Kaizen 175 - Leverage Settings Widget for Zoho CRM Extensions
Howdy, innovators!
Welcome back to a fresh week of Kaizen.
This week, we will delve into configuring a Settings widget in Zoho CRM for the effective functioning of extensions. It centralizes around key configurations that will be carried out to various integrations in an extension. A user-friendly settings widget enhances the usability and flexibility of your extensions.
Why use a Settings Widget?
A Settings Widget plays a crucial role in making extensions user-friendly and adaptable to specific business needs. Following are a few key advantages of using the settings widget:
- Seamless Setup Post-Installation: Users can configure critical parameters right after installing the extension.
- Dynamic Customization: Users can revisit and modify configurations at any time, ensuring that the extension adapts to changing needs without re-installation or development
- Improved User Experience: Allows the end-users to control how the extension interacts with their workflows and data.
- Enhanced Control: Provides an overview and centralized control, making maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates simpler and faster.
Business Scenario: Notification Settings for Lead Import Extension
Let’s take a real-world use case to understand the value of this settings widget.
Imagine an organization named Zylker, using Zoho CRM along with a lead import extension. This extension pulls in leads from multiple sources like web forms, social media, or third-party marketing tools.
Requirement
Whenever a new lead enters a Zoho CRM organization through this extension, the sales team wants to receive an instant notification on a specific Zoho Cliq channel for that organization. This ensures they never miss a lead.
Solution
By adding a Settings Widget to the extension, users can:
> Select a Preferred Zoho Cliq Channel: From the settings page, users can choose the channel where notifications should be sent.
> Modify the Channel Anytime: Based on team restructuring or communication preferences, users can revisit the settings and update the channel as needed.
With this setup, the settings widget becomes the control center, ensuring the efficient functioning of both the extension and the sales process.
Building a Settings Extension Widget
Let us create a sample settings widget for the above business scenario.
Create a Private Extension Widget
1. Log into Zoho CRM, navigate to Setup > Marketplace > Extension Builder, and create a new extension by selecting Zoho CRM as the service.
2. The private extension that you have created will be listed in the Extensions page. Choose your extension and click the edit icon.
You will then be redirected to the Zoho Developer Console.
Dependency Configuration
Now, let us configure a couple of dependencies required for this use case in the developer console.
Connectors
To notify a Zoho Cliq channel, Connectors authorize the end user's Zoho Cliq account with the extension and grant access to the necessary data. Follow these steps to create a connector with the required APIs for the widget.
3. In the console, navigate to Utilities > Connectors on the left-side menu.
4. Click Create Connector and provide the required details using the guidance available on the Server-based Application help page.
5. Use the generated Redirect URL to register your application in Zoho's API Console. After registration, enter the Client ID and Client Secret in the developer console.
6. Create Connector APIs for the following:
- GET List of all Channels to fetch all the available channels from your Zoho Cliq Account.
The Authorization header is automatically added to all the Connector APIs. - POST Message in Channel to notify the incoming leads in the channel.
You can include dynamic place holders in the URL, header, or request body using this format ${place_holder}.
7. Once the APIs are configured, publish and associate the connector with the extension.
Refer to the Connectors help document to learn more.
Variable
Variables are required to store the admin's preferred channel details and retrieve them when a lead enters Zoho CRM through the extension. Upon installing the extension, this variable is automatically created in your Zoho CRM org.
8. Go to Build > Custom Properties and create a variable.
Set the variable's permission to Hidden to prevent the CRM users from accessing/modifying the variable data from the Zoho CRM Variables page. This ensures that variables can only be configured through the extension.
For more information, refer to the Custom Variables help document.
Tip
In your Zoho CRM, go to Setup > Security Control > Profiles and restrict permissions for your extension to prevent unauthorized access to the settings page.
In your Zoho CRM, go to Setup > Security Control > Profiles and restrict permissions for your extension to prevent unauthorized access to the settings page.
Building a Connected App
9. In the console, go to Utilities > Connected Apps on the left-side menu.
10. Follow the steps provided in this kaizen to create a new Zoho CRM widget for this use case.
Code Logic for the Settings Panel
- Create a drop-down field called Select Cliq Channel to the settings panel. This dropdown should dynamically list the channels from your Zoho Cliq account by invoking the GET Cliq Channels API. Follow the given Invoke Connector method to execute Connector APIs.
// Initialize Zoho Embed SDK ZOHO.embeddedApp.on("PageLoad", function () { fetchCliqChannels(); }); ZOHO.embeddedApp.init(); // Fetch Cliq channels async function fetchCliqChannels() { const channelDropdown = document.getElementById("cliqChannel"); try { console.log("Fetching channels from Zoho Cliq..."); const req_data = { "parameters": {} }; const response = await ZOHO.CRM.CONNECTOR.invokeAPI("leadgeneration.zohocliq.listofallchannels", req_data); console.log("Response from Zoho Cliq:", response); const parsedResponse = JSON.parse(response.response); const channels = parsedResponse.channels; if (channels && Array.isArray(channels)) { channelDropdown.innerHTML = channels.map(channel => `<option value="${channel.unique_name}">${channel.name}</option>`).join(''); } else { throw new Error("Invalid response structure"); } } catch (error) { console.error("Error fetching channels:", error); if (error.code === '403') { console.error("Authorization Exception: Please check your API permissions and authentication."); } channelDropdown.innerHTML = '<option value="">Failed to load channels</option>'; } } |
- Add a Save Configuration button that stores the selected channel name and channel ID in the variable created earlier. To save the selected data into the variable, use the invokeAPI() function, with the namespace as crm.set.
// Save configuration async function saveConfiguration(event) { event.preventDefault(); const channelDropdown = document.getElementById("cliqChannel"); const selectedChannelUniqueName = channelDropdown.value; const selectedChannelName = channelDropdown.options[channelDropdown.selectedIndex].text; if (!selectedChannelUniqueName) { alert("Please select a channel."); return; } const settings = { unique_name: selectedChannelUniqueName, name: selectedChannelName }; const data = { "apiname": "leadgeneration__Cliq_Channel", "value": JSON.stringify(settings) }; try { const response = await ZOHO.CRM.CONNECTOR.invokeAPI("crm.set", data); console.log("Updated settings:", response); document.getElementById("setupStatus").innerText = "Configuration saved successfully!"; } catch (error) { console.error("Error saving configuration:", error); document.getElementById("setupStatus").innerText = "Failed to save configuration."; } } |
- When a lead enters Zoho CRM through the extension, it should trigger a function that:Retrieves the saved channel details:
> Retrieves the saved channel details: Uses the Get Organization Variable JS SDK to call the Zoho CRM GET Variable API to fetch the saved channel details.
> Notifies the channel: Sends a message to the retrieved channel using the Post Message API.
Info
-> A complete working code sample for the use case is attached at the end of this post for your reference.
-> The test function for triggering notifications is also included in the attachment. You can use the same snippet in your extension to initiate the notification process.
-> Ensure to replace the unique names of your Connector APIs and Variable.
11. Fill in the details of the application as shown in this image and upload the widget ZIP file packed using the Zoho CLI command.
12. Click Save.
Configure the Settings Widget
13. Navigate to Build > Settings Widget in the left menu.
14. Provide a Name and the Resource Path of your widget.
15. Click Save.
The Settings Widget for Extension is available upon request. Contact support@zohocrmplatform.com to enable it for your account.
Packaging, Publishing and Deploying
16. Go to Package > Publish on the left-side menu and publish the extension.
17. The review process for listing an extension in the Marketplace will take from three weeks to one month.
For the demo, we will proceed with deploying the extension using the private plugin deployment link.
18. Now, replace the URL of your Zoho CRM page with the deployment link from the Developer Console and approve the extension installation.
Try it Out!
Once installed:
> A pop-up will appear, prompting you to authorize Zoho Cliq for the required configurations.
If you do not already have a Zoho Cliq account, you can sign up directly from the pop-up and proceed with the authorization.
> After authorization, you will be redirected to the Settings widget page, where you can select and save your preferred Cliq channel.
> If you need to update the settings later, you can find them on the Installed Extensions page under the respective extension.
Note
The demo videos above use a testing function to notify the channel. You can deploy it anywhere in your extension to trigger a notification whenever a lead enters a Zoho CRM organization through the extension.
Find the function in the attachments at the end of this post.
Similar Scenarios
- Sales Territory Management: An extension that auto-assigns incoming leads to sales reps can use a settings widget to allow managers to define territories and sales rep mappings dynamically.
- Custom Field Mapping: For extensions that sync data between Zoho CRM and external systems, a settings widget can let users map CRM fields to external system fields.
- Automated Email Preferences: In email automation extensions, the settings widget can allow users to specify email templates, recipients, or trigger conditions for follow-ups and campaigns.
Adding a Settings Widget to your Zoho CRM Extensions not only enhances user experience but also boosts the flexibility and efficiency of your extension. Whether it is notifying sales teams or customizing field mappings, a well-designed settings page is a game-changer for your extensions.
Explore the Widget section in our Kaizen collection to try out various widget types and discover their unique use cases.
If you have any queries or a topic to be discussed reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com or drop your comment below.
Until next time, keep innovating!
Cheers!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Reading
- Zoho CRM Widget - An Overview, Installation and Creation, Mobile Compatibility, Telephony Widget Extension, and other Kaizens.
- Widget SDKs - An Overview, Invoke Connector and Get Organization Variable.
- Zoho Developer Console - An Overview, Creating Extensions, Building Connected Apps, and A Quick Start Guide.
- Zoho Extensions - Custom Variables and Connectors
- Zoho Cliq - GET List of Channels and POST Message in Channel.
- Zoho Marketplace - An Overview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previous Kaizen: Kaizen #174 - Client Script Commands | Kaizen Collection: Directory
More enhancements in the COQL API are now live in Zoho CRM API Version 7. Check out the V7 Changelog for detailed information on these updates.
Access your files securely from anywhere
New to Zoho Recruit?
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
Kiruthiga G
Sticky Posts
Kaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint
Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.Celebrating 200 posts of Kaizen! Share your ideas for the milestone post
Hello Developers, We launched the Kaizen series in 2019 to share helpful content to support your Zoho CRM development journey. Staying true to its spirit—Kaizen Series: Continuous Improvement for Developer Experience—we've shared everything from FAQsKaizen #193: Creating different fields in Zoho CRM through API
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.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! Commands
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
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
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
Lead Blueprint transition in custom list view
Hi, Is It possible to insert the Blueprint transition label in a custom Canvas list view? I am using Lead module. I see the status, but it would be great if our users could execute the Blueprint right from the list view without having to enter the detailedRange names in Zoho Sheet are BROKEN!
Hi - you've pushed an update that has broken range names. A previously working spreadsheet now returns errors because the range names are not updating the values correctly. I've shared a video with the support desk to illustrate the problem. This spreadsheetHas anyone integrated SMS well for Zoho Desk?
Our company does property management and needs to be able to handle inbound sms messages which create a ticket for Zoho Desk. We then need to be able to reply back from Zoho desk which sends the user an sms message. This seems like a fairly common thingpopulate email address and name in zoho desk?
Is it possible to populate the email address and name in the zoho desk widget? We only use it in the context of an authenticated user, so we already know the user's name and email. Thanks,Are there default/pre-built dashboards in Zoho Desk?
Hi, I am looking for some pre-built dashboard templates in Zoho Desk, similar to what we can find in CRM/Projects, etc Thank youSAP S/4 HANA to CRM Integration - change the SAP Client ID
Hi I am trying to push the business partners from SAP S/4 HANA to ZOHO CRM module. The SAP Client ID is 421 in my case....kindly let me know how do I specify the sap client because it's a dropdown with specific values as of now. Thanks Ravi AswaniEnable Locations for Expense
Hi, please enable Locations (ex Branches) for Zoho Expense so that there is consistency between this app and Zoho Books. Thanks in advance.Adding branded signature to tickets reply
Hi, i am unable to figure out how to add signatures with logo to tickets reply. please advice .Zoho Marketing Automation 2.0 - Landing Page function not working
Dear Zoho Team, I am working on implementing Zoho Marketing Automation 2.0, and am now looking into the section "Lead Generation". If I open the "Landing Pages" section, I immediately get an Error code: Error: internal error occurred. Can you help meZoho Mail Android app update: Manage folders
Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.9) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support for an option to manage folders. You can now create, edit, and delete folders from within the mobile app. You can also manage folders for the POPHow to share ticket numbers across different ticket types
I'm running an event and have three different ticket types. Add on Event + Main Event - Early bird Main Event only - Early bird Add on Event only - Early bird And Standard class - shown but not available until early bird finishes Add on Event + Main EventHow to keep track of bags, cans, drums of inventory?
We buy and sell products that are packaged in bags 🛍️, cans🥫, drums🛢️, etc. with batch numbers. When we get a shipment of one of the products, how do we track we received (say) 10 cans each of 5L of a product and maybe we received 10 cans of anotherAdding Social Media Buttons to Basic Campaigns
Hi, I'm quote new to using Zoho Campaigns and I can't work out how to add Social Media Buttons into my basic campaign? In MailChimp there's a button that brings the icons into your campaign for you. I've tried adding the social media icons as 'buttons' in Zoho but it's not looking great. Can anyone help? Thanks!Hide Inactive Social Sign-In Providers from Login Screen
Hello Zoho Team, We hope you are doing well. Currently, Zoho One allows admins to configure security policies and enable or disable Social Sign-In options for third-party providers such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook,[Free Webinar] AI Agents in Zoho Creator - Creator Tech Connect
Hello Everyone! We welcome you all to the upcoming free webinar on the Creator Tech Connect Series. The Creator Tech Connect series is a free monthly webinar that runs for around 45 minutes. It comprises technical sessions in which we delve deep intoDownload All Attached Files
It would be extremely useful to have "download-all" functionality for downloading files attached to a task, subtask, comment, forum post or hosted in the "Documents" section etc. We've instructed our users to zip multiple files prior to uploading, but of course they forget all the time. Having to download lots of files one-at-a-time off a comment or task wastes a lot of time.Ship via Carrier Not Working Since Commerce Update
Since the recent update to the Commerce platform, I can no longer use the ship via carrier function. It will take me to the address screen and let me verify them but when I go to save and move tot he next screen it will not do anything. This is happeningautomations: Can I execute a step on a specific date?
I have created a form in Zoho forms, and created a contacts list. I have also begun setting up an automation with the intention of sending the form to the contact list on a specific date every month (via email) for the entire year (essentially sendingZoho Expense - The ability to add detail to a Trip during booking
As an admin, I would like the ability to add more detail to the approved Trips. At present a requestor can add flights, accommodation details and suggest their preferences. It would be great if the exact details of the trip could be added either by theAdding Folders in Android App
Is it possible to create a new email folder within the Zoho Mail Android app? Or can this only be done from the desktop version of Zoho Mail? Cheers!Schedule Exports for Regular Project Updates
Tracking project data often means exporting data at regular intervals. Instead of manually exporting data every time, users can schedule exports for Phases, Tasks, and Tasks in Zoho Projects. These exports can be set to run once, daily, weekly, or monthlyQuestion about custom fields using Pivot Tables.
I have created a pivot table showing annual revenue of a client and how much payment that client is paying my company. Is there a way using pivot table to add an additional field that subtracts those to fields / shows me a percentage of that difference?Request for Light/Dark Mode
Would love the ability to switch between Light and Dark mode similar to Zoho CRM. https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/introducing-dark-mode-light-mode-a-new-look-for-your-crmSignature field is showing black
Hello, When customer signed the service form, it is showing as below picture Phone model: iPhone 16 Pro We tried delete and install application, but it not solved. This has on phone of a few person. There is any advice to solve this?Journey Email - Ignored Contacts
I have a journey setup which simply sends a string of emails over time. For some reason I am getting large amounts of the contacts who enter the first email being ignored and I can't find anywhere in reports or audit logs why these contacts are notInvolved 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":Zoho Books - Include Payment Terms as a Custom View filter
It would be great if you could created a custom view based on Payment Terms. This would be really handy for seeing a list of customers who have credit terms. A workaround is not required. I could do something with a creditor checkbox, but it would beHow to update changed purchase account of item in invoice
I have selected the wrong purchase account for various articles and created invoices. I had to adjust the purchase account in the article afterwards, but the old purchase account is still posted in the transaction-journal of the invoice. To adjust theHelp - Zoho CRM notification on mobile (IOS/Android)
Hello Community! Can I get the IOS/Andoid CRM app to notify me of events, calls, etc. due as I can with MANY other apps? I am running the free Zoho I would like this to be native to the Zoho CRM app. I do not want to write a sep. mobile appZoho Books Idea - Include another field in Bank Details for Address
Hi Books team, Currently use the Description field in the Bank Details to store the bank's address. This works fine but it would be great if you could add another field for Bank Address, so that other notes about the bank account could be stored in thea question about the COQL API v8
When I specify eight or more values in a WHERE IN clause and execute it, an error occurs. Is there a limit to the number of values that can be specified in a WHERE IN clause? ↓Error select * FROM Vendors WHERE (id in (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)) ↓SuccessZoho Books Idea - Bank Details Button on Banking
Hi Books team, Sometimes I'm asked to share bank details with a customer or a colleague. So I go to the Banking Module, find the correct bank account, click Setting > Edit, then copy and paste the bank details. Wouldn't it be great if there was a buttonJS SDK 8.0 – TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'getCacheStore') with sample code
Hello Zoho Support Team, I’m integrating the Zoho CRM JavaScript SDK v8.0 and I’m getting the error below when running your official sample. I tested directly from: https://github.com/zoho/zohocrm-javascript-sdk-8.0/blob/main/samples/create_records_sample/create_records.jsFunction #55: Convert multiple quotes to single SO using Custom Button
Hello everyone, and welcome back to our series! In Zoho Books, after a quote is accepted by your customer, it can be converted into a sales order or an invoice. Often, a customer might have multiple quotes, and for easier billing or upon the customer'sZoho One - Syncing Merchants and Vendors Between Zoho Expense and Zoho Books
Hi, I'm exploring the features of Zoho One under the trial subscription and have encountered an issue with syncing Merchant information between Zoho Expense and Zoho Books. While utilizing Zoho Expense to capture receipts, I noticed that when I submitRich Text For Notes in Zoho CRM
Hello everyone, As you know, notes are essential for recording information and ensuring smooth communication across your records. With our latest update, you can now use Rich Text formatting to organize and structure your notes more efficiently. By usingTime based workflow without edit/action
Hello I need help solving this problem if possible. We have Deals come into the CRM via Live Transfer which have the field properties: Stage = New Channel = Inbound Some of them don't get answered so we want these to automatically go into our OutboundWhat's New - August 2025 | Zoho Backstage
Every month, Zoho Backstage grows with you. These updates aren't just features and fixes, they're about making your workday smoother, your events more impactful, and your attendees happier. We’ve listened, learned, and shaped this release to keep thingsprevent selling expired items
Hello. I need to make a constraint on expired batch items not to be sold. Is it possible in Zoho Inventory? if so, then how? Thanks for further help.Product details removed during update from other system
We maintain our product details in an other system. These details are synchronized with Zoho at the end of each day, through an API. This has worked perfectly sofar. But last Monday, all product codes and some other product data have been wiped duringNext Page