Kaizen #180: Automating Data Transfer from Zoho Sheets to Zoho CRM Subforms

Kaizen #180: Automating Data Transfer from Zoho Sheets to Zoho CRM Subforms



Hello everyone!
Welcome back to another exciting Kaizen post! This time, we will discuss the solution for a use case—leveraging Client Scripts and Functions to get the job done efficiently by integrating with Zoho Sheets.

In this kaizen post,

  1. Handling Manual Entries of Data in Subforms
  2. Scenario 
  3. Solution
  4. Add a button in Create Page(Canvas)
  5. Create a Function to fetch data from Sheet
  6. Create a Client Script to get Sheet Details, fetch and populate data
  7. Summary
  8. Related links

1. Handling Manual Entries of Data in Subforms

Manually entering data into Zoho CRM subforms is simple and straightforward when dealing with a few rows. However, repeatedly copying a large set of rows from a Sheet to a Subform can be challenging. Manually mapping lookup fields and adding parent IDs is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, leading to inefficiencies in data entry. Automating this process can greatly improve efficiency, saving both time and effort.
Here’s how you can seamlessly fetch data from Zoho Sheets and populate Zoho CRM subforms—including lookup fields—using Client Scripts and Functions.

2. Requirement

Zylker manufactures medical instruments, and its sales representatives manage bulk orders from distributors and hospitals. Product details are typically provided in a sheet, which the sales reps must manually enter into the subform on the Order Creation Page. However, creating numerous entries is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to errors. To streamline the process, a "Populate from Sheet" button is embedded in the Order module of Create Page(Canavas). When clicked, it should
  • Display a pop-up asking to enter the Sheet ID.
  • Fetch order details (product names, quantities, and prices) from a specific Zoho Sheet.
  • Fetch the id of the Product name from the Products module and populate the lookup field "Product".
  • Populate other data into the Product list Subform inside Zoho CRM.

3. Solution 

To accomplish this requirement with a button click, you need to use a Canvas Page and add a button to it. (Currently, Client Scripts do not support Custom Buttons on the Create Page(Standard). When clicked, the Client Script should be triggered, it should retrieve the Sheet ID from the user, invoke a function to read the data, and populate the content into the Subform.

So you need to follow the following steps.
  • Add a button in Create Page(Canvas)
  • Create a Function to fetch data from Sheet
  • Create a Client Script.

a. Add a button in Create Page(Canvas)
  • Go to Settings > Canvas > Form View tab. Click the three dots next to the Canvas Order Create Page and click edit.


  • Right click on the button and add the Element ID for the new button and click Save.



b. Create a Function to fetch data from Sheet
  • Go to Setup > Developer Hub > Functions.
  • In the Functions page, click + Create New Function.
  • Choose the category as Button.
  • Click Create.
  • In the Create Function page, enter a name and description for your function.
  • Write your function code. The below function is used to integrate CRM with Zoho Sheets and reads the content of the Sheet using zoho.sheet.getRecords(sheetid ,tab name)
  1. SheetData = zoho.sheet.getRecords(sheetid,"Sheet1");
  2. d = list();
  3. for each  record in SheetData.get("records")
  4. {
  5. d.add(record);
  6. }
  7. info d;
  8. return d.toString();

  • Click Edit Argument next to the function's namespace and define the parameter "Sheetid" and click Save.
  • Click the three dots next to the Function name and select REST API.
  • Enable the OAuth2 for the Function csvRead as shown below.




    c. Create a Client Script

  • Go to Setup > Developer Hub > Client Script. Click +New Script.
  • Specify the details to create a script and click Next.
  • Enter the following script and click Save.

  1. var a = ZDK.Page.getField("Product_list").getValue();
  2. var casesheetid = ZDK.Client.getInput([{ type: 'text', label: 'Enter the Sheet ID' }], 'Sheet details', 'OK', 'Cancel');
  3.     console.log("casesheetid " + casesheetid);
  4. if (casesheetid == null) {
  5.         ZDK.Client.showAlert("Enter the *Case Sheet ID - Import* to import data");
  6.     }
  7.     let csvdata = []; // list to store csv data
  8.     let imported_list = [
  9.         {
  10.         "Product_Name": {
  11.         "id": "",
  12.         "name": ""
  13.         },
  14.         "Quantity":"",
  15.         "Unit_Price": "",
  16.         "Amount": ""
  17.         }
  18.     ]
  19.     try {

  21.      ZDK.Client.showLoader({type: 'page', template:'vertical-bar', message: 'Loading ...'});
  22.         resp = ZDK.Apps.CRM.Functions.execute("getData", casesheetid); // invoke function that extracts data from Sheet
  23.     }
  24.     catch {
  25.         ZDK.Client.showAlert("Unexpected error occured" + resp);
  26.     }
  27.     var k = resp._details.userMessage;
  28.     k = "[" + k + "]";
  29.     let jsonArray = JSON.parse(k);//Convert to a valid JSON array format
  30.     jsonArray.forEach((pr, i) => {
  31.         csvdata.push(pr);
  32.     });

  34.     if (csvdata.length) {
  35.         log("csvdata length" + csvdata.length);
  36.         csvdata.forEach(row => {
  37.             log("Product_Name" + row.Product_Name);
  38.             log("Case Version" + row.Version);
  39.             log("Case " + row.Case);
  40.             imported_list.push({ Product_Name: { id: "", name: row.Product }, Quantity: row.Quantity, Unit_Price: row.Unit_Price, Amount: row.Amount});
  41.         });
  42.     }
  43.     imported_list.shift(); // remove the dummy row
  44.     imported_list.forEach((row, i) => {
  45.         apiResponse = ZDK.Apps.CRM.Products.searchByCriteria(`(Product_Name:equals:${row.Product_Name.name})`);
  46.  if (apiResponse.length == 0) {
  47.             // If there is no matching record, ask user if a new record has to be created or not.
  48.             var count = i + 1;
  49.             ZDK.Client.showAlert("*S.No* " + count + " - '" + row.Product_Name.name + "'" + " is an *invalid Product Name*", "Invalid Product Name", "Okay");
  50.         }
  51.         apiResponse.forEach((rec) => {
  52.             if (!(rec.id == null)) {
  53.                 row.Product_Name.id = rec.id;
  54.             }
  55.         });
  56.     });
  57. ZDK.Page.getField('Product_list').setValue(imported_list);
  58. ZDK.Client.hideLoader();


  • In this code, several ZDKs are used for various purposes. Click on the ZDK hyperlinks to learn more.

  1. User Input: The code uses ZDK.Client.getInput() to fetch a "Sheet ID" from the user. This input is crucial for further operations.
  2. Input Validation: If the user cancels or doesn't enter a sheet ID, the code checks for null and prompts the user to enter the ID using ZDK.Client.showAlert().
  3. Function Invocation: The code invokes a CRM function named getData using ZDK.Apps.CRM.Functions.execute(), passing the sheet ID as a parameter. 
  4. Loader Display: To indicate that a process is running, a loader is displayed using ZDK.Client.showLoader(). 
  5. Data Parsing and Transformation: The response from the function "resp" is parsed into a JSON array format. This involves converting the response into a string and then parsing it into a JSON object. The processed data is transformed into a format suitable for populating a CRM field. This involves creating a new list (imported_list) and pushing the transformed data into it.
  6. Subform Population: Finally, the transformed data is used to populate the Subform named Product_list using ZDK.Page.getField().setValue(). After completing the process, the loader is hidden using ZDK.Client.hideLoader().
  • Here is how the Client Script works.


  • Here, using Client Script, you can instantly add all products from the Sheet with a single click and populate the lookup field without specifying ID for the lookup field "Product".

4. Summary

In this post, we have discussed,
  • How to get input from the user and pass the input while invoking a Function
  • How to Invoke a Function
  • How to import data from Sheets to Zoho CRM Subform
  • How to use Search Records API to fetch the ID of a field.




      • Sticky Posts

      • Kaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs

        🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.

      • Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint

        Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.

      • Celebrating 200 posts of Kaizen! Share your ideas for the milestone post

        Hello Developers, We launched the Kaizen series in 2019 to share helpful content to support your Zoho CRM development journey. Staying true to its spirit—Kaizen Series: Continuous Improvement for Developer Experience—we've shared everything from FAQs

      • Kaizen #193: Creating different fields in Zoho CRM through API

        🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.

      • Client Script | Update - Introducing Commands in Client Script!

        Have you ever wished you could trigger Client Script from contexts other than just the supported pages and events? Have you ever wanted to leverage the advantage of Client Script at your finger tip? Discover the power of Client Script - Commands! Commands

        • Recent Topics

        • Can Zoho Flows repeat Actions more than once?

          I'm attempting to make an intentional Zoho Flow loop using the below layout. However, when "WithinLimit" condition is met, the program fails to execute the action "Get & Add Request Co..." again. Is this by design? Is Zoho Flows unable to repeat actions

        • Unveiling Cadences: Redefining CRM interactions with automated sequential follow-ups

          Last modified on 01/04/2024: Cadences is now available for all Zoho CRM users in all data centres (DCs). Note that it was previously an early access feature, available only upon request, and was also known as Cadences Studio. As of April 1, 2024, it's

        • customer data security

          We are exploring ways to enhance our within Zoho CRM. Our Goal: We want to fully integrate RingCentral with Zoho CRM to enable click-to-call functionality for our sales team. However, to comply with data privacy regulations and protect customer contact

        • Zoho Cliq not working on airplanes

          Hi, My team and I have been having this constant issue of cliq not working when connected to an airplane's wifi. Is there a reason for this? We have tried on different Airlines and it doesn't work on any of them. We need assistance here since we are constantly

        • Sync CRM inventory data with Zoho Books

          I just switched everything over to ZoHo books, but I am trying to find out why the CRM Estimates, Invoices, and Sales Orders created in ZoHo CRM are not then duplicated in ZoHo Books? I had Quickbooks before, and had to do everything twice, I thought

        • mask Customer phone number and agents cant see customer phone number

          Is there any way we can integrate Zoom Phone with Zoho CRM while ensuring that customer phone numbers remain masked? We need a solution where agents can make outbound calls but cannot see customer phone numbers. Please let us know if there is any solution

        • Email Reminders on Shared Calendars

          How do we turn off the setting that emails reminders to everyone who has accepted or declined a calendar invite? If 8 of us have been invited to the same meeting, we receive 8 notifications for every step of the process, from invitation to decision.

        • WebDAV / FTP / SFTP protocols for syncing

          I believe the Zoho for Desktop app is built using a proprietary protocol. For the growing number of people using services such as odrive to sync multiple accounts from various providers (Google, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, etc.) it would be really helpful if you implemented standard protocols such as WebDAV / FTP / SFTP so that alternative inc clients can be used.

        • What's New in Zoho Inventory | Q2 2025

          Hello Customers, The second quarter have been exciting months for Zoho Inventory! We’ve introduced impactful new features and enhancements to help you manage inventory operations with even greater precision and control. While we have many more exciting

        • How to refresh a ticket view ?

          I am doing a widget where I send a rest api call to make a new draft to the ticket I am viewing. The issue is sometimes it refresh a ticket view and I can see inserted draft right away, but sometimes I do not see it even if it is inserted correctly and

        • Ugh! - Text Box (Single Line) Not Enough - Text Box (Multi-line) Unavailable in PDF!

          I provide services, I do not sell items. In each estimate I send I provide a customized job description. A two or three sentence summary of the job to be performed. I need to be able to include this job description on each estimate I send as it's a critical

        • Merge Items

          Is there a work around for merging items? We currently have three names for one item, all have had a transaction associated so there is no deleting (just deactivating, which doesn't really help. It still appears so people are continuing to use it). I also can't assign inventory tracking to items used in past transactions, which I don't understand, this is an important feature moving forward.. It would be nice to merge into one item and be able to track inventory. Let me know if this is possible.

        • Supervisor Rules - Zoho Desk

          Hi, I have set up a Supervisor Rule in Zoho Desk to send an email alert when a ticket has been on hold for 48 hours. Is there a way to change it so that the alert only sends once and not on an hourly basis? Thank you Laura

        • ResponseCode 421, 4.7.0 [TSS04] Messages from 136.143.188.51 temporarily deferred due to user complaints

          Had email bounce. Let me know if you can fix this. Thanks. Michael

        • Zoho Canvas - Custom templates for related lists

          Hi, I see that the example pages load always one of our related lists in a custom template, but I dont know how to work with that:  1) How can i make my own custom templates for related lists?  2) Where and how can i check out existing custom templates?

        • Automation #15: Automatically Adding Static Secondary Contacts

          Rockel is a top-tier client of Zylker traders. Marcus handles communications with Rockel and would like to add Terence, the CTO of Zylker traders to the email conversations. In this case, the emails coming from user address rockel.com should have Terence

        • New Zoho triggers Google Dangerous flag due toabnormal charcters

          Just signed up and doing my first email test. I sent it to my google email account but it got flagged as Dangerous" due abnormal characters. My DNS setup looks ok. Page snips attached Help Please Thanks, Rick DC PowerWorld

        • Is there a API to fetch tasks in a Board/Section

          I am writing a scheduled function that retrieves all the tasks and send an reminder on cliq. I cannot seem to find a API to fetch tasks (by user / board / section) What are the way to fetch tasks?

        • Having trouble fetching contents of Zoho Connect Feeds using the API, requesting alternative API documentation.

          I'm trying to retrieve feed/post data from Zoho Connect using the API but facing challenges with the current documentation. What I've tried: OAuth authentication is working correctly (getting 200 OK responses) Tested multiple endpoints: /pulse/nativeapi/v2/feeds,

        • Adding an Account Name to Tasks/Reminders

          Does anyone know how to add the related account name to a task?  When we look at the list of activities and when the reminders pop up, there is no way of quickly seeing who the account is. 

        • Triggering Zoho Flow on Workdrive File Label

          Right now Im trying to have a zoho flow trigger on the labeling/classification of a file in a folder. Looking at the trigger options they arent great for something like this. File event occurred is probably the most applicable, but the events it has arent

        • SendMail to multiple recipients

          Hi, I'm trying to send an email to a list of recipients.  Right now the "to" field is directed to a string variable. (List variables won't work here). In the string variable, how can I make it work? trying "user@app.com;user2@app.com" or "user@app.com; user2@app.com" just failed to send the emails. Ravid

        • Populate drop down field from another form's subform

          Hello, I found how to do that, but not in case of a subform. I have a Product form that has a subform for unit and prices. A product might have more than one unit. For example, the product "Brocoli" can be sold in unit at 3$ or in box of 10 at 25 $. Both

        • Usar o Inventory ou módulo customizado no CRM para Gestão de Estoque ?

          Minha maior dor hoje em usar o zoho é a gestão do meu estoque. Sou uma empresa de varejo e essa gestão é fundamental pra mim. Obviamente preciso que esse estoque seja visível no CRM, Inicialmente fiz através de módulos personalizados no próprio Zoho CRM,

        • Signup forms behaviour : Same email & multiple submissions

          My use case is that I have a signup form (FormA) that I use in several places on my website, with a hidden field so I can see where the contact has been made from. I also have a couple of other signup forms (FormB and FormC) that slight differences. All

        • getting error in project users api

          Hello, I'm getting a "Given URL is wrong" error when trying to use the Zoho Projects V3 API endpoint for adding users to a project. The URL I'm using is https://projectsapi.zoho.com/api/v3/portal/{portalid}/projects/{projectid}/projectusers/ and it's

        • Change total display format in weekly time logs

          Hi! Would it be possible to display the total of the value entered in the weekly time log in the same format that the user input? This could be an option in the general settings -> display daily timesheet total in XX.XX format or XX:XX.

        • Different Company Name for billing & shipping address

          We are using Zoho Books & Inventory for our Logistics and started to realize soon, that Zoho is not offering a dedicated field for a shipping address company name .. when we are creating carrier shipping labels, the Billing Address company name gets always

        • How to display historical ticket information of the total time spent in each status

          Hi All, Hoping someone can help me, as I am new to Zoho Analytics, and I am a little stuck. I am looking to create a bar chart that looks back over tickets raised in the previous month and displays how much time was spent in each status (With Customer,

        • Zoho Projects iOS app update: Global Web Tabs support

          Hello everyone! In the latest version(v3.10.10) of the Zoho Projects app update, we have brought in support for Global Web Tabs. You can now access the web tabs across all the projects from the Home module of the app. Please update the app to the latest

        • Zoho Community Weekend Maintenance: 13–15 Sep 2025

          Hi everyone, We wanted to give you a heads-up that Zoho Community will undergo scheduled maintenance this weekend. During this period, some community features will be temporarily unavailable, while others will be in read-only mode. Maintenance Window:

        • Agent Performance Report

          From data to decisions: A deep dive into ticketing system reports An agent performance report in a ticketing system provides a comprehensive view of how support agents manage customer tickets. It measures efficiency and quality by tracking key performance

        • Show both Vendor and Customers in contact statement

          Dear Sir, some companies like us working with companies as Vendor and Customers too !!! it mean we send invoice and also receive bill from them , so we need our all amount in one place , but in contact statement , is separate it as Vendor and Customer, 

        • URL validation

          We use an internal intranet site which has a short DNS name which Zoho CRM will not accept.   When attempting to update the field it says "Please enter a valid URL". The URL I am trying to set is http://intranet/pm/ Our intranet is not currently setup with a full DNS name and given the amount of links using the shortname probably isn't a feasible change for us.

        • Pourquoi dans zohobooks version gratuite on ne peut ajouter notre stock d'ouverture??

          Pourquoi dans zohobooks version gratuite on ne peut ajouter notre stock d'ouverture ??

        • How can I adjust column width in Zoho Books?

          One issue I keep running into is as I show or hide columns in reports, the column widths get weird. Some columns have text cut off while others can take a fourth of the page for just a few characters. I checked report layout guides and my settings, but

        • Invalid value passed for file_name

          System generated file name does not send file anymore - what is the problem?

        • Custom Function for Estimates

          Hey everyone, I was wondering if there was a way to automate the Subject of an estimate whenever one is created or edited: * the green box using following infos: * Customer Name and Estimate Date. My Goal is to change the Subject to have this format "<MyFirm>-Estimate

        • This domain is not allowed to add. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details

          I am trying to setup the free version of Zoho Mail. When I tried to add my domain, theselfreunion.com I got the error message that is the subject of this Topic. I've read your other community forum topics, and this is NOT a free domain. So what is the

        • Search in module lists has detiorated

          Every module has a problem with the search function :-/

        • Next Page