Validation Rule - Exceptions | Online Help - Zoho CRM

Points to note while updating a field used in a validation rule.

Validation Rules are effective on creating a record manually. However, when fields used in a validation rule (whether primary or secondary) are updated through other ways such as workflow update, and APIs, the field update takes precendence over the validation rules.

These instances are explained with further examples below:

Updating a primary field using a validation rule

Example:

Say you have a validation rule for the Deals module that says,

<<If Discount is > 20%, throw an error, "Sorry! This is an unacceptable discount.">>

This validation rule will be effective when you manually create a deal in CRM with a discount greater than 20%. However if the primary field, Discount, is updated via any of the following means, the field update overrides the validation rule.

That is, if the discount field is updated as 25% via a workflow field update, this workflow takes precendence, and as a consequence, the value will be accepted by the system despite the validation rule that is supposed to throw an error for values more than 25%.

Following are the means for field update that will take precedence over the validation rule.

Means of field update in CRMField update details
ImportUpdated on importing new leads or overwriting existing records
Workflow rulesUpdated as a result of workflow action
Approval ProcessUpdated on approval or rejection of a record
Blueprint

Updated as a result of the After Transition settings.

When you create a validation rule as well as Blueprint validation for the same field, and if the two conditions are different, Blueprint overrides the validation rule.

That is, as long as the field is within a process, the Blueprint validation is applicable. When a record has exited a process, the validation rule is effective.

APIsUpdated via API updateRecords method
Mass updatePrimary field used in a validation rule will not be available for mass update.

    Updating a secondary field using a validation rule

    This is an important note. When you try to update any of the secondary fields used in a validation rule through workflows, mass update, APIs or Import, CRM will accept the secondary field's values regardless of the conditions in the rule. As a result your data may gather unacceptable values despite the validation rule.

    For example, you have a validation rule to define discounts based on region.

    • Discount cannot be greater than 20% for USA
    • Discount cannot be greater than 25% for UK
    • Discount cannot be greater than 15% for India

    In this case, Discount is your primary field and the Regions become the secondary fields.

    While Discount may not even show up on a mass update, Region will. If you decide to update all Regions to India, all your deals may end up with different discounts for "India", while your validation rule prescribes things differently - thus leading to unacceptable values in your module. 

    CRM will currently not restrict the field update of secondary fields used in a validation rule. Make sure you check whether fields are used in a validation rule before you update them.

      Access your files securely from anywhere

        Zoho CRM Training Programs

        Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

        Zoho CRM Training
          Redefine the way you work
          with Zoho Workplace

            Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

            If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

            Zoho CRM Training

              Create, share, and deliver

              beautiful slides from anywhere.

              Get Started Now


                Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                BOOK A SESSION






                            Quick Links Workflow Automation Data Collection
                            Web Forms Enterprise Begin Data Collection
                            Interactive Forms Workplace Data Collection App
                            Encrypted Forms Customer Service Accessible Forms
                            Digital Forms Marketing Forms for Small Business
                            HTML Forms Education Forms for Enterprise
                            Contact Forms E-commerce Forms for any business
                            Lead Generation Forms Healthcare Forms for Startups
                            Wordpress Forms Customer onboarding Order Forms for Small Business
                            No Code Forms Construction RSVP tool for holidays
                            Free Forms Travel
                            Prefill Forms Non-Profit

                            Intake Forms Legal
                            Mobile App
                            Form Designer HR
                            Mobile Forms
                            Card Forms Food Offline Forms
                            Assign Forms Photography
                            Mobile Forms Features
                            Translate Forms Real EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                            Electronic Forms

                            Notification Emails for Forms Alternatives
                            Holiday Forms Google Forms alternative 
                            Form to PDF Jotform alternative





                                              You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                  Manage your brands on social media

                                                    Zoho Desk Resources

                                                    • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                    • Digest


                                                    • Functions


                                                    • Meetups


                                                    • Kbase


                                                    • Resources


                                                    • Glossary


                                                    • Desk Marketplace


                                                    • MVP Corner


                                                    • Word of the Day


                                                      Zoho Marketing Automation

                                                        Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                         

                                                            Zoho Forms Resources


                                                              Secure your business
                                                              communication with Zoho Mail


                                                              Mail on the move with
                                                              Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                at all times


                                                                Carry your calendar with you
                                                                Anytime, anywhere




                                                                      Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                        Sign, Paperless!

                                                                        Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                        Get Started Now




                                                                                Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                                        Zoho DataPrep Resources



                                                                                          Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                          Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                          REGISTER NOW


                                                                                            Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                            Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                            Get Started Now









                                                                                                                • Related Articles

                                                                                                                • Layout Rule Exceptions

                                                                                                                  Layout rules are effective on creating a record manually. However, when a field used in a layout rule is updated through other ways such as workflow update, and APIs, the field update takes precendence over both these rules. These instances are ...
                                                                                                                • Working with Validation Rules

                                                                                                                  Creating and keeping high-quality data is difficult, but it's even harder to identify and fix a dataset full of mistakes. Faulty CRM data can lead to negative consequences for a company, including impeding operations, generating unreliable reports, ...
                                                                                                                • FAQs: Validation Rules

                                                                                                                  What is a validation rule in Zoho CRM and why do I need it? In this data-driven world, it is crucial to ensure the validity and accuracy of your data. Data can enter your CRM system through various channels, such as advertisements, web forms, ...
                                                                                                                • Creating Validation Rules Using Functions

                                                                                                                  By using function you can create a validation rule where the value entered by the user needs to be verified outside the CRM database. You can even validate the fields like phone numbers, zip code and so on for a particular pattern by mentioning the ...
                                                                                                                • Use Cases for Validation Rules Using Functions

                                                                                                                  Make detailed description mandatory if specific terms are entered in the field Zylker Tech manufactures electronic assemblies and similar other products. Their manufactured items are outsourced for quality check to a third-party service provider. The ...
                                                                                                                  Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                  your workplace

                                                                                                                    Resources

                                                                                                                    Videos

                                                                                                                    Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                    eBooks

                                                                                                                    Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                    Webinars

                                                                                                                    Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                    CRM Tips

                                                                                                                    Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                      Zoho Show Resources