Creating and configuring custom service connections in Bigin Toppings

Creating and configuring custom service connections in Bigin Toppings

Hello Biginners,

Integrating Bigin with external applications extends its capabilities and enables customized functionalities. In our last post, we saw how to create a default service connection. Today, we'll see how to create a custom service connection when the application you need to integrate with isn't listed in the default services.

Consider a scenario where a team uses Bigin to manage its tasks and handles project tracking and collaboration in Trello. Keeping both the applications synchronized can be a challenging task and often requires manual data entry, which increases the risk of errors. To solve this challenge, we can create a Bigin topping with a custom service connection established with the Trello application. Using this custom service connection, we can automate the process by creating a new card inside Trello each time a new task is created in Bigin.

Let's learn how to do this.

Setting up the topping

A topping needs to be created using the Bigin Developer Center; for detailed instructions on creating a topping, refer to this post.

Once you've created the topping and accessed the Bigin Developer Console, the next steps are creating the custom service connection and configuring the topping's functionality.
  1. Navigate to the Connections section in the left panel and click the Get Started button.
  1. Under the Services section, select Custom Services, then click Create Service.
  1. Fill in the required details for the custom service in the configuration screen.
  1. Enter a name for the custom service connection under Service Name; this will automatically generate the service link name.
  2. Select the appropriate authentication type supported by the third-party application from the available options: API key, Basic Authentication, OAuth 1, OAuth 2, or AWS signature.
Notes
Note:

Refer to the official API documentation of the third-party application to determine the authentication type.
  1. Each authentication type has its own set of parameters to ensure secure integration with the third-party app. For detailed instructions on configuring each authentication type and field, refer to this guide.
  2. For integrating with Trello, we'll choose API Key, which is the authentication type supported by the Trello app. For more information on getting your API key and token, refer to the Trello API documentation. Trello requires an API key and token to authenticate with another app. They have to be configured as query parameters, so set the parameter type to Query String.
  3. In the Parameter Key fields, enter the key and token, and set their corresponding Parameter Display Names to Trello API Key and Trello Token respectively.
Notes
Note:

Providing both the key and token is essential because Trello requires these two credentials for secure API access.
The key is the unique identifier for your application, and the token is a user-specific credential that authorizes our application to access and modify Trello data.
  1. Once all the required parameters are configured, click Create Service.

After successfully creating the custom service, the next step is to establish the connection with the Trello service by clicking the Create Connection button.

  1. On the following screen, provide a connection name for your Trello integration; this name will automatically generate the Connection Link Name.
  2. Once you've entered the necessary details, click the Create And Connect button to start the connection process.
  1. You'll be prompted to authenticate your Trello account using the API key and token you got from the Trello API documentation.
  2. After entering these credentials, click Connect to authenticate and integrate your Trello account with the custom service you have created.
  1. Once the connection is established, you'll be redirected back to the Bigin Developer Console. Here, you can view the details of your custom service connection, including the connection link name, confirming that the integration with Trello is active and ready for use.

This connection link name serves as a unique identifier for your integration and will be referenced in the Deluge code.

You'll also need to create a default service connection with Bigin with the scope ZohoBigin.modules.tasks.ALL to access Task details from your Bigin account.



The next step is to set up a workflow rule to automate the card creation process. This workflow will trigger whenever a new task is created in Bigin to create a corresponding card in Trello. To do this, a custom function needs to be associated with the workflow.

To configure the workflow, navigate to the Automate section in the left panel of the Bigin Developer Console and select Workflow. Create a new workflow rule within the Tasks module, setting the trigger to activate whenever a new task is created in Bigin. For the trigger condition, choose to apply the workflow to All tasks to ensure every new task initiates the automation.

Next, associate the workflow rule with a function by selecting the Function option from the Instant Actions menu.


After providing the required function details, you'll be redirected to the Deluge editor, where you can implement the logic for creating a new Trello Card.



In the Deluge code:
  1. Retrieve the details of the newly created task from Bigin using its Task ID.
  2. Extract relevant task data such as the subject (used as the task name) and description.
  3. Identify the target Trello board and the specific list where the card should be created.
  4. Fetch all lists from the Trello board and locate the list ID that matches the desired list name. For our use case, we'll be creating the task as a card in the Trello list named "Today" so that the task created on that specific day will fall under the Today list. Later, it can be moved across other lists in Trello as its status updates.
  5. Prepare the card details using the extracted task information and the identified list ID.
  6. Create a new card in Trello using the prepared details.
The code below implements the logic for automatically creating a Trello card whenever a new task is created in Bigin.
  1. // Step 1: Get task details from Bigin
  2. taskDetails = zoho.bigin.getRecordById("Tasks",task.get("Tasks.ID"),Map(),"biginandtrello__biginconnection");
  3. // Step 2: Extract task data
  4. taskData = taskDetails.get("data").get(0);
  5. taskName = taskData.get("Subject");
  6. taskDescription = taskData.get("Description");
  7. // Step 3: Trello board and target list name
  8. boardId = "KQMtdnPX";
  9. targetListName = "Today";
  10. // Step 4: Get all lists on Trello board
  11. listsResponse = invokeurl
  12. [
  13. url :"https://api.trello.com/1/boards/" + boardId + "/lists"
  14. type :GET
  15. connection:"biginandtrello__trello"
  16. ];
  17. // Step 5: Find the list ID by name
  18. listId = "";
  19. for each listItem in listsResponse
  20. {
  21. if(listItem.get("name") == targetListName)
  22. {
  23. listId = listItem.get("id");
  24. break;
  25. }
  26. }
  27. // Step 6: Check if list exists
  28. if(listId == "")
  29. {
  30. info "List with name '" + targetListName + "' not found.";
  31. return;
  32. }
  33. // Step 7: Prepare Trello card details
  34. cardDetails = Map();
  35. cardDetails.put("name",taskName + " - From Bigin");
  36. cardDetails.put("desc",taskDescription);
  37. cardDetails.put("idList",listId);
  38. // Step 8: Create Trello card
  39. createCardResponse = invokeurl
  40. [
  41. url :"https://api.trello.com/1/cards"
  42. type :POST
  43. parameters:cardDetails
  44. connection:"biginandtrello__trello"
  45. ];
  46. // Step 9: Log Trello response
  47. info "Trello card creation response: " + createCardResponse;

For details about the API endpoints and request formats used in this code, refer to the Bigin Deluge reference library and Trello API documentation.
Now, let's test whether the topping is functioning as expected. To test the topping, click Test your Topping on the top right of the Bigin Developer Console.


You can test the topping by creating a new Task in your Bigin Sandbox account and then checking your Trello account to see if a new card is created in the specified list.



In this post, We've successfully created a custom service connection between Bigin and Trello!

By using custom service connections, you can securely integrate third-party applications with Bigin and achieve your business's use cases.

Stay tuned for more posts where we'll dive deeper into additional features and best practices for developing powerful toppings in Bigin.

    • Recent Topics

    • Digest Octobre - Un résumé de ce qui s'est passé le mois dernier sur Community

      Chers utilisateurs, Faisons le point sur les temps forts du mois d'octobre au sein de notre Community Zoho France. Partager des informations sensibles, comme des mots de passe, peut vite devenir compliqué et risqué. Les données circulent par email ou

    • How do I fully delete a user account

      Hi, I have two old accounts on my CRM which are inactive and show as 'Closed' in the list of users. BUT they are basically still there. How do I fully delete these accounts? They appear in some parts of CRM still such as the on the contact record emails

    • Automatically Add Recurring Zoho Meeting Events to Zoho Calendar / Zoho Meeting Calendar

      Hello Zoho Meeting Team, Hope you are doing well. We would like to request an enhancement regarding recurring meetings created inside Zoho Meeting. At the moment, when we schedule a recurring meeting in Zoho Meeting, it does not appear in Zoho Calendar

    • Credit Management: #6 Tackling Common Mistakes in Credit Based Billing

      Businesses extend credit to build relationships, make buying easy, and drive more sales. But somewhere between extending and collecting, things begin to slip. A few late payments here and there, an overlooked invoice, and a backlog make cash flow feel

    • Updating Blueprint stage from my Deluge function

      Hi all, I need to update the blueprint stage. Its almost working, but ONLY if the current Deal stage is 'Closed Lost'. On any of my custom stages that Ive specified in the pipeline it doesnt work! My code: dealmap = Map(); deal_stage = deal.get("Stage");

    • Canvas: is it possible to have a fixed header?

      Hello. Does Canvas provide the option to have a fixed header, similar to the standard view? It would also be interesting for other parts of the interface, like the header or sidebar of the tab section. Thanks!

    • Limited layout rules in a module

      There is a limit of 10 layout rules per module. Is there a way to get that functionality through different customization or workflow + custom function (easily accessible), etc. Having just 10 is limiting especially if module contains a lot of data. Are

    • Using Contains as a filter

      We are using Zoho Reports, ServiceDesk Plus analytics. I do not see how to create a report filter using Contains comparison of a string values, is one string contained in another. For example, Task Title contains the word Monitor. Is this possible in Zoho Reports?  This reporting feature is available in SDP reporting. Thanks in advance, Craig Rice

    • Set off Unearned Revenue

      Hi, I would like to get a clarification on the below. I have an opening balance of BD.725/- in my Unearned Revenue A/c which includes the overpayments of 6 clients. No One of my clients settled his invoices by paying the value of the invoice less the

    • How Zoho Desk contributes to the art of savings

      Remember the first time your grandmother gave you cash for a birthday or New Year's gift, Christmas gift, or any special day? You probably tucked that money safely into a piggy bank, waiting for the day you could buy something precious or something you

    • Add Webhook Response Module to Zoho Flow

      Hi Zoho Flow Team, We’d like to request a Webhook Response capability for Zoho Flow that can return a dynamic, computed reply to the original webhook caller after / during the flow runs. What exists today Zoho Flow’s webhook trigger can send custom acknowledgements

    • When moments in customer support get "spooky"

      It’s Halloween again! Halloween is celebrated with spooky symbols and meanings based on history and traditions, with each region adding its own special touch. While we were kids, we would dress up in costumes along with friends, attend parties, and enjoy

    • How to backdate record payment for the invoice

      I would like to record a payment which happened 2 days ago, but I am not able to select any date later than today. I backdated the invoice, too, but it doesn't change anything

    • Questions about Zoho mail

      Hello, I had up until recently, the free version. I got a warning message that said, "The user account (Redacted email address) 6.02 GB in your organization is almost nearing the allocated storage of 5.00 GB. If the storage exceeds the allowed limit,

    • How can I delete duplicate transactions?

      I want to delete the duplicates not simply exclude them. I have duplicates, because I had automatic bank feeds turned on (had to make sure this critical functionality was working before migrating to Zoho). Now when I import my csv's exported from Wave,

    • Multiple email addresses

      Multiple email addresses: I understand there is the ability to add an additional email field to a contact, but the functionality here needs to be drastically revised. Currently, this second email address does not log under the contact email history, nor is it available as a send address when using the Send Mail button within CRM. We recently migrated from GoldMine. I hate GoldMine, but there is one thing they did well: Email. I suggest copying them. Change the email field to an editable picklist,

    • ViewID and Zoho Desk API

      I'm looking at the documentation for Listing contacts and it looks like you can filter by ViewID. I assume this is views created in a department or all departments. Is this correct? And if so, how do I find the ViewID for that view? EDIT: I see the view

    • Print Tickets

      We have field engineers who visit customers. We would like the option to print a job sheet with full details of the job and account/contact details.

    • Zoho Desk integration with Power BI

      Hi, I want to be able to create a Power BI report which has live updates of ticket data from zoho desk, is this possile at all? Thanks Jack

    • Ability to Attach Images When Reporting Issues to Zoho Projects from Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to report bugs directly from support tickets into the Zoho Projects issue tracker. This integration is extremely useful and helps us maintain smooth coordination

    • Ability to Choose Task List and Add Subtasks When Creating Tasks from Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to seamlessly connect customer tickets with project tasks. While the integration works great overall, we noticed two important limitations that affect our workflow

    • Sync Task Status from Zoho Projects to Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re actively using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration, which helps our support and project teams stay aligned. However, we noticed that when we change a task’s status in Zoho Projects, the change is not

    • Default/Private Departments in Zoho Desk

      1) How does one configure a department to be private? 2) Also, how does one change the default department? 1) On the list of my company's Zoho Departments, I see that we have a default department, but I am unable to choose which department should be default. 2) From the Zoho documentation I see that in order to create a private department, one should uncheck "Display in customer portal" on the Add Department screen. However, is there a way to change this setting after the department has been created?

    • Zoho CRM IP Addresses to Whitelist

      We were told to whitelist IP addresses from Zoho CRM.  (CRM, not Zoho Mail.) What is the current list of IP Addresses to whitelist for outbound mail? Is there a website where these IP addresses are published and updated?  Everything I could find is over

    • Color of Text Box Changes

      Sometimes I find the color of text boxes changed to a different color. This seems to happen when I reopen the same slide deck later. In the image that I am attaching, you see that the colors of the whole "virus," the "irology" part of "virology," and

    • The difference between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns

      Greetings Marketers! This post aims to differentiate between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns. By the time you get to the end of the post, you will be able to choose a product that objectively suits you. What is Zoho Marketing Automation?

    • Zoho Mail Android app update - View emails shared via Permalink on the app.

      Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.8.2) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support to access the emails shared via permalink within the app. Earlier, when you click the permalink of an email, you'll be redirected to a mobile

    • How to create a Zoho Mail extension similar to Outlook's OnSend add-in?

      Hi, I want to create a Zoho Mail extension similar to Outlook’s OnSend add-in. The extension should: Let the user select headers and footers from a taskpane while composing an email. When the user clicks Send, the extension should: Automatically insert

    • How to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ?

      Hello, I created KPI's, games and so but I want to be able to see my KPI's and my tasks at the same time. Is this possible to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ? Has someone any idea ? Thanks for your help.

    • Introducing Record Summary: smarter insights at your fingertips

      Hello everyone, We’re excited to introduce the Record Summary feature. This powerful addition makes use of Zia to simplify how you interact with your CRM data, providing a seamless, consolidated view of critical record information. Scrolling through the

    • Delegates should be able to delete expenses

      I understand the data integrity of this request. It would be nice if there was a toggle switch in the Policy setting that would allow a delegate to delete expenses from their managers account. Some managers here never touch their expense reports, and

    • Function #9: Copy attachments of Sales Order to Purchase Order on conversion

      This week, we have written a custom function that automatically copies the attachments uploaded for a sales order to the corresponding purchase order after you convert it. Here's how to configure it in your Zoho Books organization. Custom Function: Hit

    • Kaizen #8 - Handling Recurrence and Participants in the Events Module via API

      Hello everyone! We are back this week with an exciting post—Handling recurrence and participants in the Events module through API. First things first—What is the Events module? "Events" is a part of the Activities module in Zoho CRM.  An event is an activity that happens at a given place and time. You can find Events on the user's Zoho CRM's home page, Activities home page, Calendar, and in other related records. What are the types of Events? Events are of two types—Recurring and non-recurring events.

    • Marketer’s Space - Get Holiday-Ready with Zoho Campaigns

      Hello marketers, Welcome back to another post in Marketer’s Space! Q4 is packed with opportunities to connect with your audience - from Halloween, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. In this post, we’ll look at how

    • Personalized demo

      can I know more about the personalized demo we are construction company and

    • Can I collect email addresses in a form??

      Can I add new subscribers to my email list (hosted in FloDesk) when they check a box and add their email address on a Zoho form?

    • Zoho CRM Android app updates: Kiosk and multiple file upload support for subforms

      Hello everyone, We've rolled out new enhancements to the Zoho CRM Android app to bring better mobile CRM experience and efficiency. Let's take a quick look at what's new: Kiosk Multiple file uploads for subforms Kiosk Kiosk is a no-code tool in Zoho CRM

    • Alerts for mentions in comments

      We are testing the use of Writer internally and found that when a user is mentioned in a comment, there is no email alert for the mention. Is this something that's configurable, and if so, where can we enable this option?

    • Zoho Mail Android app update: Manage folders

      Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.9) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support for an option to manage folders. You can now create, edit, and delete folders from within the mobile app. You can also manage folders for the POP

    • Get Zoho Mail API working (including DRE Connector, Oauth Token, ZUID, ZOID & ACCOUNT_ID)

      Disclaimer: I’m not a professional coder! Do you need to use Zoho Mail API? Me too. It lets you do all sorts of things — like reading the complete header of an email, or forwarding an email with its attachments — which is what I wanted to do. But setting

    • Next Page