Enhancements to finance suite integrations

Enhancements to finance suite integrations

Alert
Update on the migration (October 28, 2025):

Starting this week (October 29 tentatively), we’ll begin migrating Zoho CRM users to Zoho Books as integration users. This means actions will now run under each user’s own Zoho Books access, instead of the admin’s.

As an admin, you can also choose to migrate users early from the Integration Settings page in Zoho CRM.

(Refer to the announcement for details).
Alert
Update:

Based on your feedback, we’ve updated the capabilities for integration users. In addition to the Estimates module, they can now create, view, and edit records in all the finance modules including Sales OrderInvoicesPurchase Order.

We're also running a migration and all existing users who have migrated already will receive an email once this change goes live.

Last modified on: May 15, 2025
Info
Please note that Zoho Subscriptions is now Zoho Billing.
Hello everyone!
 
We're delighted to announce some enhancements we've recently made to the finance suite integration with Zoho CRM. These improvements focus primarily on two major integrations:
  • Zoho Books
  • Zoho Subscriptions
We've implemented these updates carefully based on the valuable feedback we've received to ensure that the user experience is smoother. So without further ado, let's dive into the details!

Enhancements to the Zoho Books integration

We've refined some of the integrated features between Zoho CRM and Zoho Books to address previous challenges and enhance user interactions.

What were the challenges? 
  • Users were unable to send emails using their email addresses.
  • Zoho Books sometimes generated inaccurate reports during audits because records created from Zoho CRM weren't being updated with the correct user names in Zoho Books.
  • User-level permissions, field-level permissions and processes such as the Approval process in Zoho Books weren't being properly handled in Zoho CRM.
  • Users who did not have proper authorization to use Zoho Books were able to create transactions from CRM by using admin's permissions.
All of these challenges arose because the integration operated exclusively via the integration owner/admin's authentication (only the admin-level permissions in Zoho Books are handled, while other user-level permissions are not accounted for), which meant that any actions performed in CRM were recorded under the name of the admin in Books.

What have we enhanced? 

1. Introducing Integration users 

Sales personnel typically manage tasks up to the estimates stage in a sales process. Therefore, CRM users who have primarily worked on estimates modules and have not engaged in subsequent activities like invoices can now be added as Integration Users from CRM to Zoho Books without the need for new licenses in Books. In other words, integration users in Zoho CRM are standard CRM users whose admins can grant specific permissions to carry out certain tasks within the Estimates module, as required.



Info
What permissions do integration users have? 
  • After being added, integration users can perform all operations, including creating, viewing, and editing records within the Estimates module.
    Notes
  • However, they can only access other modules, such as Invoices, Sales Orders, and Purchase Orders in view mode.
  • Integration users will not have direct access to Zoho Books.
  • When integration users are part of multiple finance suite products, their permissions are collectively applied within CRM.

2. Unified permissions between Zoho CRM and Zoho Books  

For users with access to both Zoho CRM and Books, the integration will now ensure proper management of permissions, covering all aspects. This means if a user is restricted from certain actions or features in Zoho Books, these restrictions will be consistently applied in CRM as well. Previously, users could access and interact with features in CRM that they were not authorized for in Zoho Books, leading to discrepancies. This enhancement will eliminate such inconsistencies, ensuring uniform permission management and preventing unauthorized access or actions across both platforms.

Alert
Migration for existing users
  • For the integration between Zoho CRM and Zoho Books to function seamlessly, and to maintain uniform user permissions,existing users have the option to migrate immediately.
  • Alternatively, they have a three-month window to complete the migration. After this period, users will be automatically added as 'Integration Users' based on their utilization of the finance module.
    Notes
  • To facilitate this, select the "Migrate Users" option to view and manage users common to both systems. Upon clicking "Save," the backend migration initiates. Following this, the integration adheres to each user's designated scope and permissions.
  • Users can migrate up to 1,000 integration users initially. If they need to migrate more, they can contact the support team for additional help.
  • Users who are already part of Zoho Books can't be added as integration users.
Please note that for new sign-ups, 'Integration users' will be available by default and they can set it up during the initial integration setup process.

Enhancement to the Zoho Subscription integration

Currently, when Zoho Subscription is integrated with CRM, it automatically adds Zoho Subscription as a related list in the Contacts and Accounts modules. You can view subscription details in a pop-up (iframe). Although users can create new subscriptions, there is a limitation on creating subscription-based reports and dashboards.



Now let's take a quick look at the enhancements made to the Zoho Subscription integration.

1. Introducing the Zoho Subscription Module

Zoho Subscriptions will now be available as a module in CRM, accessible to users with appropriate permissions. With this update, users now can generate reports based on Zoho Subscriptions data.



Hereafter, Zoho Subscriptions will be displayed both as a related list and as a module. Users with subscription permissions can currently create and view records in related lists; however, moving forward, they will be able to view and create records from the subscription module as well. Additionally, users will also have the option to view subscription records based on the pre-defined custom views.



2. Reports and analytics for subscriptions 

Zoho CRM offers report and analytical dashboard presets that users can adjust as needed to create personalized reports. In turn, this allows users to gain a better understanding of their customers and track key performance metrics, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
 
To try out system-defined reports based on Zoho Subscriptions, you can navigate to the Reports module and select any of the reports available under the Zoho Subscription Reports folder.



However, for analytics, we're providing two dashboards: Zoho Subscription Overview and Zoho Subscription Insights. You can navigate to the Analytics module and find these dashboards by default on the left panel.



3. Streamlined user permissions

The integration between Zoho CRM and Zoho Subscriptions, which used to be controlled by integration owner/admin permissions, will now operate based on the current users' scope. This guarantees uniformity in user permissions across both platforms, preventing users from accessing CRM features that they do not have authorization for in Zoho Subscriptions.
 
That's all we have for the enhancements in this edition. We'll keep you posted on further updates. Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
 

Release Plan: 
  • These enhancements are being rolled out in phases and are now available to all users across all data centres, with the exception of the US DC, where they are currently available only to organizations on editions below Enterprise
Thanks!
Nizamuddin
IdeaP.S. We would like to acknowledge the significant contributions and ongoing recommendations provided by our MVP, @Kevin Flynn. His insights – shared in the community forum – have been instrumental in addressing challenges related to users experiencing difficulties in sending emails with their addresses, as well as issues concerning user and field-level permissions.



        • Recent Topics

        • Kaizen #220: Actions API - Webhooks APIs - Part 2

          Hello all!! Welcome back to the follow-up Kaizen post of Kaizen #219: Actions API - Webhooks APIs - Part 1. In the previous week, we covered how to configure a basic Webhook and how to include Headers, Body, and URL Parameters using both the POST Webhook
        • Standard Payment Term is not pulled from account to quotation

          Hey Team There seems to be something off. I do have "Net 30" as my default payment term in Zoho Books for my customers. If, from the customer overview or quote section, I create a new Quotation, the payment terms field stays blank and doesn't get the
        • Manage your invoices from Bigin's mobile app (iOS)

          Hello everyone! We're happy to announce that users can now integrate Zoho Books with the latest version of Bigin's iOS app. Zoho Books can be integrated with Bigin only via the web application. Users can view the Zoho Books tab in the detail pages of
        • Systematic SPF alignment issues with Zoho subdomains

          Analysis Period: August 19 - September 1, 2025 PROBLEM SUMMARY Multiple Zoho services are causing systematic SPF authentication failures in DMARC reports from major email providers (Google, Microsoft, Zoho). While emails are successfully delivered due
        • Accessibility controls and multilingual captcha authorization for Help Center users ​

          Hello everyone, As part of our ongoing effort to improve user experience, we are excited about the accessibility controls and predefined accessibility personas added in the Help Center, similar to what is already available in Zoho Desk. Help Center users
        • Zoho Sign + Zoho CRM : la solution pour simplifier vos accords de vente

          La conclusion d’un contrat de vente nécessite de nombreuses étapes : préparation de documents, validations successives et collecte des signatures. Les équipes commerciales passent souvent par plusieurs cycles de collaboration et de révision, tout en assurant
        • Item/service subtotal

          Just discovered & really pleased that we can drag to re-order the line items in Sales orders & Invoices, a very nice feature which doesn't seem to be documented? It would be nice to be able to insert a subtotal as a line item to complete this great feature
        • Send email template "permission denied to access the api"

          Hello, Per the title, I'm trying to send a Zoho CRM Email template based on the advice given here: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/specify-an-email-template-when-sending-emails-in-custom-functions (I'd prefer to send right from Deluge
        • how to Solve Conflict Invoices in Zoho POS

          Hello Team, I am facing a repeated issue in Zoho POS while saving a sale that contains service-based items. My products are intentionally created as Service (Non-Inventory) items because I do not want to track stock for them. However, every time I try
        • Copy, Paste, Highlighted text

          when i copy paste text it gets highlighted. Fix this.  WTF is with this black highlight ? Fix copy pasting. Some people pay for using this mail service. 
        • Pricing Strategies: #6 Common Mistakes while Configuring Pricing

          "Why does this month's billing feel messy again?" That was the exact line Priya muttered while staring at the spreadsheet full of edited pricing, one-off discounts and mismatched subscription details. Her business was growing, but the pricing machine
        • Publish to LinkedIn via API

          Hi, Is it possible to publish a job opening to LinkedIn (paid job slots) if creating a job opening via api / deluge function? Or is the user required to manually publish via the job boards process? Many Thanks Adrian
        • FSM - Associating and selecting Contacts based on Service Addresses

          Hi FSM team, I've come across an FSM limitation I wanted to share for improvement. I'm currently configuring FSM for a client who provides heating system install and maintenance services. The are often sub contracted by building management companies to
        • Do Unpublished Products in Shopify Sync to Zoho POS?

          Will an unpublished product in Shopify sync to Zoho POS? I would like to know how Zoho POS handles products that are in draft/unpublished status in Shopify.
        • Problem in Zoho POS frontend ERP.

          We are facing some difficulties in our billing and inventory processes and require your support to resolve them at the earliest. Customer Advance Payments We receive advance payments from customers for upcoming sales. Please guide us on how to record
        • Categorize Items with Item Headers

          Hello customers, Did you ever want to classify items based on specific categories to help your customers understand your invoice better? With the new Item Header feature, you can easily categorize items in your invoices and estimates and give them a common title.  Item Headers are available in the Invoices, the Recurring Invoices and the Estimates module. It can be carried forward from estimates to invoices at the time of converting the estimates.  To add an item header: Go to the Estimates, Invoices
        • Discount on the transaction level in POS

          "Is it possible to apply a discount on the total bill before tax in Zoho POS?" I want to apply a discount on the total transaction amount in Zoho POS, but the discount should be calculated before the taxes are applied. Is there an option to do this in
        • Create Tasklist with Tasklist Template using API v3

          In the old API, we could mention the parameter 'task_template_id' when creating a tasklist via API to apply a tasklist template: https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/rest-api/tasklists-api.html#create-tasklist In API v3 there does not seem to be a way to
        • Send Automated WhatsApp Messages and Leverage the Improved WhatsApp Templates

          Greetings, I hope all of you are doing well. We're excited to announce a major upgrade to Bigin's WhatsApp integration that brings more flexibility, interactivity, and automation to your customer messaging. WhatsApp message automation You can now use
        • Jobs at multiple locations

          Hi A lot of times we have same job open at multiple locations. So I would like an option where we can create a job and choose multiple locations. Currently we have to create individual jobs for each location. If we can create one job and mention multiple
        • Tag Adding Option in Kanban Card Customization Bigin CRM Mobile App

          I would like to request an option to add and display tags on Kanban cards in the Bigin CRM mobile app. This feature would make it easier to categorize deals and quickly identify priorities while working on the go.
        • Empowered Custom Views: Cross-Module Criteria Now Supported in Zoho CRM

          Hello everyone, We’re excited to introduce cross-module criteria support in custom views! Custom views provide personalized perspectives on your data and that you can save for future use. You can share these views with all users or specific individuals
        • Associating a Candidate to a Job Listing

          Hello, I am trying to use Zoho Forms embedded on my website for candidates to apply for a job opening. I want the form then to tie directly with zoho recruit and have the candidate be automatically inputed into Recruit as well as associated with the specific
        • WhatsApp Voice Message Sending Option in Bigin CRM

          I would like to request a feature that allows users to send WhatsApp voice messages directly from Bigin CRM. This would help improve communication efficiency and make it easier for teams to respond quickly to customer inquiries.
        • CRM: hosting a single html file in Zoho and displaying it as a widget

          I have seen that CRM offers the option of uploading a web project to Zoho itself and displaying it as a widget in CRM. The instructions then talk about setting a development environment with Node and developing an application to upload to Zoho. But I
        • How to change position button transtition of Blueprint?

          Hi Everyone, Look at my screenshoot, it is possible move the reject button to the right? I couldn't find that setting in the blueprint. Thank you.
        • Multi file upload

          Hi, I just wonder if one could upload multiple files in one shot, say between one and three files, without adding multiple File Upload fields? Thanks, Alalbany
        • Sorting Descending in a lookup

          I have a case number lookup on multiple forms. I need the most recent added to appear at the top of the lookup or as the list of cases grom it's too much to scroll. Is there a way to have a look up sort descending?
        • Auto-upload Creator Files to WorkDrive

          Hi everyone, I’m working on a workflow that uploads files from Zoho Creator to specific subfolders in Zoho WorkDrive, as illustrated in the attached diagram. My Creator application form has two multi-file upload fields, and I want—on successful form submission—to
        • Asap Widget 2.0

          Where's the documentation for the new ASAP widget? https://www.zoho.com/desk/developers/asap/#introduction this one is outdated How can we dynamically navigate between different views? How can we prefill ticket forms using ASAP 2.0?
        • Can the Trigger be changed?

          I'm afraid I already know the answer, but here goes... After activating a workflow (under Campaigns > Automations), Then later choosing to Edit the workflow, Can the Workflow's Trigger be changed? Currently the entire Trigger section + options are gone
        • Marketer's Space: Proven tips to improve open rates – Part I

          Hello Marketers! Welcome back to another post in Marketer's Space! In this week's post, we'll discuss the ever-important concept of open rates. This will be a multi-part series, as we have a range of topics to cover. Open rates—which measure the percentage
        • Can't send nor receive emails on my external email accounts since this morning

          Greetings, I have two external accounts integrated into Zoho mail through POP3 + SMTP. These accounts have always worked normally since the day I've set them up. Starting 10:30 AM this morning (Western European Time) both suddenly stopped sending and
        • Creating Custom PDF Template from Form

          I am trying to create a custom PDF from form submissions. I have the standard subscription and it indicates that PDF forms are included. I cannot find anywhere to create PDF forms. I try to follow the instructions from here: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/forms/form-settings/pdf-settings/pdf-editor/articles/creating-your-own-pdf-template#Creating_your_template_from_the_scratch
        • Important Update: Facebook Metrics Deprecation & Impact on Zoho Analytics

          Dear Zoho Analytics users, Facebook has deprecated a set of metrics from the Facebook Pages Insights API, effective November 15, 2025. As a result, these changes will affect any reports and dashboards in Zoho Analytics that rely on Facebook Pages data.
        • Introducing Zoho MCP for Bigin

          Hello Biginners! We're excited to introduce Zoho MCP for Bigin, a completely new way of interacting with Bigin data using AI. With Zoho MCP, you can securely connect your Bigin account with popular AI agents like Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code,
        • MCP > Creator connection failing with Claude

          I'm trying to get claude to access any of my Zoho Creator apps and it keeps failing. I have enabled all tools for creator and ensured in claude settings that everything is authorised. Here is what claude says : Unfortunately, the error messages I'm receiving
        • Is it possible to sync data every 5–10 minutes in Zoho Analytics (CRM or Excel imports)?

          Hello Team, I want to know if Zoho Analytics supports near real-time syncing of data from different sources. My requirements: I am importing data from Zoho CRM → Zoho Analytics I also have some datasets maintained in Excel/CSV I want both data sources
        • Feature Request: Dynamic Dimension Control for zc_LoadIn Popups

          As detailed in this community discussion, Zoho Creator's zc_LoadIn parameter is a vital tool for opening components (forms, reports, or pages) in modal dialogs via HTML snippets, Notes, or Rich Text Fields. While powerful, this feature suffers from a
        • Subforms in stateless forms

          I think the title says it all. We need to be able to add subforms to stateless forms. Currently the only workaround is to create a Form and delete each record upon submission of the form. I need to build an interface to update our inventory. Basically
        • Next Page