Get Started Now


                                                                                          Zoho Show Resources


                                                                                            Zoho Writer Writer

                                                                                            Get Started. Write Away!

                                                                                            Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.

                                                                                              Zoho CRM コンテンツ




                                                                                                Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


                                                                                                    ご検討中の方




                                                                                                          • Recent Topics

                                                                                                          • Tip of the Week - Extracting Data from JSON Columns

                                                                                                            Let's say you are importing a CSV or Excel file into Zoho Analytics. What if the file contains a few columns in JSON format? This is where Zoho DataPrep, embedded right within Zoho Analytics, comes in handy. This week's tip explains how to extract data
                                                                                                          • Deluge UI Updates

                                                                                                            Are there any updates planned for the Deluge UI in Zoho Desk? It feels quite dated and lack-lustre after you've spent some time in the CRM Deluge UI.
                                                                                                          • Zia Agents - Follow Ups

                                                                                                            It would be nice to have Zia Agents do follow ups. A lot of times agents are trying to schedule things with users and they say "can we set your printer up tomorrow?" and the user never says anything. A way to have a personalized reminder to the user automatically
                                                                                                          • Hide Agents name in Ticket Responses in "My Area"

                                                                                                            We were able to hide the agents name in the emails, however, the customer is able to see which agent has responded to a ticket in the thread of emails by going into their Help Center thread. Is there any way we can hide that information?
                                                                                                          • Option to Automatically Update Extensions

                                                                                                            Hello Zoho Desk Team, We recently received an email notifying us about an extension update that must be done manually. We’d like to request a feature that allows extensions to be updated automatically without requiring manual intervention. This would
                                                                                                          • Embed Report with Auto Height

                                                                                                            Hello Developers, When we embed report within Page, we are getting one awesome feature to adjust the report height. "Auto" and "Custom' height. This "Auto" option works well when we have no records. But I want to embed report based on some conditions
                                                                                                          • Zoho Payroll: Product Updates - August 2025

                                                                                                            This month’s updates to Zoho Payroll bring enhanced efficiency and smarter features, simplifying payroll management for users in India, UAE, KSA, and US. Read on to explore how these updates can streamline your workflow. Filter Pay Runs by Type (India,
                                                                                                          • Numerical Rating for Interviewer Assessments

                                                                                                            Introducing Numerical Rating, a powerful new addition to interviewer assessments that brings precision and flexibility to candidate evaluations. ✅ What is Numerical Rating? Numerical Rating lets interviewers assign a score for each question in the assessment,
                                                                                                          • User Tips: Adding Multiple Products (Package) to a Quote v2.0 (with Client Script)

                                                                                                            This solution is an improvement on the original idea which used deluge. My solution was posted in the comments are: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/adding-multiple-products-package-to-a-quote The updated version uses client script instead
                                                                                                          • Are downloadable product available in Zoho Commerce

                                                                                                            Hi all. We're considering switching to Zoho Commerce for our shop, but we sell software and remote services. Is there a features for downloadable products? I can't find any information about this. Thank you very much Alice
                                                                                                          • Need Faster Help? Try Live Chat Support

                                                                                                            Hello there, We understand that sometimes, whether you’re facing an issue, exploring a feature, or need quick clarification, sending an email and waiting for a response just doesn’t cut it. You need answers, and you need them now. That’s exactly why we
                                                                                                          • Custom image for each contact using merge tag

                                                                                                            Hi, I'm wondering if it's possible to set up an email campaign to display a different image for each contact using a custom field for the image url. I tried inserting custom html: <img src='$[UD:APP_IMAGE_URL||]$'/> but the editor seemed to reject this and did not actually add anything to the email template. Has anyone got any ideas? cheers, Jeremy
                                                                                                          • Comment Reactions like a Thumbs Up

                                                                                                            Can we please have the ability to emoji react on comments or at the very least, thumbs a comment up? Literally every other project management system out there can support this and it is very much needed to just acknowledge a comment instead of completely
                                                                                                          • Zoho Mail Search Engine Sucks

                                                                                                            Hello There! I really like all the features of Zoho Mail and I believe is way better than Gmail except for the Search Function. I believe Zoho Mail has a very poor search function, if you misspelled a word in the search box, Zoho Mail won't display any
                                                                                                          • Allow Subtasks and Task Lists to have their own Layout

                                                                                                            I'd like to have the ability for subtasks and task lists to have their own layout.  A subtask for us doesn't require all the fields that a parent task has.  The subtask seems cluttered with all the extra fields. Within a project Task List had different purposes.  I'd like the task layout to be different for some task lists.
                                                                                                          • How to update Customers in Zoho Books through Zoho Flow?

                                                                                                            Updating customers in Zoho Flow using a "update customer" action is deleting contact persons in Zoho Books.
                                                                                                          • Conect chat of salesiq with zoho cliq

                                                                                                            Is there any way to answer from zoho cliq  the chat of salesiq initiated by customers?
                                                                                                          • How to transfer credit between customers?

                                                                                                            Hi All, We have a slightly odd situation. It happens that we have two separate customers that are related to each other personally. One customer has an amount of credit, and would like to use that credit to pay the *other* customers invoice. How would
                                                                                                          • Zoho Books Reports: Basic report with total items sold and Cost of goods sold

                                                                                                            How can books show a report with Item Name || Qty Sold || Total Revenue || Total Cost of Goods Sold || Margin I need to factor in also invoices that have been credited where customers returned good. This seems like such a basic report, I'm sure I'm missing
                                                                                                          • The amount entered is more than the balance due for the selected bills."

                                                                                                            Hi Team i am trying to record payments for vendors using API and getting this error in response as { "code": 28011, "message": "The amount entered is more than the balance due for the selected bills." } JSON is prepared according to Documentation and
                                                                                                          • VBA handling named ranges

                                                                                                            In VBA I'm able to work with a single cell named range. E.g. Set Jr = Range ("Year").Value. Also other options are working fine, like Range("Year").Address shows $L$3. However a named range refering to multiple cells is not working for me. Eg. tbl_Test
                                                                                                          • Kaizen #176 - Optimizing the Use of Record ID Variables in Zoho CRM Queries

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of Kaizen! Since the release of Queries, we have covered Handling Query Variables in Zoho CRM, Serialization and Schema Management, and Leveraging the 'crmAPIResponse' object in Queries in previous posts. Today,
                                                                                                          • Unbilled Items Report?

                                                                                                            Hello! Is there any way to display a list of items that remain unbilled, without creating an invoice for each customer to see if the unbilled items box is displayed? ;-) Ben
                                                                                                          • Consolidation of Multi currency

                                                                                                            Would like to discuss on the possibility of consolidating the ZOHO companies
                                                                                                          • Landed Cost Allocation / Custom Duty manual data entry

                                                                                                            My client is an import business. They must manually enter the duty for each item with landed cost allocation in Bill. This is because customs duties cannot be allocated based on Quantity, Value, Weight, and Dimensions. Manual data entry is highly time-consuming
                                                                                                          • Territories Just Don't Work

                                                                                                            I have been on chat and screenshare support for the past 3 days and am getting no resolution so hopefully, someone here can help me. I am the Super Admin of my organization. We publish books globally. I want to break down the books into territories so
                                                                                                          • Negative Opening Balance

                                                                                                            How can I add Negative Opening balance - meaning a credit balance to a Customer or a debit balance to a vendor? If I go thru Sales-->Customers, and if the opening balance is Rs. 1000 (credit balance), it does not allow me to enter a "minus" sign or mention
                                                                                                          • Single-Line Invoicing from Sales Order Despite Multiple SKUs Shipped

                                                                                                            We deal mostly with Government Tenders And Lets say we got a tender that needs 125 XYZ Laptops Then we found 95 Laptops with a different SKUs and 30 Laptops with different SKUs We talk with the IT department of the government company and they approve
                                                                                                          • 📣📣 Zoho Bookings Schedulathon 2025 is here!

                                                                                                            Hey Zoho Bookings fam, We're excited to invite you to our first-ever hackathon: Yes, Zoho Bookings Schedulathon 2025 is live now. This is a virtual event and you can participate anywhere from the world. Businesses should be able to set up meetings from
                                                                                                          • I want to send out a new newsletter each month

                                                                                                            Without rebuilding a whole journey is there a way to create a new newsletter that is sent to an existing journey monthly?
                                                                                                          • Reinstalling Workdrive Truesync client

                                                                                                            Hi, I attempted to update to the beta version of TrueSync, but it was unstable and kept crashing, so I need to revert to the stable version. How do I properly reinstall TrueSync on a Windows PC? I couldn't install the 3.15.x version directly over the
                                                                                                          • Evaluating Creator; yesterday fine; today connection times out

                                                                                                            Yesterday I spent hours creating a new app, and it worked fine. Today I cannot access creator.zoho.com. Is this common? I'm in the evaluation mode, but I'm thinking I'm going to keep looking. It worked from my home computer, and now I'm checking it from my work computer. My work computer always works just fine, so I shouldn't htink there would be special settings or anything. If there are, how to find out what they could be? Using Chrome on Windows XP The error I get is: The webpage at https://creator.zoho.com
                                                                                                          • Pivot Chart seems to show "old" data - how do I make it update?

                                                                                                            I wonder how to make a Pivot Chart "update" its data contents. Here is the background: I need to report a subset of data that is so complicated that it is easier to make a calculation and put the result in a "reporting form", and then display the data from that form.  So, I get data from the "original form" GRANTS, make some calculations and put the result in the "reporting form" PERIOD.  Now I can watch the result in a list called LIST, which works fine. The list LIST shows that form PERIOD contains
                                                                                                          • Upcoming Changes to LinkedIn Parsing in Resume Extractor

                                                                                                            Starting 31 July 2025, the Zoho Recruit Resume Extractor will no longer support direct parsing of candidate data from LinkedIn profiles. Why Is This Change Needed? In accordance with LinkedIn’s platform policies, extracting profile data through browser
                                                                                                          • how to create view in leads module to that will show all leads + converted leads?

                                                                                                            is it possible to make custom view that combine all leads + converted leads? how to do that
                                                                                                          • Reply and react to comments

                                                                                                            Hi everyone! We're excited to bring to you a couple of new features that'll make your sprint process simpler. A cloud application brings with it an array of social media features that can be efficiently used in your organizational setup. As an agile scrum
                                                                                                          • Announcing Early Access to "Zoho CRM for Everyone" — A new and exciting update to Zoho CRM

                                                                                                            Zoho CRM For Everyone is now officially available to all customers, and the Early Access Program has come to a close. We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the program. Your valuable feedback played a key role in shaping
                                                                                                          • Avalara Sales Tax integration - AVATAX

                                                                                                            Just wondering if anyone else is having troubles with this integration?  Seems as though Avalara changed their billing process, unbeknownst to Zoho, and now ALL transactions are counted by Avalara, not just transactions in a taxable jurisdiction.  This caused a huge price adjustment billed to us by Avalara within a month of us signing up.  And Avalara is not cheap to begin with! Avalara has been great in waiving that increase, but there seems to be no fix.  Zoho is aware of the problem, but slow
                                                                                                          • Invalid value passed for description

                                                                                                            Dear Sir, When I am entering the purchase bill , the following message showing "Invalid value passed for description" what should I do ? I am attaching screenshot. With Regards, Harish harish@cracku.in 7978841636
                                                                                                          • Zoho Creator - 2024 Release Projection 1

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! As we enter 2024, we'd like to extend our warmest wishes for success and prosperity. Your fantastic response to our Product Roadmap page last year has been incredibly motivating. Continuing on this path, we're excited to share a glimpse
                                                                                                          • Next Page