Extension Pointers #7: Build third-party integrations by incorporating Custom variables into Widgets
There are currently a number of third-party applications that can be integrated with Zoho CRM to help improve the existing functionality of the product. Amongst this diverse collection, there are certain applications that only support API key forms for user authentication. If the third-party application that you choose to integrate supports API key forms, Custom variables are the best way to integrate with Zoho CRM. Custom variables are of major importance in scenarios where data needs to be globally accessed across an entire extension, as well as during third-party integrations where security-related, user-specific data needs to be passed in order to establish a successful integration.
Just as custom variables help to integrate Zoho CRM with third-party applications, widgets are built-in UI components that help you customize your own UI interface and perform certain functions using third-party data.
In this post, we'll look at how to use custom variables while building widgets, in order to synchronize the third-party data seamlessly into Zoho CRM components in a personalized format.
Consider, for example, a widget that needs to display the services and technologies of the company to which a Zoho CRM lead belongs. These details help to target and serve the leads based on a data-driven approach, and thereby run b2b marketing efficiently. In our example, Clearbit is the third-party application that is used as a source of data enrichment.
Let's go through the steps to achieve the above-mentioned functionality.
Create a Custom Variable to store the API key value
In order to establish a connection with the Clearbit application and retrieve its data, we first need to register with Clearbit and obtain the API Secret Key. Upon successful acquisition of the API Key, we'll create a custom variable to store its value in the extension.
1. Go to the Extension's Detail page in Zoho Developer Console.
2. Choose Custom Properties from the left panel of the Zoho Developer console under Build, then click Create your first CRM variable.
3. Provide the Custom Variable Name and the Clearbit API secret key as the value.
4. Click Save.
The custom variable "API Key" will be created with an auto-generated API name.
Note: clearbitextension__API_Key is the API Name in our example.
Create a widget that fetches the details of a company
- Create a widget called "ClearbitProject" in ZET CLI.
- Add the necessary HTML and CSS files (handle the UI) along with the JS file (business logic) to get the company details of the lead. Refer here to check out the step-by-step guide to create a widget in ZET CLI .
Clearbit.js code snippet
var comp; var json; var jsonObj; var orgVal; function initializeWidget() { // PageLoad listener that returns the entity details of the active page ZOHO.embeddedApp.on("PageLoad",function(data) { console.log("inside function"); id = data.EntityId; console.log("id===="+id); entity = data.Entity; // Get the record details of the entity using the value returned by pageload listener ZOHO.CRM.API.getRecord({ Entity: entity, RecordID: id }).then(function(data) { // Fetch the company detail from the response obtained through getRecord API var recorddata= data.data[0]; comp=recorddata.Company; // Get the API Key detailsfrom the custom variable ZOHO.CRM.API.getOrgVariable("clearbitextension__API_Key").then(function(data){ org=data.Success; //Store the API key value to a variable based on the format required by Clearbit API orgVal="Bearer "+org.Content; }) setTimeout(function(){ // Construct the params as required by Clearbit API var request ={ headers:{ Authorization : orgVal, } } // Invoke HTTP get to receive the response of the initiated request i.e the Clearbit API call ZOHO.CRM.HTTP.get(request).then(function(data) { jsonObj = JSON.parse(data); console.log(jsonObj); respPrint(jsonObj); }) },500) }) }) // Extract the required information from Clearbit API response and format the data in UI function respPrint(jsonObj){ jsonObj.tags.map(function(value,index){ var sub_list = document.createElement('div'); sub_list.classList.add('sub-list'); sub_list.innerText = value; document.getElementById('list_tags').appendChild(sub_list); }); jsonObj.techCategories.map(function(value,index){ var sub_list = document.createElement('div'); sub_list.classList.add('sub-list'); sub_list.innerText = value; document.getElementById('list_technologies').appendChild(sub_list); }); } ZOHO.embeddedApp.init(); } |
Multiple Zoho CRM APIs are a part of the above-mentioned Clearbit Javascript code snippet. Collectively, these APIs help to implement the business logic of retrieving the company details of the selected lead. Let's take a look at these APIs.
ZOHO.embeddedApp.on("PageLoad",function(data)) - An event listener that is triggered whenever an entity Page (Details Page) is loaded.
ZOHO.CRM.API.getRecord(config) - API that gets all details of a record when providing the entity and record ID information.
ZOHO.CRM.API.getOrgVariable()- API that returns the data with respect to the custom variable passed to it.
ZOHO.CRM.HTTP.get(request) - The API invokes HTTP GET and returns a response based on the request object passed to it as a parameter. The request object is constructed as a combination of request params and request headers of the respective API.
- In our example, PageLoad listener is used to fetch the entity and ID of the record in an active page. Upon passing the retrieved entity and ID to the getRecordAPI, the complete record information is gathered, from which we fetch the company name of the selected lead.
- The retrieved company's name is passed to the URL call as the domain, along with the headers required by Clearbit API. This is bundled together and constructed as the request parameter for the HTTP GET API.
- The HTTP GET API is invoked, and it returns the response (enriched company details) based on the request parameter.
- Finally, the required data is extracted from the response and displayed in the widget UI, as per your requirement.
After adding all the necessary files, validate and pack the project.
Associate the widget with a connected app and host it
After successfully building the widget, we can now associate it with a connected app in the extension.
1. Choose Connected Apps from the left panel of the Zoho Developer console, under Utilities.
2. Provide the necessary details for the Connected App. Upload the ClearbitProject.zip file from the dist folder and click Save.
Embed the widget as a related list in Zoho CRM
Now that the widget is associated with a connected app, let's embed it inside Zoho CRM. In our example, we'll embed the widget as a related list called Company Enriched Data in the Leadsmodule.
1. Choose Components from the left panel of the Zoho Developer console, under Build.
2. Choose the Related Details tab and select Add Widgets.
3. Provide the necessary details, choose the "Leads" module, and click Save.
4. Test the widget's functionality locally in an isolated sandbox environment using Test your Extension option.
Note: It's important to keep the localhost running in ZET CLI using the zet run command.
In the sandbox environment:
1. Click the Leads module and choose a lead. Here, we have chosen the lead "TestCustomer New" belonging to the company "Microsoft".
2. Select the related list Company Enriched Data that includes our ClearbitProject widget.
The resulting data of the ClearbitProject widget, namely the services, tags, and technologies offered by Microsoft, to which our lead "TestCustomer New" belongs, will be populated and displayed .
Note: As part of the development process of the extension, we have set the value of the custom variable "API Key" with the API secret key obtained. After development, when planning to publish and share the extension either publicly or privately, it's important to make sure that the value is set empty to ensure that users provide their own secret API key while installing the extension.Refer here to learn more about handling custom variables.
With these steps, custom variables can be incorporated into widgets to perform third-party integrations. You can alter and enhance the widget's functionality as per your requirement. Keep following this space for more info!
SEE ALSO
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho Developer Community
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources
New to Zoho Survey?
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Bigin?
Topic Participants
Nanditha Somasundaram Somasundaram
Sticky Posts
Client Script | Update - Introducing Commands in Client Script!
Have you ever wished you could trigger Client Script from contexts other than just the supported pages and events? Have you ever wanted to leverage the advantage of Client Script at your finger tip? Discover the power of Client Script - Commands! CommandsKaizen #165 : How to call Zoho CRM APIs using Client Script
Welcome back to another exciting Client Script post! In this post, we will discuss one of the most frequently asked questions: How do you call Zoho CRM APIs from Client Scripts? In this kaizen post, 1. Ways to make calls to Zoho CRM APIs using ClientKaizen#162 : Add Tags and Open Pre-filled Email Drafts via Client Scripts
Hello everyone! Welcome to another informative Kaizen post. In this post, let us see how to accomplish the following using Client Script. 1. How to auto-tag a record based on field update? 2. How to Open a pre-filled email draft This post will provideExtension Pointers - JS SDK series #4: Managing data from a widget using ZOHO.CRM.HTTP
Handling and managing the data between two applications is a major factor for an efficient business. There are a variety of ways to handle data between Zoho CRM and other third-party applications. You can use deluge CRM tasks, create connectors, use APIKaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms
Hello everyone! Have you ever wanted to trigger actions on click of a canvas button, icon, or text mandatory forms in Create/Edit and Clone Pages? Have you ever wanted to control how elements behave on the new Canvas Record Forms? This can be achieved
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Zoho CRM Plus Resources
Zoho Books Resources
Zoho Subscriptions Resources
Zoho Projects Resources
Zoho Sprints Resources
Qntrl Resources
Zoho Creator Resources
Zoho Campaigns Resources
Zoho CRM Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Zoho Show Resources
Get Started. Write Away!
Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.
Zoho CRM コンテンツ
-
オンラインヘルプ
-
Webセミナー
-
機能活用動画
-
よくある質問
-
Ebook
-
-
Zoho Campaigns
- Zoho サービスのWebセミナー
その他のサービス コンテンツ
Nederlandse Hulpbronnen
ご検討中の方
Recent Topics
Record Asset Received as Payment
How exactly would you account for this in books? For example, I receive a mini computer for a review and I get to keep it after the video is published. Would debit my normal asset account (e.g. Computers) and credit an income account (e.g. Other Income).Invoice Line Item Report
Is it possible to run an 'Invoice Line Item Report'? The 'Invoice Details Report' shows one row per invoice. I would like one row per Invoice Line Item.Transform Your Customer Support with AI-Powered Chatbots in Zoho SalesIQ
Ever wondered how some companies seem to have superhuman customer support? Let's uncover their secret! In the digital age, customer expectations are skyrocketing. Did you know that according to McKinsey, 75% of consumers expect a response within fiveProgressive Invoicing
Progressing invoicing is needed for many industries. It would be great to see it implemented into Zoho Books as well. Set up and send progress invoices in QuickBooks Desktop (intuit.com)Client Script - mapping data from different module
Dear ZOHO Team Firstly I need to describe the need - I need to have data from Contacts module based on lookup field - the 5 map limit is not enough for me because I have almost 20 fields to copy So I have decided to make a Customer Script - and from unknownDORA compliance
For DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) compliance, I’ll want to check if Zoho provides specific features or policies aligned with DORA requirements, particularly for managing ICT risk, incident reporting, and ensuring operational resilience inFiles Uploaded to Zoho WorkDrive Not Being Indexed by Search Engines
Hello, I have noticed that the files I upload to Zoho WorkDrive are not being indexed by search engines, including Google. I’d like to understand why this might be happening and what steps I can take to resolve it. Here are the details of my issue: FileZoho Creator Upcoming Updates - December 2024
Hi all, We're excited to be back with the latest updates and developments on the Creator platform. Here's what we're going over this month: Deluge AI assistance Rapid error messages in Deluge editor QR code & barcode generator Expandable RTF and multiCustomer can't comment on SO or Invoice
Hi I just saw that my customers are not able to submit a comment either on invoices or sales order. What happens if my customer hits submit is just nothing. only a red line appears on top of the page which probalby indicates an error. I'm not able toZoho Creator customer portal limitation | Zoho One
I'm asking you all for any feedback as to the logic or reasoning behind drastically limiting portal users when Zoho already meters based on number of records. I'm a single-seat, Zoho One Enterprise license holder. If my portal users are going to add records, wouldn't that increase revenue for Zoho as that is how Creator is monetized? Why limit my customer portal to only THREE external users when more users would equate to more records being entered into the database?!? (See help ticket reply below.)See Calendar When Creating Meetings On Record Page
It would be a great user experience to see you calendar while you are creating a meeting on a record page. Here is how I imagine it could look:Saved filters, layout rule support, related list quick navigation, and more
Hello Everyone, We're excited to share some new features and enhancements in the Zoho CRM iOS and Android apps that will improve your mobile experience. These updates will make your CRM journey more efficient and user-friendly. Here's a look at what'sPower of Automation: Automatically send an email to all portal users with today's list of Open tasks.
Hello Everyone, A Custom Function is a user-written set of code to achieve a specific requirement. Set the required conditions needed as to when to trigger using the Workflow rules (be it Tasks / Project) and associate the custom function to it. Requirement:-Introduction of Robotics Process Automation in Zoho products
It will be great if Zoho can start advancing from automation to robotics process automation. For a start, it can be started with smart document understanding. Provide OCR engines Google cloud, Microsoft Azure Computer vision OCR, Microsoft OCR, OmnipageLock a custom field on a deal record but keep all other fields editable?
I have a custom field, which auto-populates a job number upon converting a lead to a deal but the automation breaks if someone accidentally edits that field. I want to lock that field but keep all other fields open. Is this possible? I've tried throughAdd Feature To Hide Plugin Sections On Record View
Hi team, I'm trying to help a client tidy up their CRM. When it comes to record view some sections and fields are visible no matter what Layout Rules are applies and they are not removeable from the layout editor. I would like to see an option to hideCreator Simplified #10: Predefine Form Field Values and Make Them Read-Only for Users
Hey Creators, Ready for this week's tip in the Creator Simplified series? Today, we will explore how to have read only fields in a form. Use Case: Assume a scenario where the default value for a Department field needs to be English Literature, but youfetch records from analytics table from creator
I have a creator workflow that I am working in that will compare data from within the app to a table in zoho analytics. Is there a way to fetch a record from Analytics? I have attempted a custom connector with analytics and tried to use it with invokeDirectly Edit, Filter, and Sort Subforms on the Details Page
Hello everyone, As you know, subforms allow you to associate multiple line items with a single record, greatly enhancing your data organization. For example, a sales order subform neatly lists all products, their quantities, amounts, and other relevantAbility to Change Custom View After Cadence Creation
Dear Zoho Team, I hope you are well. We would like to request an enhancement to the Cadence feature in Zoho CRM. Currently, during the creation of a Cadence, we can select a Custom View under the "Who is this for?" section. However, once the Cadence isZoho Creator Integration with QuickBooks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction: Integrating Zoho Creator with QuickBooks allows you to sync your business data between the two platforms, providing a seamless experience for managing accounting, invoicing, and financial data. This integration helps automate workflows andNote not being pulled for other modules in email template
Hi there, Currently i am creating an email template that is able to pull the data from notes field in estimate module and email it to procurement team where they will be able to receive the email with the contents of the note, i am unable to replicateNo Sales Returns on SO's with Dropped Shipped items + Inventory Items
We have encountered an issue in Zoho related to sales orders that include both dropshipped items and inventory items. Specifically, it is currently not possible to create sales returns for the company’s own inventory items from these sales orders. ThisPre-fill TO and CC fields for Email Templates
This would be a game changer to be able to set either specific email addresses or merge fields based on deal role titles into email templates. Please pass this along to *hopefully* add to future features of Zoho CRM.Pick list - Cannot save list "Special Characters not Allowed" error message
Bulk uploading values. All values are pretty standard - with the exception of a "-" (dash). Like: Industry - Prepared Food Is the simple dash a special character too? JanFlow with CRM
Hello, I have a simple flow that uses a web hook to enter data into a Sales Order. I have the web hook sending Flow data which has a PO field. If the PO has a special character like - or / or \ the task fails. How can I get the flow to be okay with theMaking the Resolution Tab Mandatory
Hello Everyone! This edition is here to show you how to make the Resolution mandatory when closing a ticket. The Ticket Resolution tab helps keep a record of the solution provided for the ticket query. The resolution can serve as a quick reference toRemove County field from Customer Address input screen (or allow input to be deleted)
We are in the USA and have just noticed that there is now a County field in the Customer Address input screen (and maybe other areas of Zoho Books, but this is the one affecting us at the moment). County is not important to our business, and in fact weNotificación de cumpleaños
Hola: Se puede enviar alguna alerta de felicitación al personal que cumple años, que se dispare solo? Si existe como se puede hacer? SaludosAutomation#25: Move Tickets to Unassigned When the Owner Is Offline
Hello Everyone, Welcome to this week's Community Series! 'Tis the holiday season—a time when work often takes a brief pause. The holiday spirit is in full swing at Zylker Techfix too, with employees taking some well-deserved time off. During this period,Callback URLs
I need to connect to an external service through an API that requires me to provide a Callback URL so that a status update can be sent back when the API request has been processed. Is there a way to do this in Creator without having to use a middlewareEmail signature not being included if user creates ticket / sends email
When I create a ticket (send email), the signature doesn't appear to be added to the ticket. Can you confirm if this is the case? It would obviously be useful to include the user's signature even when sending a client an email and not only on replieZoho Notebook window ignores taskbar
When maximized to full screen, the Zoho Notebook window ignores the presence of the taskbar and overlaps it. What could be the problem? Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon. Zoho Notebook 3.2.0URL for job opening
I would like to ask you to add this feature to the product: create an unique url for each job opening on Zoho Recruit, so that I can add a link to it when I post the opportunity in a mailing list or on a forum.Document images
We used to be able to rotate the images but this has now been removed ???VENDORS ARE NOT SYNCHED WITH CONTACTS IN CRM
Hello, While the ACCOUNTS and CONTACTS (Including the primary contact) are synced with the CONTACTS module in CRM, the vendor's CONTACTS are not synced with CRM - which basically forces the users to re-enter all vendor's contacts twice and then updateInvolved account types are not applicable when create journals
{ "journal_date": "2016-01-31", "reference_number": "20160131", "notes": "SimplePay Payroll", "line_items": [{ "account_id": "538624000000035003", "description": "Net Pay", "amount": 26690.09, "debit_or_credit": "credit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000403", "description": "Gross", "amount": 32000, "debit_or_credit": "debit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000427", "description": "CPP", "amount": 1295.64, "debit_or_credit": "debit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000376", "description":KB Templates
* It would be nice if Zoho can provide users an option to create custom templates for KB articles. Also, it would be nice as well if the users can have an option to 1.) select a default template and 2.) declare default tag/tags, for KB articles created through Ticket's resolution.Zoho CRM Reports Module on Mobil App
I have the mobile app and the reports module doesn't appear in the sidebar for some reason. I saw a Youtube video where the user had the Reports module on mobile. Is there a setting to show it on mobile? Thanks.Contacts Don't Always Populate
I've noticed that some contacts can easily be added to an email when I type their name. Other times, a contact doesn't appear even though I KNOW it is in my contact list. It is possible the ones I loaded from a spreadsheet are not an issue and the onesNext Page