Kaizen #176 - Optimizing the Use of Record ID Variables in Zoho CRM Queries

Kaizen #176 - Optimizing the Use of Record ID Variables in Zoho CRM Queries


Hello everyone!

Welcome to another week of Kaizen!


Today, we are back with another one on Queries.
In this post, we will discuss how you can optimize record ID as a variable in Queries.

What are variables in Queries?

Variables are placeholders in queries that take values at runtime. Variables make queries flexible and reusable, avoiding the need to hard-code data.

When you create a query, you can leverage record ID variables in two ways:
  1. Filter By field
  2. Criteria
Each method has its own benefits and considerations. Let's explore them in this post.

1. Using record ID variable in the "Filter By" field

When you use the record ID variable in the "Filter By" field of a query, you streamline the data retrieval process by directly targeting the specific records you need. This method is particularly useful when you want to narrow down your search to specific record based on their IDs. Simply put, this behaves as the Get Record by ID.

Consider an example, where Interested_Product is a lookup in Contacts. Our aim is to get the details of the product that the contact is interested in. We can create a query of type CRM - Module as shown in the following image.

  1. The base module is Contacts, and the related module is Products that is linked via the lookup field.
  2. Choose the required fields you want to retrieve through the query.
  3. In Filter by, select Record ID.
  4. Give the variable to hold the contact's ID in the Record ID field. The format is {{variable_name}}.
  5. The query assigns the ID of the contact dynamically during runtime.
  6. Click Next.
  7. A pop-up asks for the value of the variable.

  8. Input the ID of the contact and click Save.
  9. The response contains the fields that were queried for.

Benefits of having the record ID variable in "Filter by"

  • Efficiency: Directly retrieves the relevant records, reducing the need to sift through unnecessary data.
  • Simplicity: Easy to set up and understand, making it ideal for direct queries.

Considerations

  • Limited Flexibility: May not be suitable for complex queries requiring multiple conditions or criteria.
  • Specific Use Cases: Best used for scenarios where you have a clear and specific record ID to filter by.

2. Using Record ID Variable in Criteria While Fetching Related Records

Using the record ID variable in criteria while fetching related records allows for more complex and dynamic queries. This approach is useful when you need to retrieve related data based on certain conditions or criteria.
Consider an example where you want to retrieve deals of a contact. A deal can have multiple contacts, but you want to fetch only those deals that are related to a particular contact. This case warrants the need for criteria to filter based on the ID of the contact.
Construct a query as follows:
  1. Create a CRM - Module type query for the Deals module.
  2. Choose Contacts as the Related Module.
  3. Select the fields from these two modules that you want to retrieve.

  4. Select "Criteria" and create a variable for the record ID of the contact.

  5. Click Save and click Next.
  6. Give a contact ID for the variable in the pop up.

  7. Click Save and click Next.
  8. You can see the response to the query.

Benefits of using record ID variable in "criteria"

  • Flexibility: Allows for more complex queries with multiple criteria.
  • Dynamic Data Retrieval: Useful for scenarios where the criteria for related records may change based on different conditions.
  • Comprehensive Data: Fetches a broader range of related records, providing a more holistic view of the data.

Considerations

  • Complexity: More suitable for complex queries and requires deeper understanding of how modules are related in Zoho CRM.

Conclusion

Both methods offer their opportunities and challenges in Zoho CRM's data management.
Choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your queries. For efficient and simple data retrieval, using the record ID variable in the "Filter By" field is ideal.
For more complex and dynamic queries, leveraging the record ID variable in criteria while fetching related records offers greater flexibility.

Experiment with both approaches to see which one fits your use case best.

Share your experiences in the comments or write to us at support@zohocrm.com, and help others optimize their data retrieval strategies in Zoho CRM!

Stay tuned for more posts in this series!

Cheers!

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