Kaizen #188 - Building a Timer and Worklog Widget (Part 2)

Kaizen #188 - Building a Timer and Worklog Widget (Part 2)



Welcome back, Tech Wizards!

In Part 1, we developed a Timer Widget that logs active work sessions into the Timer Entries module. 

Now, let's enhance this functionality by transferring these entries into the Work Log subform within the Cases module using a workflow with Deluge function and APIs. We will also explore how to generate insightful reports from the Timer Entries module data.

Here is a consolidated view of the outcomes we aim to achieve through these sequential posts.



The following data model illustrates the modules and subforms involved in this use case to help you understand the structure more clearly.


Learn more about the Data Model and how it helps to simplify the understanding of complex processes.

Auto-Syncing Timer Entries to Case Work Logs

For automating the data transfer from the Timer Entries module to the Work Log subforms within Cases module, we will create a workflow rule with an instant action defined in Deluge function. 

Prerequisites

Create a subform named Work Log in the Cases module with the following fields. 

Field Name
Data Type
Actual Time Taken(in mins.)
Aggregate

(sum of Total Duration (in mins.) field in related case )
End Time
DateTime
Related to Case
Lookup to Cases
Related to Current Case
Checkbox
Start Time
DateTime
Timer Entry
Lookup to Timer Entries
Total Duration
Aggregate 

(sum of all the Total Duration (in mins.) field )
Total Duration (in mins.)
Number
Work Description
Multi Line

Follow the Building a Subform and  Working with Custom Fields help pages for creating the subform and fields in Zoho CRM UI, or you can also make Post Custom Fields API calls to create the custom fields in the subform. 

Step 1: Create a Workflow

  • Login to your Zoho CRM and go to Setup > Automation > Workflow Rules and click Create Rule.
  • Choose the Timer Entries module from the dropdown. Provide name and description for the workflow rule.
  • In the 'When' section of the workflow, choose the trigger as Record Action. In record action, define the trigger as when the End Time field is modified to any value. 
  • In the 'Condition' section, choose all timer entries. In the 'Instant Actions' section, select Function and choose Write your own. 

Step 2: Create a Deluge Function

  • In the pop box that appeared after choosing to write your own function. Fill in the following details as shown in the image and click Create.
  • A code editor will open, where you have to define the data transfer logic in Deluge. 

Code logic

The UpdateDataInWorkLog function automates the process of syncing a completed Timer Entry with its associated Cases in Zoho CRM by populating the Work_Log subform for each case.

Fetches Target Case Records

The function uses a predefined custom view (cvid) that we created in Part I of this post to retrieve a list of Case records that are eligible for update. It extracts their record IDs and prepares them for bulk processing.

paramMap = Map();
paramMap.put("cvid","5545974000011183885");
getRecordsResponse = invokeurl
[
type :GET
parameters:paramMap
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];
responseDataArray = getRecordsResponse.get("data");
idList = List();
for each  item in responseDataArray
{
idList.add(item.get("id"));
}
caseRecordsToUpdate = idList;

Retrieves Timer Entry Details

The selected Timer Entry (identified by recordId received through workflow trigger) is fetched to extract its key details like, Start and end times, Total time spent (duration), Work description, the Case it’s directly related to (if any).

record = zoho.crm.getRecordById("Timer_Entries",recordId,Map(),"crm_oauth_connection");
startTime = record.get("Start_Time");
endTime = record.get("End_Time");
totalTime = record.get("Total_Duration");
workDescription = record.get("Work_Description");
relatedToCaseId = "";
if(record.get("Related_to_Case") != null)
{
relatedToCaseId = record.get("Related_to_Case").get("id");
}

Prepares Work_Log Subform Entries

For each retrieved Case, a new subform entry is created in the Work_Log subform. This entry contains the time details, work description, and a reference to the Timer Entry. A flag (Related_to_Current_Case) marks whether the Timer Entry is directly associated with the Case.

caseRecordIds = caseRecordsToUpdate;
if(!caseRecordIds.isEmpty())
{
recordUpdateArray = List();
for each  caseRecordId in caseRecordIds
{
TimerArray = List();
TimerObj = Map();
TimerObj.put("Work_Description",workDescription);
TimerObj.put("Timer_Entry",recordId);
TimerObj.put("Related_to_Case",relatedToCaseId);
TimerObj.put("Start_Time",startTime);
TimerObj.put("End_Time",endTime);
TimerObj.put("Actual_Duration_in_mins",totalTime.toNumber());
info totalTime;
TimerObj.put("Related_to_Current_Case",caseRecordId == relatedToCaseId);
TimerArray.add(TimerObj);
recordUpdateObj = Map();
recordUpdateObj.put("id",caseRecordId);
recordUpdateObj.put("Work_Log",TimerArray);
recordUpdateArray.add(recordUpdateObj);
}

Bulk Updates Case Records

All Case records are updated in bulk via the Update Records API. Each gets its Work_Log subform updated or appended with the latest Timer Entry details.

updateRequestBody = {"data":recordUpdateArray};
updateResponse = invokeurl
[
type :PUT
parameters:updateRequestBody + ""
connection:"crm_oauth_connection"
];
}

Once done, click Save and associate the merge field (Timer Entry ID) with the function.


This workflow is triggered when the timer widget is stopped and the end time is updated in the corresponding timer entry record. 

Following is a GIF that illustrates how the data sync reflects in the case records.

Generating Reports from Timer Entries

With the Timer Entries and Work Log data in place, you can create comprehensive reports to analyze work patterns, SLA adherence, and productivity trends.
  1. Navigate to the Reports module and click Create Report.
  2. Choose Cases as the primary module and include the Work Log subform.
  3. Select the desired fields like Case Subject, Start Time, End Time, Total Duration, and Work Description. 
  4. Group data by fields like Case Owner or Status to gain insights into workload distribution and case progress.
  5. Apply filters as needed, such as date ranges or specific case statuses.

Refer to the Understanding and Building Report help page for more details. 

With the Timer Widget, automated data transfer to Work Logs, and insightful reporting, we have established a robust system to track and analyze multiple active work times within Zoho CRM.

If you have specific scenarios or challenges you'd like us to address in future Kaizen posts, feel free to share them in the comments or reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com.

Cheers!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Reading 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    • Recent Topics

    • Incoming 'Message' data via WhatsApp appears empty

      the Incoming 'Message' data via WhatsApp appears empty; instead of customer messages, I only see CRM system notification messages are being displayed. I have seen 3 messages like this since yesterday it seems that in 'All Message' the message snippet

    • Handling Automatic Replies in Desk

      We send out email campaigns (currently via Klaviyo) and naturally we receive "Automatic Replies" to these mass email campaigns. These responses are all being routed to Zoho Desk. We get two types of "Automatic Replies" Type 1) Customer is out of the office/holiday

    • Zoho Mail API Error EXTRA_KEY_FOUND_IN_JSON

      I have a workflow set up in Pipedream that uses the Zoho Mail API to send emails from my account. It's worked without issue for months but today I'm getting the following 404 error for every email I try to send: { "data": { "errorCode": "EXTRA_KEY_FOUND_IN_JSON"

    • How to search (web API) for a Calls record by phone number?

      Using v8 /Calls/search web api I'm unable to to complete a search request no matter how I use the api: When I try using "criteria=" I get: response: <Response [400]> response_json: { "code": "INVALID_QUERY", "details": { "reason": "the field is not available

    • [Free Webinar] Product Release Updates - 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 that runs for around 45 minutes. It comprises technical sessions in which we delve deep into

    • Zoho GenAI API Error Not a valid response from zia.

      Zoho GenAI API Error Not a valid response from zia.

    • Help me to retreive my Document

      Please help me to retrieve my documents from any date between 1st February, 2025 to 20th,March 2025 .it got mistakenly deleted on the 21 of March 2025 due to phone screen malfunction I earnestly await your positive response .thank you

    • how to change the page signers see after signing a document in zoho sign

      Hello, How can I please change the page a signer sees after signing a document in Zoho Sign? I cannot seem to find it. As it is now, it shows a default landing page "return to Zoho Sign Home". Thanks!

    • Look Up Field Type not available for events and tasks?

      Look Up Field Type not available for events and tasks?    

    • I cannot check out to Zoho People.

      When I tried to check out today, there's prompt that inhibits me to check out: To add entry in Attendance, log time for any of your jobs

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

      Bonjour à toutes et à tous, Ce mois-ci encore, tout s’est enchaîné à toute vitesse ! On vous fait un petit récap de ce qui a marqué ces dernières semaines. Zoho RPA est une solution robuste d’automatisation des processus, conçue pour s’intégrer aux systèmes

    • Different Transaction Series for Different Types of Sales

      Is there any way I can create multiple transaction series for different type of Sales? Say B2B-001 and B2C -001 for respective type of Sales.?

    • Unable to charge GST on shipping/packing & Forwarding charges in INDIA

      Currently, tax rates only apply to items. It does not apply tax to any shipping or packing & forwarding charges that may be on the order as well. However, these charges are taxable under GST in India. Please add the ability to apply tax to these charges.

    • Customer Advance Zoho Book API

      All I could find was Customer Payment API, it does not have facility to add customer advances, where those are not linked to any invoice as such. How to do it?

    • Even though the received amount+tax is equal to or lesser than the invoice value, zoho doesnt allow to record

      Even though the received amount+tax is equal to or lesser than the invoice value, Zoho mentioned the error- you've recorded more payment than the actual invoice balance. please check again. screenshot also attached.  You've recorded more payment than

    • Multiple deductions in invoice

      I issue invoices to a customer that include multiple deductions that I would like to track in different expense accounts. But that is not possible in Zoho Books as there is only one Deduction field and even that I don't have control over to assign it

    • #BiginnersTips | How to bulk update closing dates for multiple deals in Bigin

      Hello Biginners! Keeping your CRM data accurate is crucial for any business- big or small. One key aspect is ensuring that closing dates for deals are always up to date. Why? Because if a deal is closed but not updated, your dashboards and reports would

    • 采购里出现付款通知 的错误

      采购里面出现付款通知错误，怎么调整，我找不到路径，好像是ZOHO 自动生成的，请问怎么调整

    • {"code":1002,"message":"Statement of Accounts does not exist."}

      Hello Zoho team, I faced an issue while trying to POST a sales order from sap to zoho books, using the below data packet: {   "customer_id": "4322967000027451968",   "line_items": [     {       "item_id": "2154170000010847685",       "rate": "752.00",

    • Add Custom Fields only in Customer module and not on supplier module!? Is not there a way to do that!?

      I am trying to create custom fields on clients module but it also gets created on suppliers module; which of course does not make sense at all as a lot of custom fields are client or supplier specific but never both. I am missing something? This seems

    • Logging website service fees

      Hello, I do a lot of freelance work on sites like Upwork and Wyzant and others and those companies take a small cut from what I pay or what I earn and I am wondering what is the correct way to log this in my books. For example if I charge $55 per hour

    • How do i clear a liability account without making a payment?

      I have a liability account with a provision for an expected bill from previous years. However the bill never arrived and the provision/liability account with Cr balance has been carried forward for many years now. How do i know clear the provision made

    • 2 Transactions for single Expense

      I have make 2 payments and have 1 Invoice containing both the items. My Bank Feeds show 2 Transactions, How can i associate them with Single Expense? I tried adding them to Advance Payment, but advance payment I can only apply to Bills It seems. Why cant

    • Everything AI in Zoho Recruit – Webinar Recording Available!

      AI is transforming the way recruiters find, engage, and hire top talent. In our latest webinar, we explored how Zoho Recruit’s AI-powered features can help streamline hiring, automate workflows, and improve decision-making. Missed the session? No worries

    • Introducing the FTP task in Deluge

      Hello everyone, We're excited to announce the launch of the FTP task, a powerful addition to Deluge that enables you to effortlessly transfer files between various Zoho apps and your own servers. Unlike the invokeUrl task, which supports various HTTP

    • Custom widgets on Zoho one dashboard

      Is it possible to create custom widgets on the Zoho One dashboard? I see there is a widget name My Open Tickets to display open tickets in my view, but I would also like to have a widget to display unassigned tickets. A widget to display unfinished projects

    • Data privacy concerns

      Does Zoho team have access to my data in the database e.g. Balance Sheet, Bank account transactions, Profit & Loss statement etc.

    • Ability to Remove/Change Zoho Creator Admins via Zoho One Interface

      Dear Zoho One Team, Greetings, We would like to request a feature enhancement in Zoho One. Currently, it is not possible to remove or downgrade a user with the Admin role in Zoho Creator from the Zoho One admin interface. Unlike other Zoho apps where

    • Zoho Sheets

      Are they ever going to set up the feature "where I left off" just as you can do in Microsoft Excel online ? For me that is the only feature missing from Zoho sheets other than that I think they are terrific and use them every day. I only occasionally

    • Canvas Detail View Related List Sorting

      Hello, I am having an issue finding a way to sort a related list within a canvas detail view. I have sorted the related list on the page layout associated with the canvas view, but that does not transfer to the canvas view. What am I missing?

    • Mass Update in Zoho CRM

      Hello, I want to update my past update records by using deluge on some conditions. anyone can please tell me how can I do it.

    • Admin asked me for Backend Details when I wanted to verify my ZeptoMail Account

      Please provide the backend details where you will be adding the SMTP/API information of ZeptoMail Who knows what this means?

    • Action requested: Retain your sales journey configuration in Path Finder

      Dear Customers, We hope you're well! As you might know, we're completely overhauling our journey management suite, CommandCenter, and are in the last leg of it. As a means of getting ready to go live, we will be announcing a series of requests and updates

    • search layout in new version

      Hello where is the menu for customizing search fields (module search layout) in the new zoho version (2016) ?? thanks nono

    • Zoho Marketplace Analytcis

      Hi Team, Our Zoho Marketplace Dashboard is not showing any data. What do you think we could do?

    • if i have zoho one can i upgrade some of my staff from crm to crm plus within my organisation?

      if i have zoho one can i upgrade some of my staff from crm to crm plus within my organisation? Or because I have many licenses of ZOHO ONE , IF I upgrade some staff to ZOGO CRUM PLUS. they will not be on the same organisat

    • The problem with Commerce ownership changing

      Hi, I am changing the ownership of the company and trying to delete the previous user-owner. I changed the owner of the company from user Tatiana to user Eugene. Eugene is the owner of the organization. It's OK. I am now trying to remove the user Tatiana.

    • Secondary Emails

      I am having issues deleting a secondary email address from a couple of our users and need help. When in Directory, manage email addresses, I click the trash icon by the email address and confirm I am trying to delete the email. I click continue and I

    • Zoho Books | Product updates | June 2025

      Hello Users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books, from the option to record advances for purchase orders to dynamic lookup fields, all designed to help you stay on top of your finances with ease. Introducing Change Comparators

    • Widget Upload to CRM Fails with “Page Not Found” – Even with Correct Index Path

      I'm building a simple widget to export Contact data to CSV in Zoho CRM, triggered via a custom button. The widget uploads cleanly, appears in the widget list, and is successfully assigned to a Contact detail view via a custom button. But when clicked,

    • Next Page