Kaizen #54 - Subforms vs. Related Lists
Hello everyone!
Welcome back to another week of Kaizen.
In this post, we will analyze how to choose between a subform and a related list based on your business case.
What will you learn from this post?
- When to choose a subform?
- When to choose a related list?
- Comparing subforms and related lists
1. When to choose a subform?
Subforms are used to organize details in a record based on your business needs. Every line item is a subform record. To know more about subforms, refer to Kaizen #31 - Subforms #API.
1a. Business case
For instance, consider a scenario where you want to view all the necessary details of the stakeholders of an account, such as email ID, phone number, and so on while viewing an account record.
For this, go to Setup > Modules and Fields > Accounts > Choose the desired layout and add a subform named "Stakeholders". In this subform, you can have a lookup field that points to Contacts (Stakeholders). You can further choose to add new fields or add fields from the Contacts module to the subform.
Adding fields from the Contact module to the subform:
Adding new/additional fields to the subform (it can be any of any field-type including aggregate/formula):
The system auto-populates the details of the stakeholder, based on the stakeholder name. Thus, allowing you to view all the necessary details of a stakeholder in a single glance. If needed, you can even add aggregate/formula fields to the subform.
Note:
The system automatically populates the values only if the value is present in that field in the child record.
For other sample business use cases, click here.
1b. Retrieving subform records along with parent record.
You can retrieve subform records only when you retrieve records with their unique ID. The system does not retrieve subform records when you retrieve all the records in a module, or perform a search operation.
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v2/Accounts/4150868000003247001
Request Method: GET
Sample Response:
You can also choose to retrieve just the subform records using Get Subforms API.
Note:
- To know how to add aggregate fields to a subform, click here.
- You can add formula fields to the subform. However, you can choose only the fields in the subform in your formula expression. Click here to know more about the formula fields.
- You can create 2 subforms per module in the Enterprise edition and 5 subforms per module in Ultimate edition.
- The maximum number of subform fields you can add in a layout is 8.
- The maximum number of entries across all subforms on an aggregate is 200.
2. When to choose a related list?
A record usually contains extra information such as notes, attachments, and data related to other modules (linked via lookup/multi-select lookup fields) such as related tasks, calls, products etc.These modules are categorized as related lists, and the records in each of these related lists are called related records. To know more about related lists, refer to Kaizen #48 - Related Lists and Related Records #API.
Let us try to solve the same business scenario as above using related lists.
The system lists all the related records (child) under a record (parent) based on the value in the lookup/multi-select lookup fields in the child records.
When you link an account while adding a contact, it will be directly displayed in the respective account's related list. You can show/hide the fields that are displayed in the related list based on your business needs. However, you cannot add additional fields as in subforms.
2a. Reasons why related list is not the best choice for this case:
- You cannot add an aggregate field that calculates the stakeholder share.
- You cannot add any formula field.
- The related list data is auto-populated based on the value in the lookup/multi-select lookup field.
2b. Business case for a related list
Consider a scenario where you need to view all the products that a contact is interested in. You can have a contact multi-select lookup in the products module. As and when you add product records with related contacts, it will be listed as related records in the respective contacts. This way you need not switch between modules to view the related records.
3. Comparing subforms and related lists
Here is a comparison between the subforms and related lists.
Subforms | Related lists |
Primarily used to organize data in a record based on your business needs. | Primarily used to perceive parent-child/one-to-many relationships between records. |
Allows you to add new fields (both normal and aggregate). | You can only display/hide the fields of the child record. |
You cannot configure workflow rules based on subform fields (except aggregate fields) | You can configure workflow rules based on related lists. |
Subforms are layout-specific. | Related lists remain the same for all the layouts in a module. |
Subforms not available in Activities, Pricebooks and Purchase Orders, Sales Orders, Invoices and Quotes | The system creates related records when you add values to lookup/multi-select lookup fields. It is available in all the modules except Activities. |
While converting a lead or a quote, fields used in a subform will not be converted. | While converting a lead or a quote, the related list data will be retained in the converted record. |
We hope you found this post useful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach us out at support@zohocrm.com.
Cheers!
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
Sneha Sridharan
Solutions to Success - Milton
Kevin Flynn
Yossi Ashkenazi
Pheranda Nongpiur
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
Set organization level access to Knowledge Base and manage duplicate article permalinks (with date appended to them)
Hello everyone, We have introduced two important updates in the Knowledge Base module: Permissions - A new permission called "Admin access" has been introduced under module permission. Permalink alert - Users will be alerted when an article with the sameLanguage Field on Contact Person-level
Dear at Zoho Books, would it be possible for you to have a Field for 'Language' for the Contact Persons under a Company. In CRM and Bigin we could create a Custom Field (Dropdown) for this effect but without any present in Zoho Books we could never syncThis domain is not allowed to add. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details
I am trying to setup the free version of Zoho Mail. When I tried to add my domain, theselfreunion.com I got the error message that is the subject of this Topic. I've read your other community forum topics, and this is NOT a free domain. So what is theHow to Implement Time-Based Filters in Zoho Workflows?
Hi everyone, I’m looking for a workaround to implement time-based filters in Zoho workflows. Specifically, I need a workflow to trigger only within certain hours (e.g., between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, Sunday to Friday). Currently, Zoho workflows executeZoho Books email notifications
Hi, We are currently implementing Zoho books for our organisation. I have 2 questions. 1. Are we able to embed HTML into our emails to make them look as part of our business ? Branding is very big issue for us and i would like to make sure that all branding efforts are carried across into the notification emails.. 2. Is there a way to preview the notifications that are sent out to our customers so we can make sure the look and feel is as we require ? thanksMultiple templates (Settings > Email templates)
Hi Zoho, We would like to have more options to select a template when sending an email in Zohosign. Currently we can only add 1 template per option: Is this possible? Kind regards, TristanAdd an action to set agent as a member of a team in zoho desk
Hi, Please add an action to zoho flow to set agent as a member of a team in zoho desk (add to a team or remove from a team). Regards, RamZoho email setup in office365
When i am trying to setup zoho mail setup using my domain in office365 and it is not working and it says that we couldn't log on to the incoming (IMAP) server and please check your email address and password and try again. I was able to login using myPlug Samples #12: Verify Customer Mobile Numbers with OTP to Avoid Spam Entries
Hi Everyone! Verifying customer information is critical in business to filter out junk data and spammers. Whether it’s lead generation, appointment booking, or any other operation, ensuring quality data is essential for driving meaningful outcomes. AAll notes disappeared
I've been using the notebook app for over five years on my phone without being logged into an account. A few days ago I opened the app and all my notes had disappeared. Since then I tried restarting my phone, updating the app and logging into my account,Cost Center accounting
Hello all. We are looking at switching from MYOB to Zoho books. Love all the features in books - esp. CRM integration, but the big gap for us is the lack of cost-center accounting feature. Are there firm plans to develop this feature in Zoho Books? IfImpuesto automatico en cotizaciones
Buen dia Mi pregunta es como se puede poner alguna operacion para que las cotizaciones me salgan automaticamente con impuestos ya que uno al cargarla al final tienen que añadir el porcentaje de impuesto SaludosFormatting of Gantt Chart for PDF export
Hi all, There really needs to be some improvements to the presentation of exported PDF Gantt Charts. An exported format is the way that most people on a project (other than the PM directly) will consume this data. The current PDF export options are lacking a lot of control. - I'd like to firstly have control over the export size of the PDFs (A4, A3 etc), Currently it seems arbitrary - very large aspect ratio print sizes. - Next i'd like to be able to specify the print date range, and scale (showHow to Iterate a Function in Zoho Desk Workflow with Delay Between Calls?
Hi everyone, I’m working on a function in Zoho Desk that searches for a specific ticket record. If the ticket is not found, I need to retry the search multiple times with a delay between each attempt until the ticket is located or a maximum number ofタスクを問い合わせテンプレートに追加
タスクを問い合わせテンプレートに自動で追加されるようにしたいです。どうしたらいいですかPlaceholder for Agent Signature in Email Templates
Dear Zoho Team, I hope this message finds you well. We currently face a limitation when designing email templates in Zoho Desk. While we can create email templates and include a footer at the end, the agent signature is always appended by default at theCustom Profile Agents Unable to Update Mandatory Phone Number in tickets under Zoho Desk
Hi, While working in the Ticket module in Zoho Desk, agents with a custom profile are unable to update the Phone Number field (which is mandatory) under Account Information. The agents need to enter values such as "NA" or "Nil" in the field to close theResponse Violation - Zoho Desk
Hi Team, I just need an information regarding the zoho desk - Response Violation and how can we avoid the tickets from getting the tickets response violated.How to Replace an Assessment in a Job Opening on Zoho Recruit
Hi everyone, I’m currently using Zoho Recruit and would like to replace the assessment linked to a specific job opening. I want to remove the existing assessment and add a new one. What is the best way to do this without losing any important data or affectingUpdating existing values in a list
Is it possible to update an existing value in a list? For example if I wanted to append text to an existing string value that I had previously added to a list is that possible? I'm able to extract the existing value (get() function) and append the additional text, but can't find a way to add the new value back to the list in the same index location. One work around I found was to delete the existing list entry and then add the new value, however this changes the index location to the last entry inHost not reachable
Good morning. I have four mail accounts and they have been working well for years. Now, suddenly, I am unable to send any e-mails from any of them. I allways have this pop-up: Thank you. Regards. Luis FernándezBIN Locations
Hi, I’m new to Zoho inventory and unless Im missing something, I cannot find BIN locations anywhere in ‘items’? please tell me it’s there somewhere?!? ThanksZoho Marketing Campaign
I want a details report of marketing API . which API i can use to get a full flexed detail of email campaign , sms , social media ,and all other campaigns ?Zoho Marketing Automation APIs
When I want to create New lead in marketing automation , I want to add First Name and Last Name as well along with Email but there is no option like this in API . Can you please give me the API which will fulfill my condition ?Adding 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!Collaborative editing of spreadsheets by multiple users simultaneously - Is it really possible?
I work in a SharePoint 2010/SharePoint Server 2010 environment and we use MS Office 2007(Excel 2007) . I have been trying to create a MS Office document which will allow multiple users to work on a spreadsheet simultaneously. For that I have: 1) Created a excel workbook and published as a workspace as suggested by Andrea Kalli in her link: http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-collaborate-files-between-sharepoint-and-office-2007-182172/ 2) Set up and saved the Excel Workbook as "Shared" and made it availableAbility for customer to give feedback after receipt of an order
Is there any way we can receive feedback from customers regarding their order after delivery (other than just an email, obviuosly)? This is not the same as product reviews, as it may concern other points, but would ideally have an inbuilt reference toConversion of functions from Google Spreadsheets
Hello! I use this formula "=QUERY(ResumoOrdemVencimento!A3:O38;"SELECT A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O WHERE C != '' ORDER BY C,G")" in Google Sheets but when importing my spreadsheet into Zoho Sheets the formula was not converted. The QUERY function brings data from another spreadsheet, and then I sort and apply conditional formatting. The order of data will change automatically as I update the source spreadsheet. What Zoho Sheets function is equivalent to QUERY? I have some other spreadsheets toZoho Books Sandbox environment
Hello. Is there a free sandbox environment for the developers using Zoho Books API? I am working on the Zoho Books add-on and currently not ready to buy a premium service - maybe later when my add-on will start to bring money. Right now I just need aZoho Books | Product Updates | November 2024
Hello users, We are back with exciting new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From multi-criteria workflows to writing off customer opening balances, discover the new updates designed to make your bookkeeping swift. Attach XRechnung to InvoicesSpell check sucks
Come on guys, it's 2024 and your spell check is completely retarded. You gotta fix it.Signature image logo not displaying in recipient mail clients
Whenever I send an email to another person the image that forms part of my logo is not displayed just a broken link to: https://mail.zoho.com/mail/ImageSignature?fileName=Email-log.jpg&accountId=47238000000007001&storeName=NN1:-3205531763309921492 I can see the logo because I've got a zoho account and I'm logged on but others without a zoho account can't see it. How do I fix this? Thanks -MartinSales Order, what are the statuses under Confirmed and Closed
Hi, I have to build a workflow in Deluge which should be triggered when Sales Order status is Confirmed or Closed. But these 2 states don't exist when you fetch a sales order. Which of the statuses are considered as Confirmed or Closed ? Here is a listNotifications for calendar meetings
So we have been happy users for a few months now. This is an important problem we face, since I have forgotten meetings already cause of lack of notifications. The problem: I have notifications (email, popup and notifications) set for my calendar by default.Reusuable Sections & Universal Brand Settings
Zoho Email Campaign setups take longer than other software I've used because it doesn't have reusable sections or universal brand settings (fonts and colors). These enhancements should be added to help us create our campaigns more easily.Blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is being used to revolutionize accounting and financial reporting. With blockchain, financial transactions are recorded on a decentralized ledger, making tracking transactions and verifying their accuracy easier. This technologyEste domínio já está associado a esta conta
Fui fazer meu cadastro na zoho e quando digitei meu domínio recebi essa mensagem que meu domínio estava associado a uma conta que eu nem faço idéia de quem seja. Como que faço pra resolver isso? Atenciosamente, Anderson Souza.not able to hit inventory api
when i hit the api with my account keys and the access is provide by the clientRemove 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 we553 Relaying disallowed error
Hi, I am receiving a "553 Relaying disallowed" error when sending emails to my domain email address which I have configured in Zoho. However, I am able to receive emails from my domain email to my gmail account. The SPF and MX entries are all configuredNext Page