Custom Functions in Zoho CRM allow you to extend the functionality of the CRM by adding your own custom code. This can include things like custom calculations, validations, or automation workflows. Custom functions are written in Deluge, an easy-to-use programming language specific to Zoho, and can be triggered by events like record creation or update.

When you create a new Custom Function, you will need to provide a name for the function and then enter the Deluge code that you want to use. Here is an example of a Custom Function you may find useful, as it rolls up the total revenue from all Potentials (Deals) to the associated Account, whenever a Deal is closed successfully.

The Deluge code behind this function is shown below: Once you have created the Deluge code, you can test the function by clicking on the Save and Execute button. If the function is working properly, you will be able to see the results of the function in the Execute Script pop-up.

Once you have created and tested a custom function, you can add it to a workflow rule by clicking on the Add Function button in the Workflow Rules page. When you add a Function to a Workflow Rule, the Function will be executed whenever the Workflow Rule is triggered. Below is the Workflow Rule I have set up to action the above Custom Function. The Action(s) can be instant or scheduled.

Custom Functions can be a powerful tool for automating tasks and adding new features to Zoho CRM. By using Custom Functions, you can customize the CRM to meet your specific needs and improve your productivity.

Get in touch if you'd like to apply automated functions and workflows to your Zoho CRM!

Workflows can replace many manual tasks, saving time, effort and ensuring data integrity. Let us take an example of; Updating the Account status when a Deal is progressed in Zoho CRM, as this can provide several benefits, such as:

1. Improved visibility: Updating the Account status can provide better visibility into the overall status of the customer account. This can help sales reps understand the customer's current status, preferences, and needs, and make informed decisions accordingly.
2. Streamlined communication: When the Account status is updated, all stakeholders involved in the account, such as sales reps, managers, and support staff, can be informed of the change. This can help streamline communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Better forecasting: With the Account status updated, sales reps can better forecast their sales pipeline, identify potential roadblocks or issues, and plan accordingly. This can help improve sales performance and achieve sales targets.
4. Improved customer experience: By updating the Account status, sales reps can better understand the customer's needs and preferences, and offer personalized solutions accordingly. This can help improve the customer experience, build trust, and strengthen the customer relationship.

Overall, updating the Account status when a Deal is progressed in Zoho CRM can help sales teams work more efficiently, improve communication, and ultimately drive more sales.

So, how do we do this? Well, recently, Zoho CRM enabled workflows to update across different modules, which is exactly what is needed, as in this example, we have both the Deals module and the Accounts module in play. So, let's take the above scenario a step further and define the requirement, which is to Update the Account status to 'Customer', when any related Deal is Closed and Won. The logic and the Workflow I am going to use is illustrated below:

The Rule will be executed 'when' the Deal is Closed and Won, which means the Probability will be 100% and the 'condition' is to include all deals with an Instant Field Update Action! The exact action is illustrated in the next image:

I don't have to rely on someone manually updating an Account status, whenever a Deal is successfully closed! The Workflow will then be enabled as shown below:

This is a simple example of a Workflow, but be assured that complex requirements can also be met, so get in touch if you wish to automate repetitive manual tasks and reduce administrative bottlenecks.