Kaizen #117 - Mass Delete Records Across Modules (Part I)

Kaizen #117 - Mass Delete Records Across Modules (Part I)

Season's greetings to our coding enthusiasts! 

Let us code our way into the festive spirit with another insightful post in our Kaizen series!

In this post, we will explore the process of creating a custom button using functions on the records' detail page. This enables the deletion of all associated child records when the current record is deleted. To fulfill this requirement, we will leverage APIs like COQL API, Records API, and Mass Delete API.

Currently, Zoho CRM provides the delete action exclusively for a specific related list modules when the parent record is deleted. Here are the specifics of ZOHO CRM's default support for deleting related list modules:

Record Module
Related List Module
Leads
Activities, Visits and Email Drafts
ContactsActivities, Visits, Appointments and Email Drafts
Accounts
Activities, Contacts, Deals, Quotes, Sales Orders, Invoices, Cases, Appointments and Email Drafts
Deals
Activities, Cases, Competitors and Email Drafts
Campaigns
Activities, Email Drafts and Child Campaigns 
Cases
Activities and Email Drafts
Products
Activities, Solutions, Cases and Email Drafts
Vendors
Activities and Email Drafts
Quotes
Activities and Email Drafts
Sales Orders
Activities and Email Drafts
Purchase Orders
Activities and Email Drafts
Invoices
Activities and Email Drafts
Services
Appointments and Email Drafts
Custom
Activities and Email Drafts

Perform Mass Delete Across Modules

Assume that you are the Manager of Zylker, an educational institution utilizing ZOHO CRM for customer relationship management. You have implemented custom modules, namely Training Program and Participants in your organization. 

Now, you aim to streamline record management by creating a custom button on the Training Program module's records detail page. On triggering, this button should delete all associated participants of a specific program along with the program itself. 

Let us guide you through the step-by-step process of fulfilling this requirement using ZOHO CRM functions.

Prerequisites

Achieving this requirement is versatile, applicable to both records with a single child module as well as records with multiple child modules. 

A lookup field serves to establish a connection between two modules, designating the module where the lookup field is employed as the child module. The module that the lookup field points to is referred to as the parent module.

To keep it simple, let us consider Participants as the child module with a lookup relationship to the Training Program parent module. 

The knowledge of COQL, Records and Mass Delete Records APIs, Deluge Script and ZOHO CRM Functions ensure effective execution of our outlined process.

Creating a Custom Button

Step 1: Begin by navigating to Setup > Customization > Modules and Fields > Training Program > Links and Buttons > New Button within your ZOHO CRM interface.

Step 2: Provide a name and description for the button. Next, select the Details Page as the designated location for the button from the drop-down menu.



Refer to this document to learn more on creating and using custom buttons.

Step 3: Configure the button's action by selecting Writing Function from the menu.



Step 4: Fill in the basic details for creating a new function. 

Step 5: After clicking the create button, you will be directed to an editor interface, as depicted in this image.



You have to code your function logic in this editor and click the Save button on the top right corner. 

For the scenario discussed, we have attached the function code in a zip file with this post. Download and explore the code to gain hands-on experience in this use case. 

Step 6: Next, you will be redirected to the Links and Buttons page, where you need to configure the visibility of the button based on profiles. Afterward, click on the Save button to confirm your settings.


Flow of the function

The function should initially make a COQL API call to retrieve the participant records that correspond to the record ID of the training program from which the button is triggered. This API can fetch up to 2000 related child records in a single API call.

queryMap = Map();
queryMap.put("select_query","select id from Participants where Training_Program =" + id + "Limit 2000");
response = invokeurl
[
type :POST
parameters:queryMap.toString()
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];

Here, connections are used to make ZOHO CRM API calls. To get the current record ID, you have to configure it in function arguments. 

Click Edit Arguments from the top of the page and associate the Training Program ID as shown in this image. 



Before proceeding to the next step, it's crucial to be aware of the following constraints associated with the APIs:
  • COQL API: It can retrieve a maximum of 2000 records per API call.
  • Delete Records API: It has the capability to delete up to 100 records in a single API call.
  • Mass Delete Records API: By utilizing record IDs, it can delete a maximum of 500 records per API call.
Given these constraints, the following logic has been devised to address our specified requirement:

--->  If the participant count is 0, the system should proceed to delete the current record exclusively. 
--->  Incases where the record count is below 100, the Delete Record API must be employed to eliminate records from the Participants module.
--->  If the participant count exceeds 100, the Mass Delete Records API should be used for deleting records within the child module. For scenarios where more than 500 records need deletion, it is necessary to execute this in a loop for four iterations with each deleting 500 records.

Let us execute this logic in Deluge script,

if(!isNull(response))
{
response = response.toMap();
count = response.getJSON("info").get("count").toNumber();
has_more = response.getJSON("info").get("more_records");
id_list = List();
itr_list = {0,1,2,3};
response = response.getJSON("data");
result = List();
if(count > 0)
{
for each  item in response
{
id_list.add(item.getJSON("id"));
}
if(count > 100)
{
end = 0;
start = 0;
for each  itr in itr_list
{
if(count / 500 - itr > 0)
{
idMap = Map();
if(count - end > 500)
{
end = end + 500;
}
else
{
end = count;
}
idMap.put("ids",id_list.subList(start,end));
response = invokeurl
[
type :POST
parameters:idMap.toString()
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];
start = end;
}
}
}
else
{
response = invokeurl
[
type :DELETE
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];
}
}
}

Now, let us address the scenario of a training program with over 2000 participants. Following the logic outlined above, our custom button will handle the deletion of only 2000 records. 

To manage this, after successfully deleting the initial 2000 records, the record from the Training Program module should not be deleted. Here, we have to configure a pop-up message signaling that additional records require deletion. To proceed, users must click the same button to eliminate the remaining records along with the current one.

After deleting all records from the child modules, the custom button will proceed to remove the current Training Program record, as shown in the following Deluge code.

if(isNull(response) || !has_more)
{
response = invokeurl
[
type :DELETE
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];
return "Deleted Successfully";
}
return "Over 2000 related records were detected. Click 'Cascade Delete' again to delete the remaining and this training program. ";

Let us now check our custom button from the details page of the Training Programs module. 



To prevent additional clicks for deleting the remaining records, we will circle back to you on next Friday with a solution that incorporates the looping mechanism. 
 
We have also brought you a wave of innovation and enhanced features in our V6 APIs. Take a look at them and empower your coding journey with us. 

If you have any queries, feel free to drop them in the comments section below or reach out to us directly at support@zohocrm.com. We eagerly await your thoughts and feedback on this!

Cheers to a productive and joyful season!


    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

                                                                                            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

                                                                                                          • Zoho Connect Module in Zoho Trident

                                                                                                            Hi I really like where Zoho Trident is going. Having Mail and Cliq in one place is especially powerful. However, Zoho Connect really needs to be included to make this a true communication and collaboration hub. I would like to request that Zoho Connect
                                                                                                          • Add Webhook Response Module to Zoho Flow

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Flow Team, We’d like to request a Webhook Response capability for Zoho Flow that can return a dynamic, computed reply to the original webhook caller after / during the flow runs. What exists today Zoho Flow’s webhook trigger can send custom acknowledgements
                                                                                                          • Zoho Inventory - Managing Items With Multiple Suppliers

                                                                                                            Hi community, I'm working on a project at the moment for a car parts wholesale business. Each Item (part) has its own original manufacturer part number (sometimes more than one part number for the same item). When purchasing parts from 3rd party suppliers,
                                                                                                          • Cliq iOS can't see shared screen

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

                                                                                                            Hello, Just curious, is it possible to manage the Used and standard colors in the fill drop down menu ? I would like to change/edit them is possible to colors I frequently use. Thanks for you reply, Bruce
                                                                                                          • When moments in customer support get "spooky"

                                                                                                            It’s Halloween again! Halloween is celebrated with spooky symbols and meanings based on history and traditions, with each region adding its own special touch. While we were kids, we would dress up in costumes along with friends, attend parties, and enjoy
                                                                                                          • How can I delete duplicate transactions?

                                                                                                            I want to delete the duplicates not simply exclude them. I have duplicates, because I had automatic bank feeds turned on (had to make sure this critical functionality was working before migrating to Zoho). Now when I import my csv's exported from Wave,
                                                                                                          • Python - code studio

                                                                                                            Hi, I see the code studio is "coming soon". We have some files that will require some more complex transformation, is this feature far off? It appears to have been released in Zoho Analytics already
                                                                                                          • Multiple email addresses

                                                                                                            Multiple email addresses: I understand there is the ability to add an additional email field to a contact, but the functionality here needs to be drastically revised. Currently, this second email address does not log under the contact email history, nor is it available as a send address when using the Send Mail button within CRM. We recently migrated from GoldMine. I hate GoldMine, but there is one thing they did well: Email. I suggest copying them. Change the email field to an editable picklist,
                                                                                                          • Lead to Contact Conversion with multiple email address fields

                                                                                                            We are a B2C business with a strong repeat cycle, and as such it's not uncommon for customers to use multiple email addresses with us. We have both our Contacts & Leads modules set up with 3 email fields. (Primary Email / Secondary Email / Historic Email)
                                                                                                          • Move orders scan ISBN

                                                                                                            Hi We have ISBN setup to be searched in items zoho but move orders dissent recognize the ISBN is there q missing configuration? regards, JS
                                                                                                          • ViewID and Zoho Desk API

                                                                                                            I'm looking at the documentation for Listing contacts and it looks like you can filter by ViewID. I assume this is views created in a department or all departments. Is this correct? And if so, how do I find the ViewID for that view? EDIT: I see the view
                                                                                                          • Ability to Link Reported Issues from Zoho Desk to Specific Tasks or Subtasks in Zoho Projects

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you're doing well. When reporting a bug from Zoho Desk to Zoho Projects, we’ve noticed that it’s currently not possible to select an existing task or subtask to associate the issue with. However, when working directly inside Zoho
                                                                                                          • Automatically Update Ticket Status in Zoho Desk Based on Actions in Zoho Projects

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to manage tasks related to customer tickets, and it works well for linking and tracking progress. However, there are a few important automation capabilities
                                                                                                          • Print Tickets

                                                                                                            We have field engineers who visit customers. We would like the option to print a job sheet with full details of the job and account/contact details.
                                                                                                          • Zoho Desk integration with Power BI

                                                                                                            Hi, I want to be able to create a Power BI report which has live updates of ticket data from zoho desk, is this possile at all? Thanks Jack
                                                                                                          • Ability to Attach Images When Reporting Issues to Zoho Projects from Zoho Desk

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to report bugs directly from support tickets into the Zoho Projects issue tracker. This integration is extremely useful and helps us maintain smooth coordination
                                                                                                          • Ability to Choose Task List and Add Subtasks When Creating Tasks from Zoho Desk

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to seamlessly connect customer tickets with project tasks. While the integration works great overall, we noticed two important limitations that affect our workflow
                                                                                                          • Sync Task Status from Zoho Projects to Zoho Desk

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re actively using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration, which helps our support and project teams stay aligned. However, we noticed that when we change a task’s status in Zoho Projects, the change is not
                                                                                                          • Default/Private Departments in Zoho Desk

                                                                                                            1) How does one configure a department to be private? 2) Also, how does one change the default department? 1) On the list of my company's Zoho Departments, I see that we have a default department, but I am unable to choose which department should be default. 2) From the Zoho documentation I see that in order to create a private department, one should uncheck "Display in customer portal" on the Add Department screen. However, is there a way to change this setting after the department has been created?
                                                                                                          • Zoho CRM IP Addresses to Whitelist

                                                                                                            We were told to whitelist IP addresses from Zoho CRM.  (CRM, not Zoho Mail.) What is the current list of IP Addresses to whitelist for outbound mail? Is there a website where these IP addresses are published and updated?  Everything I could find is over
                                                                                                          • Color of Text Box Changes

                                                                                                            Sometimes I find the color of text boxes changed to a different color. This seems to happen when I reopen the same slide deck later. In the image that I am attaching, you see that the colors of the whole "virus," the "irology" part of "virology," and
                                                                                                          • The difference between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns

                                                                                                            Greetings Marketers! This post aims to differentiate between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns. By the time you get to the end of the post, you will be able to choose a product that objectively suits you. What is Zoho Marketing Automation?
                                                                                                          • How to use Rollup Summary in a Formula Field?

                                                                                                            I created a Rollup Summary (Decimal) field in my module, and it shows values correctly. When I try to reference it in a Formula Field (e.g. ${Deals.Partners_Requested} - ${Deals.Partners_Paid}), I get the error that the field can’t be found. Is it possible
                                                                                                          • Zoho Mail Android app update - View emails shared via Permalink on the app.

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.8.2) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support to access the emails shared via permalink within the app. Earlier, when you click the permalink of an email, you'll be redirected to a mobile
                                                                                                          • Let us view and export the full price books data from CRM

                                                                                                            I quote out of CRM, some of my clients have specialised pricing for specific products - therefore we use Price Books to manage these special prices. I can only see the breakdown of the products listed in the price book and the specialised pricing for
                                                                                                          • Weekly Tips: Manage External Images in Zoho Mail

                                                                                                            When you receive emails every day, whether from clients, newsletters, or services, many of them contain external images that automatically load when you open the message. While this can make emails look more engaging, it can also impact your privacy and
                                                                                                          • How to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ?

                                                                                                            Hello, I created KPI's, games and so but I want to be able to see my KPI's and my tasks at the same time. Is this possible to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ? Has someone any idea ? Thanks for your help.
                                                                                                          • Introducing Record Summary: smarter insights at your fingertips

                                                                                                            Hello everyone, We’re excited to introduce the Record Summary feature. This powerful addition makes use of Zia to simplify how you interact with your CRM data, providing a seamless, consolidated view of critical record information. Scrolling through the
                                                                                                          • Account in Quick View Filter

                                                                                                            I have a report that I often run against a specific Account. Every time, I have to go into the edit menu and change the Advanced Filter. I would prefer to use the Quick View Filter, but it does not allow me to use the one and only field that makes any
                                                                                                          • Unable to confirm Super Admin assignment — confirmation button not working

                                                                                                            I’m trying to change the roles within my organization. I am currently a super admin and would like to add another user as a super admin. When I attempt to confirm the action, a screen appears asking for my password to verify my identity. However, when
                                                                                                          • Delegates should be able to delete expenses

                                                                                                            I understand the data integrity of this request. It would be nice if there was a toggle switch in the Policy setting that would allow a delegate to delete expenses from their managers account. Some managers here never touch their expense reports, and
                                                                                                          • Let's Talk Recruit: Meet Zia, your all-in-one AI assistant (Part-2)

                                                                                                            Welcome back to Let’s Talk Recruit series. In Part 1, we introduced Zia and how AI is reshaping the way recruiters work. This time, we’re taking a closer look at how far Zia has come and how each update continues to simplify your everyday tasks. When
                                                                                                          • Function #9: Copy attachments of Sales Order to Purchase Order on conversion

                                                                                                            This week, we have written a custom function that automatically copies the attachments uploaded for a sales order to the corresponding purchase order after you convert it. Here's how to configure it in your Zoho Books organization. Custom Function: Hit
                                                                                                          • Kaizen #8 - Handling Recurrence and Participants in the Events Module via API

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! We are back this week with an exciting post—Handling recurrence and participants in the Events module through API. First things first—What is the Events module? "Events" is a part of the Activities module in Zoho CRM.  An event is an activity that happens at a given place and time. You can find Events on the user's Zoho CRM's home page, Activities home page, Calendar, and in other related records. What are the types of Events? Events are of two types—Recurring and non-recurring events.
                                                                                                          • Marketer’s Space - Get Holiday-Ready with Zoho Campaigns

                                                                                                            Hello marketers, Welcome back to another post in Marketer’s Space! Q4 is packed with opportunities to connect with your audience - from Halloween, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. In this post, we’ll look at how
                                                                                                          • Personalized demo

                                                                                                            can I know more about the personalized demo we are construction company and
                                                                                                          • User Filter not selecting All Items

                                                                                                            We are encountering 2 issues when using the user filter. When users are trying to search using the filter option, the OK button is grayed out. Users have to unselect or make a change before it filters properly. 2. When filtering and the OK button works,
                                                                                                          • Can I collect email addresses in a form??

                                                                                                            Can I add new subscribers to my email list (hosted in FloDesk) when they check a box and add their email address on a Zoho form?
                                                                                                          • Zoho CRM Android app updates: Kiosk and multiple file upload support for subforms

                                                                                                            Hello everyone, We've rolled out new enhancements to the Zoho CRM Android app to bring better mobile CRM experience and efficiency. Let's take a quick look at what's new: Kiosk Multiple file uploads for subforms Kiosk Kiosk is a no-code tool in Zoho CRM
                                                                                                          • Next Page