Understanding Actions in Zoho IoT: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Actions


In an IoT setup, you may have to trigger various actions, such as sending
notification emails to relevant personnel, connecting to a third-party URL via. webhook, or executing custom business logic on certain conditions. These actions are generally initiated from alarm rules, notification profiles, or workflow rules within the application.
 
In all cases, you can either associate already created email notifications, custom functions, and webhook actions or create new ones. To associate actions, they must be grouped under the specific category (alarm rules, notification profiles, or workflow rules) during creation. For example, if you create an email notification action, you need to select the category "Workflow" so it appears in the list of available actions to be associated with a workflow.

Alernatively, you can create the actions within the alarm rule, notification profile, or workflow feature itself. In this case, you need not specify the category as you are creating the actions from within the feature which also denotes the category.
 
This document provides insights into the various actions available in the application, including email notifications, webhooks, and custom functions.  

Email Notification    

Email notifications are typically triggered by various events or conditions related to the devices, or assets, in general the data being monitored. Some of the scenarios when emails are triggered from the application are provided below. 
  1. Threshold breaches: When the application condition detects a value (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, or fuel level) that exceeds or falls below a predefined threshold.
  2. Critical device failures: If a device malfunctions or fails, triggering an alarm that requires immediate attention.
  3. Device connectivity issues: Alerts when a device goes offline, loses connectivity, or fails to report data for a certain period.
  4. Scheduled and service alerts: Reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks or inspections based on usage hours, time intervals, or specific conditions.
The scenarios and conditions may vary based on your IoT network setup and requirements. In addition to specifying the condition, you need to configure the recipient details for the notifications.

Info
Refer to the Configuring Email Notifications document for step-by-step procedure.

Webhooks

Webhooks in Zoho IOT facilitate communication with third-party applications by sending instant web notifications whenever a specific event occurs. With Webhooks, you can configure HTTP URLs to automate the entire notification process. For general information about Webhooks, please refer to webhooks.org.
 
For example, let's say you have a third-party application that needs to be notified when the temperature sensor in the IoT application records a reading above a certain threshold. You can set up a webhook in Zoho IOT that specifies the URL of the third-party application's endpoint to receive notifications. Whenever the temperature sensor's reading exceeds the threshold, Zoho IOT will trigger the webhook and send an HTTP POST request to the specified URL with the data about the event.

Below are some of the scenarios in which Webhook actions are used.
  1. In an IIoT setup, when the DG generator fuel level is alarmingly low, a webhook action can be triggered to push the fuel reading to a third-party application to initiate purchase order etc.
  2. In a BMS setup, you can push the air quality reading to a third party application to send mail to the concerned supervisor.
  3. In Energy Monitoring setup, energy consumption readings can be pushed to initiate the payment procedure for energy consumed via third-party application.

 
Webhook Parameters  

The following table lists the parameters in webhook:
 
Field Name
Description

Name

The unique name of the webhook.


Description

A short description about the webhook.


Method

The type of the API method - POST or GET.
Choosing POST allows you to enter the values in the fields of the associated application, whereas GET allows you to retrieve information to update in the fields of a record in Zoho IOT.
 
Note: By default, the system will select the POST method.


URL to Notify

The REST API URL of the third-party application.


Authentication Type

The desired Authorization type: General( includes API Key or AUTH Token) and  Connection(OAuth, API Key, etc.).


Connection

The connection for the webhook.
 
Note: The connection option will only list the existing active connections. Either choose an existing connection or add a new one.


Header

The information section in a webhook URL is typically classified as Header and Body.

Parameters added to the header section will have data that will synchronize with the header of other applications. In addition to the trigger information, header can customarily carry API Keys/Auth tokens. To form the Header URL parameters, choose the module parameters and/or custom parameters.
 

Module Parameters

The name, type, and corresponding value.
 
Multiple parameters are added to build the string. This format is dynamic, and the IoT application gives you the options to choose the field values from the picklist.

Parameter Types are: Zoho IOT Modules, Datapoints, and Alarms.


Custom Parameters

The name and corresponding value.
 
The value in custom parameter is static, this key/value pair is mainly used to send the auth tokens, security tokens, API key, and so on.


User Defined Parameter


The parameter name and the parameter value. This format is also dynamic, with the ability to choose the type of value by including the variable as a placeholder using #.


Body

The body part of the URL containing information in the URL string about the trigger to other applications. You can choose to use None, Form-Data, or Raw Data from the picklist to configure the body part of the URL.

Form-Data: Allows you to build the body part of the URL by simply appending together, parameter name, and parameter type, or parameter value. You can build Form-Data in three ways: using module parameters, custom parameters, and user-defined parameters.

Raw Data: Apart from forming the parameters, you can also write your own data values in the text editor if you select the option Raw Data as body type. You can input data in either of the following formats Text or JSON. You can also use the # merge field feature to denote a field value within the script.


Preview URL

The preview URL displays the complete webhook URL for the GET and DELETE request method, while for the POST and PUT method, only the configured URL is displayed.

To preview the URL, Click the Refresh icon in the bottom of the text editor. You can also copy the URL.

   
Info
Refer to the Configuring Webhooks document for more details.


Custom Functions

Custom Functions in Zoho IoT enable you to write your own business logic using Deluge code, allowing you to tailor actions to your specific needs. These functions can be linked to Email Notifications, Workflows, or Notification Profiles, ensuring they are executed automatically when predefined conditions are met.

Info
Refer to the Understanding Custom Functions document for more details.

Availability

Info
All Actions require necessary permissions. Refer to Users and Profiles document for more details.

Check Feature Availability and Limits


See Also

      Create. Review. Publish.

      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

      Get Started Now


        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 LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                              Web FormsEnterpriseOnline Data Collection Tool
                              Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                              Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                              CRM FormsCustomer ServiceAccessible Forms
                              Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                              HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                              Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                              Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                              Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                              No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                              Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                              Prefill FormsNon-Profit
                              Intake FormsLegalMobile App
                              Form DesignerHRMobile Forms
                              Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                              Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                              Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                              Electronic Forms
                              Drag & drop form builder

                              Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                              Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                              Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                              Email FormsEncrypted Forms

                              Secure Forms

                              WCAG

                                      Create. Review. Publish.

                                      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                      Get Started Now






                                                        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

                                                              Use cases

                                                              Make the most of Zoho Desk with the use cases.

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              eBooks

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

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              Videos

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

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              Webinar

                                                              Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho Desk basics, from customization to automation and more

                                                               
                                                                
                                                              • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                              • Meetups


                                                              • Ask the Experts


                                                              • Kbase


                                                              • Resources


                                                              • Glossary


                                                              • Desk Marketplace


                                                              • MVP Corner

                                                                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 Demo

                                                                                                  Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                  REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                    Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                    Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                    Get Started Now









                                                                                                                        • Related Articles

                                                                                                                        • Associating Actions

                                                                                                                          The Email Notification, Webhook, Custom Function, and Push Notification actions created in the application can be associated with categories such as Alarm Rules, Workflows, and Notification Profiles to automatically trigger the actions based on ...
                                                                                                                        • Understanding Timelines

                                                                                                                          While the Audit Logs track activities and actions performed across all records in the Zoho IoT application in a chronological order, the Timeline feature focuses on specific records, detailing all actions taken on individual records. These details ...
                                                                                                                        • Understanding Commands

                                                                                                                          Zoho IOT applications enable users to execute actions on connected devices, and assets/locations using commands. These commands send instructions to the devices. For example, take an air conditioning (AC) unit in a smart home system. By using a ...
                                                                                                                        • Understanding Devices

                                                                                                                          In Zoho IoT applications, a device represents a real world entity that can be a gateway, a smart device, a sensor, or even a virtual service/system application that needs to be managed and monitored. Devices in the application are the essential ...
                                                                                                                        • Understanding Dashboards

                                                                                                                          A dashboard is the primary user interface in the Zoho IoT application, displaying vital monitored metrics of devices and assets within the IoT network. A well-designed dashboard serves as a health monitor for the network, showcasing both real-time ...
                                                                                                                          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