Automation - Setting up Custom Functions

Automation - Setting up Custom Functions

This guide will help you with the following:
  1. Create Custom Functions
  2. Program Custom Functions 
  3. Test Custom Functions 
  4. Associate with Workflow Rules 
  5. Manage Custom Functions 
Custom functions help in automation where procedural logic is required, which cannot be implemented with the default actions such as, Alerts/Tasks/WebHooks, etc. With custom functions you can automatically update the data in the related CRM modules or third-party applications by executing simple program scripts.

When a record matches the workflow criteria, Zoho CRM automatically triggers the custom function and updates the CRM records. With custom functions, you can program scripts using Deluge Scripting Language, associate them to workflow rules, and automate the business process. See Also Deluge Script - Reference Guide 

Setting up a custom function includes the following steps:
  1. Create a custom function
  2. Test the custom function for accuracy.
  3. Associate the custom function with a Workflow Rule.

Target Audience

CRM Developers who set up custom workflow automation for vertical CRM.
Programmers with REST API and Deluge Script skills.
 

Create Custom Functions

Custom functions are written using deluge scripting language to effectively manipulate data, communicate with third-party applications and update response in your CRM.

To create a custom function
  1. Click Automate > Workflow > Custom Functions
  2. In the Workflow Custom Functions page, click Create.
  3. Click Edit for the application that you want to edit
  4. In the Workflow Custom Functions dialog box, do the following:
  5. Specify a name for the custom function.
  6. Select the module for which you want to trigger the custom function. 

Note
Make sure you associate the custom function to the workflow rule that is created for the same module.
  1. In the deluge script editor, write the function. See Also Program Custom Functions 
  2. Click Save.

Program Custom Functions

Deluge or Data Enriched Language for the Universal Grid Environment is an online scripting language that lets you programme your own function and add different types of business logic as required.

Custom Functions are written using Deluge Script Editor, which lets you manipulate data and communicate with third-party applications based on your requirements. See Also Deluge Script - Reference Guide 

You can write your own custom function using the default implicit variables and refer fields.

Implicit Variables

Custom functions have implicit variables of map data-type. These are pre-defined variables holding all the record values and are used to trigger the rule associated with the custom function. So it is not necessary to map the fields with the function variables. Unlike the default Zoho CRM setup, it is not necessary to explicitly define arguments and map the fields to arguments.

The name of the implicit variable is same as the module name with first character made lower case. Following is a code's example to get the values of an Account Record.
  1. name = input.account.get("Account_Name");
  2. owner = input.account.get("Account_Owner");
  3. type = input.account.get("Account_Type");

Refer Fields

Refer Fields in the Deluge Script Editor provides the variable names of the modules and fields for the applications. You can refer to this list to write custom functions.

Move your mouse pointer to the right side of the deluge script editor to view the refer fields.

Module Naming Conventions

The following table defines the naming convention for the default CRM modules:

Test Custom Functions

Before you associate the custom function to a workflow rule, it is better to check if the function works properly. The custom function details page has an option for testing the custom functions by executing it.

To test the custom function
  1. Click Edit for the application that you want to edit.
  2. Click Automate > Workflow > Custom Functions.
  3. From the list of custom functions, select the one that you want to test.
  4. In the View Workflow Custom Functions page, click Edit
  5. Click Execute to test the custom function.
  6. In the Execute Script pop-up, enter the values and click Submit to test if the custom function is working properly. 

Associate Custom Function to a Workflow Rule

The custom function that you create should be associated with a workflow rule. Whenever a record matches the criteria in a workflow rule and the workflow rule is triggered, the associated custom function will also be automatically executed.

To associate custom function to a workflow rule
  1. Click Edit for the application you want to edit.
  2. Click Automate > Workflow.
  3. In the Workflow Rules page, click Create Rule.
  4. In the New Rule page, specify the basic details and other workflow rule parameters. See Also Manage Workflow Rules 
  5. Under Actions, associated the already created custom function as an instant action or a time-based action. 
  6. Click Save.

Manage Custom Functions

You can edit and delete the custom functions hat you created as per your requirements.
 
To edit/delete custom function
  1. Click Edit for the application you want to edit.
  2. Click Automate > Workflow > Custom Functions. A list of custom functions will be available.
  3. Move your mouse pointer to a custom function for the following options:
    1. Edit - Click  to make changes to the custom function.
    2. Delete - Click  to delete the function. If you have associated the custom function to any workflow rule(s), please disassociate it before deleting.
 

    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









                                            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

                                                                                                              • Custom Functions

                                                                                                                The guide will help you with the following: Create Custom Functions Program Custom Functions  Test Custom Functions  Associate with Workflow Rules  Manage Custom Functions  Custom functions help in automation where procedural logic is required, which ...
                                                                                                              • Functions

                                                                                                                This guide helps you with the following: Create Functions  Normal Functions REST API Functions Invoke Functions  Edit Functions  Delete Functions Rest API Functions Authentication Version 2.0 Version 1.0 Example Comparison of Version 2.0 and 1.0 ...
                                                                                                              • Automation - Setting Up Webhooks

                                                                                                                This guide will help you with the following: Set up Webhooks Use Webhooks Business Scenario 1- Calculate Sales commissions in Zoho Creator App Refer Error Codes HTTP Status Codes Custom Errors Webhooks facilitates communication with third-party ...
                                                                                                              • Automation - Creating Blueprints

                                                                                                                Building a blueprint can be summarized into three main steps: Specify the basic information: This includes the module, layout, and field for which the process should be created. Define the process flow: This involves using the Blueprint Editor to ...
                                                                                                              • Custom Actions

                                                                                                                This guide will help you with the following: Create Custom Actions  Associate with Workflow Rules  Manage Custom Actions  Zoho Developer provides various options to automate repetitive tasks and implement customizations that meet your business needs. ...
                                                                                                                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