Event Management System using ZDK CLI

Hello Everyone,

Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series!

As you already may know, for the Kaizen #200 milestone, we asked for your feedback and many of you suggested topics for us to discuss. We have been writing on these topics over the past few weeks. One of the feedbacks asked us to cover "more on ZDK CLI". In this post, we will discuss building an Event Management System in Zoho CRM Using ZDK CLI.

Consider the case of Zenith, a Zoho CRM partner who is also partner for Zoho's competing products. Zenith is hosting a conference in which their representatives are inviting speakers from Zoho and also other competing products. The attendees of the conference will be either external attendees or leads or contacts of Zenith. For this purpose existing meetings module of Zoho CRM (previously called Events) can not be used as it is not a good fit for this case. Custom modules and fields are required for this. In this post, we’ll discuss how to create a Event Management System that is complimentary to Zoho CRM using ZDK CLI. 

Why Use ZDK CLI?

ZDK CLI allows developers to:

1. Create and edit CRM metadata (modules, fields, roles, profiles, and widgets)
2. Define relationships between modules (lookups, multi-select lookups)
3. Push and sync metadata changes to sandbox.
4. Resolve conflicts when multiple users work on the same metadata.

This makes it ideal for building reusable CRM systems such as event management.

Initial Setup

As the initial setup, initialize the ZDK CLI project directory using zdk init command and create a new ZDK Project folder "Zenith". 

zdk init

Then, login to the sandbox environment for Zenith using zdk auth:login command. 

zdk auth:login

When you execute zdk auth:login, you can either select any org that is already signed in or select NEW LOGIN to visit the login page and select the sandbox org you will be working on.

After logging in to Zoho select the sandbox environment and give required permissions.

For the current beta release, ZDK CLI is exclusively available for Sandbox environment and is not operational in Production environments. 

You will be redirected to the terminal after successful login and you can start working on ZDK CLI.

Change the api_version to 8 in zdk-project.json file.

Step 1: Define the Modules

For an event management use case, we will need the following custom modules:

1. Conference – Stores details of each event.
2. Attendees – Tracks participants, whether leads, contacts, or external.
3. ConferenceAttendees (Linking Module, not created) – Connects conferences and attendees with registration status.
4. Venues – Captures details of event locations.
5. Speakers – Stores details of invited speakers.

This has been visualized in the data model below.

To create a module, use the command

zdk meta:create modules

This creates the json file for module metadata : Conference.modules-meta.json  in the path Zenith/crm/meta/modules/Conference 

Conference.modules-meta.json content

{     "singular_label": "Conference",     "plural_label": "Conferences",     "api_name": "Conference",     "profiles": [         {             "api_name": "Administrator"         }     ],     "display_field": {         "api_name": "Conferences"     },     "show_as_tab": true }

Similarly create modules Attendees , Venues, and Speakers modules

Step 2: Customize Fields

To create a field, use the command

zdk meta:create fields

Conference module:

Conference modules's fields are:

1. Attendees (multiselectlookup to Attendee module) 
2. Speakers (multiselectlookup to Speakers module) 
3. Venue (lookup to Venue module) 
4. Date (datetime) 
5. Duration(double) 
6. Description (textarea) 
7. Status (picklist: Planned, Ongoing, Completed)

Attendees field

Let us check how to create the field attendees of type multi-select lookup (to Attendee module)

The json file Attendees.fields-meta.json created in the path Zenith/crm/meta/modules/Conference/fields will look like this

To provide dependent details for the multi select lookup, add the multiselectlookup json object to the Attendees.fields-meta.json file as below:

{     "field_label": "Attendees",     "display_name": "Attendees",     "api_name": "Attendees",     "type": "used",     "data_type": "multiselectlookup",     "multiselectlookup": {         "connected_details": {             "module": {                 "api_name": "Attendee"             },             "field": {                 "field_label": "AttendingConference"             }         },         "linking_details": {             "module": {                 "plural_label": "Conferences_X_attendees"             }         }  } }

Speakers (multi-select lookup to Speakers module)

Similar to Attendees field, create Speakers field and modify the json file Speaker.fields-meta.json created in the path Zenith/crm/meta/modules/Conference/fields:

{     "field_label": "Speaker",     "display_name": "Speakers",     "api_name": "Speakers",     "type": "used",     "data_type": "multiselectlookup",     "multiselectlookup": {         "connected_details": {             "module": {                 "api_name": "Speaker"             },             "field": {                 "field_label": "AttendingConference"             }         },         "linking_details": {             "module": {                 "plural_label": "Speakers_X_attendees"             }         }  } }

Venue (lookup field to Venue module)

Similarly, create the Venue field with type as "lookup" The json file Venue.fields-meta.json created in the path Zenith/crm/meta/modules/Conference/fields will look like this

To provide dependent details for the lookup, add the lookup json object to the json as below.

{     "field_label": "Venue",     "display_name": "Venue",     "api_name": "Venue",     "type": "used",     "data_type": "lookup"     "lookup": {         "display_label": "Venue",         "api_name": "Venue",         "module": {           "api_name": "Venue"         }       } }

Description (textarea)

After create a textarea field Description using zdk meta:create fields command, add textarea json object to the field meta json file as below :

{         "field_label": "Description",                 "display_name": "Description",                 "api_name": "Description",                 "type": "used",                 "data_type": "textarea",                 "textarea": {                         "type": "rich_text"                 } }

The possible values for text area are small, large and rich_text.

Status (picklist)
After create a picklist field Status using zdk meta:create fields command, add pick_list_values json array to the field meta json file as below:

{     "field_label": "Status",     "display_name": "Status",     "api_name": "Status",     "type": "used",     "data_type": "picklist",   "pick_list_values": [     {       "display_value": "Planned",       "actual_value": "Planned"     },     {       "display_value": "Ongoing",       "actual_value": "Ongoing"     },     {       "display_value": "Completed",       "actual_value": "Completed"     }   ] }

Date and duration fields of type datetime and double does not require any edits to the created meta.json file.

Attendees Module

Similarly, add fields for attendees modules

1. Phone (phone)
2. Company (text)
3. EventsAttended (multi-select lookup to Conference module)
4. Attendee Type (picklist with options Lead, Contact, External)
5. Leads (lookup to Lead module)
6. Contacts (lookup to Contact module
   

Venue Module

1. Location (text)
2. Capacity (integer)
3. Contact erson (text)
4. ContactNumber(phone)
5. Description(textarea)

Speakers Module

1. Phone (phone)
2. Company (text)
3. SpeakerStatus (picklist with options Confirmed, Pending, Canceled)
   

Step 3: Create a Custom Role

To create a field, use the command

zdk meta:create roles

This ensures event managers have the right access without interfering with other CRM operations.

Pushing changes to the sandbox environment

Once all changes are done execute zdk org:push and zdk org:push result --{jobId} command to deploy the changes to the sandbox environment. Once the changes are verified in your sandbox environment you can deploy it to the production environment.

You can extract this metadata zip file, that is created using zdk org:export command to your own ZDK project directory and try pushing the changes to your sandbox environment.

Building the Event Management System for "Zenith" illustrates the core strength of ZDK CLI. It brings software engineering best practices to Zoho CRM customization. By defining modules/fields/roles as json files directly or creating them using the command, the source truth of the metadata is available in local system. The same can be tracked via version control systems like GIT for better collaboration among the team.

Previous post: Kaizen# 209 - Answering Your Questions | All About Client Script | ZDK CLI documentation | Kaizen Directory

• Topic Participants

• Mable Mary M P

  

• Sticky Posts

• Kaizen #217 - Actions APIs : Tasks

  Welcome to another week of Kaizen! In last week's post we discussed Email Notifications APIs which act as the link between your Workflow automations and you. We have discussed how Zylker Cloud Services uses Email Notifications API in their custom dashboard.

• Kaizen #216 - Actions APIs : Email Notifications

  Welcome to another week of Kaizen! For the last three weeks, we have been discussing Zylker's workflows. We successfully updated a dormant workflow, built a new one from the ground up and more. But our work is not finished—these automated processes are

• Kaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms

  Hello everyone! Have you ever wanted to trigger actions on click of a canvas button, icon, or text mandatory forms in Create/Edit and Clone Pages? Have you ever wanted to control how elements behave on the new Canvas Record Forms? This can be achieved

• Kaizen #142: How to Navigate to Another Page in Zoho CRM using Client Script

  Hello everyone! Welcome back to another exciting Kaizen post. In this post, let us see how you can you navigate to different Pages using Client Script. In this Kaizen post, Need to Navigate to different Pages Client Script ZDKs related to navigation A.

• Kaizen #210 - Answering your Questions | Event Management System using ZDK CLI

  Hello Everyone, Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series! As you already may know, for the Kaizen #200 milestone, we asked for your feedback and many of you suggested topics for us to discuss. We have been writing on these topics over the

• Recent Topics

• Tasks Statuses

  Hi, The task status "Completed" is a final status which closes the task. We need to have a status "Cancelled". However, when the status is set to "Cancelled", the task prompt still has a blue button to Close Task. When the customer clicks that and closes

• Add Lookup Field in Tasks Module

  Hello, I have a need to add a Lookup field in addition to the ones that are already there in the Tasks module. I've seen this thread and so understand that the reason lookup fields may not be part of it is that there are already links to the tables (

• Create New Tasks Layout in CRM

  I am able to do this in Leads, Contacts, Meetings, Calls - every other module, but cannot create a new layout in tasks. I have the appropriate access but it's simply not appearing as an option. Only "Standard" option shows. Please help!

• Whatsapp Connection Status still "Pending" after migration

  Hello, I migrated my WhatsApp API to Zoho from another provider a day ago. So far the connection status is still “Pending”. There is a problem? How long does it usually take?

• Meet Canvas' Grid component: Your easiest way to build responsive record templates

  Visual design can be exciting—until you're knee-deep in the details. Whether it's aligning text boxes to prevent overlaps, fixing negative space, or simply making sure the right data stands out, just ironing out inconsistencies takes a lot of moving parts.

• 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

• Using IMAP configuration for shared email inboxes

  Our customer service team utilizes shared email boxes to allow multiple people to view and handle incoming customer requests. For example, the customer sends an email to info@xxxx.com and multiple people can view it and handle the request. How can I configure

• Zoho CRM for Everyone's NextGen UI Gets an Upgrade

  Hello Everyone We've made improvements to Zoho CRM for Everyone's Nextgen UI. These changes are the result of valuable feedback from you where we’ve focused on improving usability, providing wider screen space, and making navigation smoother so everything

• Auto-sync field of lookup value

  This feature has been requested many times in the discussion Field of Lookup Announcement and this post aims to track it separately. At the moment the value of a 'field of lookup' is a snapshot but once the parent lookup field is updated the values diverge.

• Zoho Recruit Subscription

  Hello Zoho Recruit Team, Good day! I would like to inquire about your recruitment subscription plans and would also like to verify the current subscription our company is enrolled in under Zoho Recruit. Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

• Keyboard shortcut M key

  I'm trying to customize my keyboard shortcuts and assign the "m" key. But it says the key is already assigned. I've looked through all my shortcuts and can't see any assigned "m". When I select an email and press the M key, nothing happens. What is the

• Is it possible to create a meeting in Zoho Crm which automatically creates a Google Meet link?

  We are using Google's own "Zoho CRM for Google" integration and also Zoho's "Google Apps Sync" tools, but none of them provide us with the ability to create a meeting in Zoho CRM that then adds a Google Meet link into the meeting. Is this something that

• Ensure Consistent Service Delivery with Comprehensive Job Sheets

  We are elated to announce that one of the most requested features is now live: Job Sheets. They are customizable, reusable forms that serve as a checklist for the services that technicians need to carry out and as a tool for data collection. While on

• Automatic Portal invite

  We have numerous customers we move through a blueprint in deals, when they get to a certain point we need to give them portal access, how can this be done through deluge or a workflow? Latest Update (December 2025): The option to automate portal invitations

• Marketer's Space: Why mobile optimization deserves a place in your email strategy

  Hello Marketers, Welcome back to Marketer's Space! Today, we'll talk about the importance of creating mobile-friendly email designs. While mobile phones were once used only to make phone calls, today they're used for almost everything, including texting,

• Enhancements in Canvas

  Dear All, Greetings! Canvas lets you design the record details page to suit your brand or business preferences. We are glad to introduce the following enhancements to uplift your design experience. Reusable Components Style Presets Let's go! Reusable

• Introducing Dark Mode / Light Mode : A New Look For Your CRM

  Hello Users, We are excited to announce a highly anticipated feature - the launch of Day, Night and Auto Mode implementation in Zoho CRM's NextGen user interface! This feature is designed to provide a visually appealing and comfortable experience for

• ABN with Legal Entity Name

  Hi, How can I execute this? The ABN number is entered in Accounts Module and ideally, it should display or suggest the correct Legal Entity Name based on the ABN lookup. ex. Account Name: JPG Resources ABN Number: 65 067 761 871 Legal Entity Name: (auto

• Presenting ABM for Zoho CRM: Expand and retain your customers with precision

  Picture this scenario: You're a growing SaaS company ready to launch a powerful business suite, and are looking to gain traction and momentum. But as a business with a tight budget, you know acquiring new customers is slow, expensive, and often delivers

• Text snippet

  There is a nice feature in Zoho Desk called Text Snippet. It allows you to insert a bit of text anywhere in a reply that you are typing. That would be nice to have that option in Zoho CRM as well when we compose an email. Moderation Update: We agree that

• 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

• Prepopulating Fields

  Hello, I have a form (Assets) with 2 lookup fields: Client (from Clients) Site (from Client Sites) I modified the code (highlighted in red below), so the Site dropdown shows the list of sites related to the Client. must have Client_Site ( type = picklist

• Unify Overlapping Functionalities Across Zoho Products

  Hi Zoho One Team, We would like to raise a concern about the current overlap of core functionalities across various Zoho applications. While Zoho offers a rich suite of tools, many applications include similar or identical features—such as shift management,

• Detailed Account Reports - Add Running Balance

  When one clicks into an account from a report (say P/L or Balance Sheet), the default reports have the Debit, Credit, and then the Amount. The Amount column (last one) is duplicate information. It would be far better and fit more peoples' use cases if

• Can we add custom fields to portal community profiles?

  How do we add custom fields to our profile pages in our portal community? If we have the ability to add custom fields, will we be able to access those fields via API? We want to use our Desk community in our help portal as our primary community and would

• Start Workflow from Deluge Script

  I have developed a customized process from our CRM that leverages a deluge script to create a statement of work document. Once the document has been created via the merge and store function, I would like the ability to start a workdrive review & approve

• Issue: Ticket Export Does Not Include Ticket Threads

  Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to bring to your attention that the current ticket export feature in Zoho Desk does not seem to include the ticket threads or conversation history. When exporting tickets, only the summary

• Pushover Notification Module

  Hello, it would be good if there would be a "Pushover" (https://pushover.net/) module besides the standard SMS module. Pushover is now very well known, especially in IT, and is becoming more and more popular. The biggest advantage are the customizable

• Forward - no Ticket Number

  Hello, when I send an email to Zoho Desk via Reply or Reply All, the ticket number is in the subject line. But if I use forward then not. Is there an option to change this? We often forward e-mails and a reply to this will of course create a new ticket

• Checkout: Adding Images

  Hello everyone, I’m trying to add a small GoGreen logo in the shipping section of the checkout to promote our sustainable shipping. While I can insert text without any issues, it seems that adding images is not supported in this area. Is there currently

• Sortie de Zoho TABLE ??

  Bonjour, Depuis bientôt 2 ans l'application zoho table est sortie en dehors de l'UE ? Depuis un an elle est annoncée en Europe Mais en vrai, c'est pour quand exactement ??

• [solved] #original_sender trick not working for us

  Hello community ! We really like DESK.. it's working like a charm for us but I have a request. Some users are sending emails personnaly to me (instead of using the support adress).. and I saw there was a possibilty to use : #original_sender {mail@mail.com}

• SalesIQ Chat Notifications

  I am the admin of our salesIQ implementation. About two weeks ago, I started hearing/seeing notification for ALL chats messages from monitored agents/chat participants. I don't need to see these, we have a manager who deals with this. I can't stop the

• Correlated subqueries not supported in Zoho Analytics. This creates huge limitations

  Running into a major limitation in Zoho Analytics: correlated subqueries simply don’t work, even in completely standard SQL patterns inside a JOIN. Example: LEFT JOIN "Bills" b ON d."Id" = b."Deal ID" AND EXISTS ( SELECT 1 FROM "Bill

• Unknown table or alias 'A1'

  I would like to create a subquery but i am getting the following error: Unknown table or alias 'A1' used in select query. This is the sql statement:  SELECT A1.active_paying_customers, A1.active_trial_customers, A1.new_paying_signup, date(A1.date_active_customers), 

• HubSpot CRM to Zoho Creator Integration

  I'm trying to create an integration between HubSpot CRM and Zoho Creator with HubSpot being the push source (if a contact is created or updated in HubSpot, it pushes the information to Zoho Creator). I have two questions: 1- Is it best to use Zoho Flow

• Batch Emails in CRM Plus without using a template?

  Hi guys. Is it possible to send the same email to multiple people at the same time within CRM Plus without using an email template? At the moment we create a custom view in Contacts to display the people that we need. We then click the boxes on the left, and click 'Send Mail', but always need to select a template. Sometimes its better to write a quick one off message, without needing to set up a template first. Thanks.

• bank charge

  a charge to my account was made that I did not authorize, of $16.46, for something that looks like "computer maintenance or something to that matter". please refund.

• [Free Webinar] Product Updates: Quick Catch-Up Session - Part II - Creator Tech Connect

  Hello Everyone! We welcome you all to the upcoming free webinar on the Creator Tech Connect Series. The Creator Tech Connect series is a free monthly webinar featuring deep-dive technical sessions designed for developers, administrators, and app builders.

• Introducing Liquid Glass UI on the Zoho Mail iOS app

  Hello everyone! We're excited to announce that the Zoho Mail app is now fully optimised for iOS 26's Liquid Glass design on both iPhone and iPad! The updated interface features transparent layers, smooth animations, and refined visual elements that enhance

• Next Page