Zoho CRM Digest / Zoho CRM Community Digest
Hello Everyone!
March kicked off with a strong mix of AI-driven enhancements, smarter data handling, and practical workflow improvements across Zoho CRM. From leveraging Zia for automated communication to optimizing cross-platform data retrieval, this month was all about making the platform work harder for you.
Here's a quick look at the updates and community insights that set the tone for the month.
Let's dive in!
Product Updates:
Zia Capabilities Now Available in the Professional Edition
From writing assistance and summaries to email intelligence and Ask Zia, teams can handle routine tasks faster and with greater consistency. Zia also supports setup with assisted module creation, workflows, and formula generation, reducing manual effort across the board. With prediction and recommendation capabilities, Professional Edition users can make more informed decisions directly within CRM, while extended features like data enrichment and vision expand its use across different scenarios.
Advanced Field Prompting for ICR in Zoho CRM
Intelligent Character Recognition(ICR) now includes advanced field prompting to improve data extraction accuracy. While field prompting previously allowed users to select which fields to extract, this update adds a layer of character context to guide Zia when similar values exist within the same image, such as multiple address types. This enhancement also extends to data format transformation, enabling extracted values to be rendered in the desired format directly on the extraction page to meet specific data standards.
View Email Threads from History and Interactions
Email threads can now be accessed directly from a record's History and Interactions sections, eliminating the need to navigate back to the Email related list. Users can view full conversations, reply directly within the timeline, and track real-time delivery statuses such as delivered or opened. Additionally, sentiment insights are now included in the Interactions section, featuring positive and negative indicators to help users quickly gauge the tone of received emails.
Quick Wins:
Internal Contract Preparation with Zoho Writer
@Annya wanted to automate internal contract creation using pre-filled CRM data, editable fields, and an approval step before sending to clients.
@Ruben suggested a practical Writer-based approach within CRM, while @Ishwarya shared an alternative focused on optimizing API usage. Annya explored these suggestions, implemented a working setup, and shared her experience.
@Ruben suggested a practical Writer-based approach within CRM, while @Ishwarya shared an alternative focused on optimizing API usage. Annya explored these suggestions, implemented a working setup, and shared her experience.
Client Script Not Triggering via Workflow Updates
@Qscript Software encountered an issue where client scripts functioned during manual updates but failed to trigger when the same fields were updated via workflows, leading to gaps in automation. @Haiku Technical Support clarified that client scripts are strictly UI-driven and do not execute during backend updates. To bridge this gap, he proposed using backend functions or server-side validations to ensure automation remains consistent.
Account Creation Failure in Lead Conversion
@Katepe reported that automated lead conversions were successfully creating Contacts and Deals but failing to generate Account records. @Sunderjan Siddharth highlighted an important detail regarding how the default Company field functions during conversion, especially if it has been deleted and recreated, and shared a simple way to verify the setup.
Dynamic Attachments in Workflow Emails
@Qscript Software highlighted a limitation where workflow email templates only support static attachments, making it difficult to include record-specific files automatically. @Haiku Technical Support stepped in with a workaround using custom functions and Deluge or API-based approaches to dynamically attach files. @Ishwarya SG confirmed that native support for file upload fields in email templates is currently in development.
Dev's Corner:
Dynamic Picklist Values from Another Module
@Qscript Software sought to dynamically populate a picklist field using values from a different module to avoid manual synchronization. @Sunderjan Siddharth proposed an automation-based approach using APIs and Functions, while @Haiku Technical Support added critical considerations for handling duplicates and real-time updates, giving a more complete picture of what's involved.
Filtering Expired Deals via CRM API
@Bhuvaneshwaran sought to retrieve expired deals from CRM to display within a Zoho Creator application but faced limitations with standard API filtering and incomplete data via COQL. @Sunderjan Siddharth shared a COQL-based approach that applies the required filters while also fetching complete owner details, along with guidance on handling larger datasets using pagination.
Kaizen:
Kaizen #232 - Building a Ticket Escalation Mechanism from Zoho CRM
Building on the CRM–Desk integration, this edition of the Kaizen series demonstrates how to enable sales teams to escalate support tickets directly from a CRM record through a structured workflow. By implementing a custom Related List widget, users can trigger SLAs in Zoho Desk while simultaneously creating a trackable work item in CRM. This setup ensures faster response times and better accountability without requiring sales reps to switch between platforms.
(Kaizen #233) - AI-powered Follow-up Emails
This edition of the Kaizen series explores a practical way to generate contextual follow-up emails directly from CRM using Widgets, Functions, and external AI APIs. By analyzing recent notes and lead details, the setup creates ready-to-use email drafts in seconds, reducing manual effort while keeping reps in control of the final message. The post also highlights a secure architecture by handling logic server-side to keep API keys protected.
And with that, we wrap up the first half of March's Zoho CRM Community Digest.
Caught something cool we missed, or have a favorite from this edition?
Drop it in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you.
We'll be back soon with more updates and community gems. Until then, stay tuned!
Topic Participants
Swetha S
Sticky Posts
Zoho CRM Community Digest - March 2026 | Part 1
Hello Everyone! March kicked off with a strong mix of AI-driven enhancements, smarter data handling, and practical workflow improvements across Zoho CRM. From leveraging Zia for automated communication to optimizing cross-platform data retrieval, thisZoho CRM Community Digest - February 2026 | Part 2
In this edition, we’re highlighting a few more product enhancements, along with some helpful community discussions that explore everyday CRM scenarios from automating reminders and managing lead outreach to making the most of APIs and client scripts.How to reach the official Zoho Support channels and avoid fake ones.
Dear Customers, Thanks a lot for choosing Zoho! Our applications are built to help achieve your day-to-day business goals. We are committed to engaging with you, to understand and develop solutions that enhance your productivity. We are happy and ready to help you use our services effectively. Understanding and avoiding fake support Just like using popular bank names and financial applications for phishing purposes, using Zoho and claiming to be providing Zoho Support or services with false numbersFunction #35: Close all tasks associated with a lead and create a new task.
Welcome back everyone! Last week, we learnt how to close all tasks of a deal depending upon the deal stage. This week, let's look at a custom function that lets you close all of the tasks associated with a lead while simultaneously creating a new task, like when you need to halt all progress towards a lead while the lead is not available at the moment but create a reminder task. Business scenario: The success of a company, in one way or another, is determined by the leads it gets. Each lead is justZoho CRM Webinar - Redesigning Daily User Experiences with Canvas
<br> Your users across roles use the CRM for day-to-day tasks that are necessary. Whether they perform their tasks on time, the right way, or at all depends on a lot of factors, including User Experience. Many businesses struggle with rigid layouts,
Recent Topics
Bank Feeds Missing some transactions and duplicating some
Hello, I have been using Zoho or a number of years and have never had a real problem with bank feeds, however in the last month the feeds have not picked up all transactions, and sometimes a transaction is being duplicated. For example, the bank statementDirect URL to "View Record"
I would like to create a button (Deluge Script) to jump to the "view record" without passing by the record menu, but I can not aford to find the right url. I don't want the "view record" as a single page. I want the "view record" in the application like the picture below: Thanks in advance for your helpIntroducing Built-in Telephony in Zoho Recruit
We’re excited to introduce Built-in Telephony in Zoho Recruit, designed to make recruiter–candidate communication faster, simpler, and fully traceable. These capabilities help you reduce app switching, handle inbound calls efficiently, and keep everyAllowed IP Addresses: Manage where users access your organization's email from
Securing organizational email takes more than strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. The location from which a user signs in is just as important as the credentials they use, especially when the account holds sensitive business information.How to set up on-demand badge printing?
Hello, on the introduction page (https://www.zoho.com/backstage/check-in-and-badging.html), it is stated that on-demand badge printing is possible, i.e. printing the corresponding badge after check in via scanning the attendee's QR code. How can I setEnhance Barcode/QR Code scanner with bulk scanning or continuously scanning
Dear Zoho Creator, As we all know, after each scan, the scanning frame closes. Imagine having 100 items; we would need to tap 100 times and wait roughly 1 second each time for the scanning frame to reopen on mobile web. It's not just about wasting time;What’s New in Zoho Inventory — Latest Features, Integrations & Updates | December 2025
Zoho Inventory has evolved significantly over the past months, bringing you smarter, faster, and more connected tools to streamline your operations. Whether you’re managing multichannel sales, complex fulfillment workflows, or fast-moving stock, our newestCreating Email template that attaches file uploaded in specific field.
If there's a way to do this using Zoho CRM's built-in features, then this has eluded me! I'm looking to create a workflow that automatically sends an email upon execution, and that email includes an attachment uploaded in a specific field. Email templatesEdit 'my' Notes only
The permissions around Notes should be more granular, and allow to user to be able to edit the notes he created only. The edit Notes permission is useful as it allows the user to correct any mistakes or add information as needed. However, with this sameRestrict Ticket Movement to Specific Departments in Zoho Desk
Hello Zoho Desk Team, Greetings, and hope you are doing well. We would like to submit a feature request regarding the ability to control ticket movement between departments in Zoho Desk. Current Limitation: At present, Zoho Desk allows agents to moveGEO and Zoho Desk
Has anyone done anything with GEO (generative engine optimization) and zoho desk KB? Are there any plans from Zoho on adding the ability in inject GEO scripts in KB Articles?Incoming Threads Report
From data to decisions: A deep dive into ticketing system reports Customers raise questions and issues through multiple channels, such as email, chat, or tickets. To monitor the number of queries received on a specific day from each channel, leads canBlock opening tickets vía email DESK
Hello, I want to block the functionality of opening tickets when someone send an email to our support email address. Actually everybody in the world can open a ticket in our systen just sending an email to our support email address I don´t want this feature!!!!Autocomplete by email address
Hi, Is it possible to add contacts via autocomplete using the email address? I have tried a number of contact option variations and cannot seem to get it to work, having this as an option would speed up composing an email greatly. thanks BenSwitch between multiple LLMs instantly for tailored Zia experiences
Availability Editions: Professional , Enterprise, Ultimate , CRMPlus , ZohoOne Release Plan: Available for all DCs Hello everyone. Earlier, the Multi-LLM feature supported only one LLM at a time for Zia Record Assistant bot restricting flexibility fromSubscriptions for service call
So we install products and we want to offer a service contract for the customers yearly service calls to be billed monthly. So ideally at some point we want to email them a quote for their needs. WE will choice it our end based on the equipment. It wouldPHPMailer "Connection refused (111)" Error Despite Outbound Ports Being Open
Hello everyone, I'm trying to send emails via Zoho SMTP using PHPMailer on my shared hosting environment. I've tried both port 465 (ssl) and 587 (tls), and I even added SMTPOptions to bypass SSL verification just in case it was an SSL certificate issue.Power up your Kiosk Studio with Real-Time Data Capture, Client Scripts & More!
Hello Everyone, We’re thrilled to announce a powerful set of enhancements to Kiosk Studio in Zoho CRM. These new updates give you more flexibility, faster record handling, and real-time data capture, making your Kiosk flows smarter and more efficientCliq iOS can't see shared screen
Hello, I had this morning a video call with a colleague. She is using Cliq Desktop MacOS and wanted to share her screen with me. I'm on iPad. I noticed, while she shared her screen, I could only see her video, but not the shared screen... Does Cliq iOS is able to display shared screen, or is it somewhere else to be found ? RegardsRename system-defined labels in Zoho CRM
Renaming system-defined labels is now available across all DCs. Hello everyone, Zoho CRM includes predefined system fields across modules to support essential CRM operations. Until now, the labels of these fields were fixed and could not be edited fromWhat happens to my current site SEO if i opt for zoho creator?
I have an existing website and I need to use Zoho creators for the rapid creation of my webpage creation. Currently, my IT team is creating the web pages, but I am concerned about the SEO of my current website if I shift to zoho will i loose it all?Filter Pivot Chart by Criteria
Hey There Amazing Zoho Team, I wanted to see if there is a way to filter criteria a "Pivot Chart" report in the same way I can filter "List", "Calendar", & "Summary" reports. Example: I can filter a normal report like this: http://monosnap.com/image/y5q0XGzDSGZpsnOjuBYpdeUOFtSmFd I would like to do the same with a "Pivot Chart". What I've Tried: Filters and User filters are not what I am looking for. That just filters the data. I want to be able to filter criteria the data by connected forms. LikeBig Time HELP
I am old, disabled and need to speak to a person. I needed to use a service to copy my zoom contacts to. I think I signed up for a security service, which I do not need. I don't know enough to choose from your many lists or how to see what I have and#4 Setting Up Your Client the Right Way
Creating invoices without properly setting up the customer can quickly lead to several inconsistencies, such as duplicate records, missing billing details, and poor customer management. This becomes even more important for businesses that use a connectedFunctionality based URL to find records due today or in the next week
I need to construct a URL to filter a view to records where the evaluation is due soon (i.e. in the next 7 days). To me, that includes today, but Zoho has a different opinion. Zoho defines 39 as NEXT_7_DAYS but this gives unexpected results. https://creatorapp.zoho.eu/...#Report:My_Evaluations?Evaluation_due_by_op=39Email Parameter in Create Lead API
In the Create Lead API , the email parameter as mandatory. This is creating issues because many leads only have mobile numbers and no email address. This is especially a problem for businesses focusing on WhatsApp marketing in Zoho Marketing Automation,Automatic Email Alerts for Errors in Zoho Creator Logs
Hello, We would like to request a feature enhancement in Zoho Creator regarding error notifications. Currently, Zoho Creator allows users to view logs and errors for each application by navigating to Zoho Creator > Operations > Logs. However, there isFilter our rejected quote items from the inventory quote template
Hello, I am trying to have rejections at the line level on my quotes so I can track what items are often removed, I do not want to claim the whole quote as lost just the individual items for better data tracking. However I cannot figure out how to filterConfiguring ZMA Webhook for Zoho Flow : Missing Key Information Error
I'm looking to send a webhook to Zoho Flow at the end of a Marketing Automation journey in order to perform more actions that I can't do with just a journey. I have the Webhook created in Flow and set up in ZMA, however when I test it I get the errorImprove Zoho Vault search
Hello, we started using Zoho Vault and we really appreciate the app. At the moment, when searching passwords, the search query only targets the password name. I think having the query search among Name, User name, URL, Notes and Tag would be a betterIntroducing the New Zoho Assist Quick Support Plugin
We are thrilled to announce the new Zoho Assist Quick Support Plugin, the upgraded and enhanced version of the Zoho Assist Customer Plugin. This new plugin allows organizations and IT administrators to deploy it directly onto their customers’ devices,NEED HELP
I have below data po no invoice no Party inv date value status 1 aa1 ABC 01-May-26 100 Under Cr 2 aa2 XYZ 02-May-26 200 Over Due 3 aa3 ABC 02-May-26 300 Under Cr 4 aa4 XYZ 03-May-26 400 Under Cr I need result as below using formulas (not Pivot table)Ask the Experts 29: Knowledge Base, Community, and AI for smarter user education
Hi Everyone, Welcome to Ask the Experts (ATE) 29, a live panel discussion. After the engaging text-based discussions in ATE 27 on onboarding and managing agents and ATE 28 on handling customer support with AI, we’re bringing you the next round of ATEBigin, more powerful than ever on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and watchOS 26.
Hot on the heels of Apple’s latest OS updates, we’ve rolled out several enhancements and features designed to help you get the most from your Apple devices. Enjoy a refined user experience with smoother navigation and a more content-focused Liquid GlassTables for Europe Datacenter customers?
It's been over a year now for the launch of Zoho Tables - and still not available für EU DC customers. When will it be available?Smart Feature Compatibility Indicators for CRM Field
Zoho CRM offers a wide range of field types and advanced customization options. However, several field types have feature-specific limitations that are currently documented only in help articles. For example, while configuring a Rich Text field, admins📢 Coming Soon: Daily Rate Projects
Hello everyone, We're excited to announce a long-awaited, new billing type for projects: Daily Rate! Until now, projects supported Fixed Cost and Hourly Rate billing. With this update, you can now create projects billed on a daily rate, making it easier📢 Coming Soon: Daily Rate Projects
Hello everyone, We're excited to announce a long-awaited, new billing type for projects: Daily Rate! Until now, projects supported Fixed Cost and Hourly Rate billing. With this update, you can now create projects billed on a daily rate, making it easierCannot find IMAP/SMTP enable toggle in new Mail Admin UI - Mail Lite plan
Hi Zoho team, I'm the org Super Admin for owlmind.dev (Mail Lite plan, 3 paid users): - champ@owlmind.dev (Super Admin) - isfand@owlmind.dev - team@owlmind.dev I need to enable IMAP and SMTP access for all 3 users (we're integrating with Smartlead forKaizen #242 - Enabling In-Context Order Creation from Deals Using SlyteUI
Hello everyone! Welcome to another interesting Kaizen post. Today’s spotlight is on SlyteUI, the new UI builder designed to create powerful, intuitive user interfaces in minutes. Built for speed and simplicity, SlyteUI empowers teams to deliver high-impactNext Page