Custom modules in Zoho IOT allow you to store and manage additional information specific to your business needs. You can configure these modules with various fields to capture both manual and automated information from users and the application. For example, a record for the manufacturer Raspberry Pi could be created in the application, including details like contact number, email, and website, and can be associated to a managed entity through a look up field.
Default Custom Modules
By default, Zoho IOT applications include two custom modules: Manufacturer and Vendor. System look up fields for these modules are available in all the managed entities created in the application.
Manufacturers : This module allows you to create records about manufacturers whose products and devices are incorporated into the application.
Vendor : This module enables you to record details about vendors from whom devices and assets are purchased.
For example, if a vendor lookup field linked to the custom module "Vendors" is added to a device model named "Gateway," and an instance called Dell GW 1001 is created, the vendor lookup field will be available in the Dell GW 1001 instance. If a vendor named JSK Enterprises is recorded as the provider of the Dell gateway, JSK Enterprises will be available for selection in the vendor lookup field.
User Defined Custom Modules
Users can create custom modules within the application, equipped with specific fields to gather the necessary information. These modules can then be linked to device, asset, or location instances through look up fields. Records for these user defined custom modules are created within the end application.
Custom lookup fields can be integrated into a managed entity model by configuring the fields. These lookup fields, when added to a model, become available in instances based on that model.
For instance, consider a custom module named Inspection that includes fields such as Inspection Summary, Inspection ID, Technician, Start Date, and End Date. Whenever an alarm is triggered for a managed entity, an inspection record is generated in the end application, allowing the corresponding user to input the necessary details. The records can then be associated to the required instance using a Inspection look up field configured in the model.
Moreover, it's possible to automate this record creation through custom functions. In this example, a record for an inspection can be created, and the required fields could be populated automatically and assigned to the appropriate personnel, streamlining the process.
Creating a User Defined Custom Module
A user defined custom module can be created in the developer application, and the fields for the custom module can be configured.
Creating a Record of a Custom Module
Records for predefined custom modules like Manufacturers and Vendors can be directly added in the end application. However, for user defined custom modules, they must first be included in a navigation profile. Only after this profile is assigned to the appropriate users will they be able to add and manage records for these modules.