FAQ: Connected Records

FAQ: Connected Records

General Questions 

What are Connected Records in Zoho CRM?

In Zoho CRM, modules can be linked by sharing common records or using lookup fields, which establish a parent-child relationship between modules. While lookup fields are commonly used for interlinking, particularly in Contacts, Accounts, and Deals, other modules primarily depend on lookup fields to form connections.

Unlike lookup fields, which require predefined relationships, it's not feasible to establish fixed connections for every module you might need. This is where Connected Records come in. When you add a module using Connected Records, a relationship is automatically created from the module where the connection is initiated. Currently, only Team modules are supported in the Add Connected Record option.

Connected Records allow you to seamlessly link modules, enabling a unified view of interactions and relationships between records. By bridging the gap between Team modules and Organization modules, this feature helps you:
  1. Gain deeper insights into related data and customer interactions
  2. Streamline workflows by reducing manual data navigation
  3. Enhance collaboration across teams by making relevant records easily accessible
With Connected Records, you can manage module relationships effortlessly, improving efficiency, visibility, and usability within your CRM.

How do Connected Records improve CRM data management?   

Connected Records:
  1. Provide a centralized view of linked records
  2. Improve collaboration between departments using different modules
  3. Automate connections through workflow rules, reducing manual effort

What is the difference between a Lookup Field and a Connected Record?

Feature

Lookup Fields

Connected Records

Relationship Type

One-to-One

Many-to-Many

Data Linkage

References one record

Links multiple records dynamically

Automation Support

Cannot be auto-created via workflow

Can be auto-created via workflow

Visibility

Appears as a field in a module

Appears as a section in module details


Is connected records available for all CRM accounts? 

This feature is available in the next gen UI for all the accounts by default. Currently, only Team modules can be added as connected records. So, the Connected Records related list will appear in a record only when a Team module has been created.

Are there any limitations to the number of connected records that can be created? 

There are no limitations to the number of connected records that can be created.

Technical Questions

 How can I manually create a Connected Record?   

 To add from Org Module: 

  1. Navigate to the org module from where you need to create connected records.

  2. Select the record from the module for which you want to create connected records.

  3. Scroll down to the connected records section and click Add New

  4. Select the team module and create a request.

  5. This record created in the team module will automatically be connected to the record in the org module.

 To add from other team modules:

  1. Navigate to the team module from where you need to create connected records.

  2. Select the record from the team module for which you want to create connected records.

  3. Scroll down to the connected records section and click Add New.

  4. Select the team module and create a request.

  5. This record created in the team module will automatically be connected to the record in the team module.
     


Can Connected Records be created automatically using Workflow Rules?

Yes. You can set up a Workflow Rule to create Connected Records automatically:
  1. Navigate to: Setup > Automation > Workflow Rules.
  2. Click Create Rule and select the module.

  3. Set the Trigger Condition (e.g., Reason for loss is...).
  4. Choose the Instant Action → Create Connected Records.
  5. Select the Target Module, Layout, and Owner, then click Save.

Click Save again to activate this workflow rule.  

  


Can Connected Records be updated automatically?

No, Connected Records themselves cannot be updated automatically. However, you can:
  1. Manually update linked records
  2. Use workflow rules to update fields within the original modules

Can I filter or search for records based on Connected Records?

No, list views do not currently support filtering based on Connected Records. However:
  1. Reports can be created to analyze data across connected records.
  2. Custom searches can be performed using module-specific filters.

Can I delete a Connected Record?

  1. Deleting a Connected Record only removes the link between the two records.

  2. The original records remain intact in their respective modules.


Who can create connected records in my CRM account?

Any user with create team module permissions can create connected records in your CRM account.

What modules can be connected with this feature?

As of now, you can connect any org module with a team module and also connect two team modules.   

Application-Based Questions

How can Connected Records help in the SaaS industry?   

Scenario: A Renewal Specialist wants to check past invoices before renewing a customer's subscription.
  1. A Connected Record links the Renewals module (team module) to the Invoices module (organization module).
  2. The specialist can view all past invoices directly from the Renewals module.
  3. This eliminates the need to search for invoices manually.

How can Connected Records help in healthcare?

Scenario: A pharmacist needs to check a patient’s medical history before issuing a prescription.
  1. The Department module (team module) is connected to the Contacts module (org module).
  2. The pharmacist can see previous prescriptions and issue medication accordingly.

How can Connected Records improve the insurance claims process?   

Scenario: Claim Verification: An insurance agent needs to verify policy details before approving a claim.
  1. They connect the Claims module (team module) with the Documents module (org module).
  2. This allows them to quickly check policy terms and validate applicant details before approval. 

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