Zoho CRM Integration Blocks: Automate CRM Workflows with Ease

Zoho CRM Integration Blocks


Integration blocks (previously known as System Blocks) simplify the process of configuring webhook blocks in GC by providing reusable blocks. These blocks streamline the process of integrating with external services, making it easier to build efficient and effective conversational flows without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
                                                                                                                         

Why Use Integration Blocks  

Integration blocks offer several benefits, including:
  1. Avoid the hassle of creating webhooks repeatedly for similar actions.
  2. Integration blocks simplify complex configurations, making them accessible to users without technical expertise.
  3. These blocks are pre-built and ready to use, minimizing the need for developer support in building conversational flows.
  4. Use these blocks whenever needed to perform tasks seamlessly within the GC flow. 

What is Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is a comprehensive cloud-based customer relationship management platform designed to streamline sales, marketing, and support operations. It helps businesses track leads, manage sales pipelines, automate workflows, and maintain strong customer relationships.
  

Zoho CRM in  GC

Integrating Zoho CRM with GC allows you to perform actions in your CRM modules directly through designated integration blocks. This integration enhances the efficiency of customer interactions and ensures that your CRM data stays updated.

Block
Function
Mandatory Fields
Use case
Create Lead
Creates a new lead in Zoho CRM.
Determined by the required fields set in the layout customization.
Use when a potential customer shows interest.
Convert Lead
Converts an existing lead into a contact.
Lead ID
Use when a lead is ready to move forward in the sales pipeline.
Create Record
Creates a record in any CRM module.
Determined by the required fields set in the layout customization
Use when a new customer signs up or new data needs to be recorded.
 
                                                                                                                        

How to Configure Zoho CRM Integration Blocks

All CRM integration blocks follow the same configuration process. The steps for configuring a block are outlined below:

Zoho CRM Integration Block

To start using the Zoho CRM integration block:
  1. Add the block and click the Authenticate Now button.
  2. You will be redirected to Zoho's Connections page.
  3. Create a new authentication with Zoho CRM and grant the necessary permissions for using the block.
  4. Once authentication is successful, GC can access Zoho CRM on your behalf.
  5. Assign a Block Name for identification.
  6. Select the Module where you want to create or update records.
  7. Choose the Layout to be used for creating or updating the record.
Notes
For Create Lead, module selection is not required since leads are always created in the Leads module. 
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                        
 

Input Variable Mapping  

Input Variable Mapping enables the transfer of user-provided or manually entered data to Zoho CRM, ensuring a relevant response. This is accomplished by mapping flow variables to corresponding CRM variables.

When configuring a "Create Record" block to add a record in the Contacts module:
  1. Map flow variables to corresponding CRM fields.
    1. Map Email filed to the customer's email
    2. Capture First Name from the conversation and map it.
    3. Collect Last Name and use it as input.
Notes
Certain variables might be mandatory to map as input variables to obtain a response. 
                                                                                                                                                                              
 

Output Variable Mapping  

Output variables store the response received from Zoho CRM after performing the action. These variables can be used within the GC flow to confirm the status or display relevant details to the user.

To configure output variable mapping:
  1. Store the response from Zoho CRM.
    1. Map Record ID to confirm if the record was successfully added.                                                                                                                       

Save and Deploy  

  1. Save the Configuration
  2. Deploy the Block within your GC flow.
  3. Test the Block to ensure it works as expected.
 

Best Practices  

  1. Ensure the authenticated Zoho account has the necessary permissions to perform actions.
  2. Use output variables to detect and notify users of failures.
  3. Prefix variables with the block name for better organization.
  4. Test different scenarios, including missing inputs and API limits, input/output, before deploying before deploying to production.