In the fast-moving world of business, having instant access to the right data is crucial for making informed decisions. We’re thrilled to introduce Queries—a feature designed to fetch data from Zoho CRM dynamically and external services, right within the platform. With Queries, you can streamline workflows, gain better insights, and make data-driven decisions effortlessly.

Whether you need CRM records or external data, Queries helps you retrieve and present it just the way you need. For instance, you could display only closed deals of a contact on a canvas or show ticket details from Zoho Desk on a kiosk screen in Zoho CRM.

Here’s how it works: write a query tailored to your business need and link it to the relevant CRM feature like Canvas or Kiosk. By leveraging REST API and COQL (CRM Object Query Language), you can handle data retrieval, schema management, and response customization seamlessly.

How Does It Work?  

Let’s take an example: imagine a Canvas Detail View where the Contacts module has a related list of Deals. You only want to display deals marked as “Won.”

By writing a query to filter deals by criteria, you can drag and drop the filtered data onto your canvas, just as you do with other components. It’s simple and effective!

Components of Queries  

The Queries feature is made up of several key components:

1. Query  

The Query is where you fetch your data. It allows you to set variables, modify responses, and manage schemas. Depending on your needs, you can choose from:

1. COQL: Zoho CRM’s Object Query Language, similar to SQL, for advanced querying.
2. Modules: Retrieve records directly from modules by selecting fields and applying filters.
3. REST API: Fetch data from external services with a custom query setup.
   

2. Source  

The Source is where your data comes from. Zoho CRM provides built-in sources like COQL and Module, but you can also create custom sources using REST API.

 

Future updates: Soon, you’ll be able to connect to other sources like GraphQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, cloud databases (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and OData protocols.

Right now, you can add a source as a REST API. Future enhancements will allow you to have sources like GraphQL, Databases like MYSQL & PostgreSQL, Cloud Databases from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, OData Protocols, etc. This broadens the range of services you can connect with Zoho CRM and simplifies data handling.

3. Variables  

Variables make your queries dynamic. You can use them in module filters, COQL statements, API endpoints, or headers. During testing, you’ll enter test values, but when linked to CRM features, values like merge fields will populate automatically.

4. Serializer  

With the Serializer, you can customize query responses using JavaScript. For example, you could combine the Full_Name and Designation fields from the Leads module to display data as “Full_Name (Designation).

5. Schema  

Schemas define how query results are mapped to CRM fields. You can adjust schemas to match CRM field types or rename them for clarity.

Using Queries  

Currently, you can associate Queries in Canvas Detail View or Kiosk Studio.

Canvas Detail View Example  

Suppose you want to fetch only the deals in the "Negotiation" stage for a specific account:

1. Write a query to filter deals by stage.

2. Link the query to your Canvas Detail View.

Kiosk Studio Example  

Imagine a scenario where a user ID entered on one screen displays user details on another screen:

1. Add an input field for the user ID on the first screen.

What’s Next?  

In upcoming updates, Queries will be extended to more Zoho CRM features, including:

• Canvas List Views (as columns)

• Client Scripts (to fetch data)

• Standard Detail and List Views

 Availability  

The Queries feature is currently available in the Enterprise/Zoho One and Ultimate/CRM Plus editions. It will soon be available in the Professional edition as well.

Stay tuned for more enhancements as we continue to make Zoho CRM even more powerful and adaptable for your business needs!

 

For more details visit pfc-group.com.