This Week in Zoho - Issue 29

Issue 29: 28th June 2024

Hi there,

Welcome to This Week in Zoho, your weekly drop of all the need-to-know Zoho news and groundbreaking updates that you won't want to miss!

This Week in Zoho is brought to you by Limitless, my gaming-changing Zoho Consultancy that offers unlimited consultancy and development starting at just ￡1500 per month! Learn more and book a free introductory meeting by clicking here.

In this week's newsletter, we'll cover:

• Major Update: Zoho Analytics 6.0
• Major Update: DataPrep 2.0
• New Feature: Canvas Record Form in Zoho CRM
• New Feature: Multi Add Line Items in Zoho CRM
• New Feature: Slicers in Zoho Sheet
• Enhancement: Dashboard Upgrades in Zoho CRM

Plus, you won't want to miss this week's Zoho tip, where I show you how to reset a user's password in my completely free training video.

This is your weekly roundup of the significant updates and changes from across the world of Zoho.

Major Update: Zoho Analytics 6.0

Zoho Analytics is getting a major upgrade with the release of Zoho Analytics 6.0 Beta! This new version is packed with features designed to enhance your data analysis capabilities and provide deeper insights. Here’s what you need to know:

Data Connectors & Data Management

• New Connectors: Zoho is adding over 25 new data connectors to Analytics 6.0, including Zoho Connect, Zoho Marketing Automation,? Zoho Backstage, Amazon Seller Central, Airtable and more.

• Audit History: Monitor updates to your data connectors with a full audit log of every user and system action.

• Sync History: Related to the new audit history feature, users can now also see a sync history for any of their data connectors - this sync history highlights errors and allows you to dive into more detail to resolve the issue.

• Import Rollback: Sometimes, changes in another system can impact your Analytics reporting unexpectedly. The new rollback feature allows you to revert Analytics to a previous import, allowing you time to make any changes needed to support the latest data.

• Unified Metrics: This new space within Analytics allows you to define organisational metrics so everyone is calculating KPIs in the same way. In theory, this update should remove the frustration I see all the time with businesses where two different departments have come up with completely different numbers for the same thing!

• Data Bucketing: One of the most common reasons I have to write custom code to achieve a report is being removed with the addition of data bucketing. In simple terms, data bucketing allows you to segment your data based on its existing information; for example, in the screenshot below, the data is split into groups based on the age of a support ticket.

Visual Analytics

• New Report Types: Zoho has added 7 new report types to Analytics, including Sankey charts, Sparklines, Conversion bar and more.

• Zia Suggestions: Zoho's AI-powered assistant, Zia, will now suggest reports based on your data, allowing you to quickly visualise what is happening within your business in new ways.

• Global User Filer in Dashboard: If you're using multiple tabs within Dashboard, this feature is for you. Now, instead of having to filter each tab, you can configure your filters to apply to the whole dashboard.

Advanced Data Analytics?

• Anomaly Detection: Zoho Analytics will now highlight unusual data in your reports to make it easier to spot when something isn't quite right. This is another one of Zoho's new AI features, and I expect we'll keep getting more things like this.

• Alerts Based on Threshold and Anomalies: Analytics has long supported the ability to send alerts when data within a report is updated, but now it has been enhanced to alert you based on anomaly detection.

• Ask Zia Bot in Microsoft Teams: Zoho's AI is now available within Microsoft Teams, allowing you to ask for reports that Zia will automatically generate. A word of warning on this one: although it is very impressive when it works, please double-check the data before making any critical decisions. We're still in the early days, and errors are possible!

Even more things are included with this massive Zoho Analytics update that I won't cover here (this section is already huge!), but you can find the full details using the link below.

Analytics is my favourite Zoho app, and I'm so excited to see all these new features added!

Learn More: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/announcing-zoho-analytics-6-0-beta

Major Update: DataPrep 2.0

Zoho DataPrep has just launched its 2.0 Beta, introducing powerful new features to streamline data preparation and enhance data management capabilities. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it can benefit your business.

Visual Pipeline Builder

The new pipeline canvas allows for designing a seamless end-to-end data flow. Fetch data from multiple sources, prepare multiple datasets simultaneously, and export data to various destinations. This visualisation simplifies complex workflows and boosts confidence in data handling.

Unified Scheduling of End-to-End Pipelines

With 2.0, scheduling is now managed at the pipeline level. This unified schedule handles imports, processing, and exports for all sources and destinations within the pipeline, making the process more efficient.

Monitor Jobs with Ease

Automated pipelines run around the clock, and sometimes, data transfer issues arise. The new job monitoring feature helps track failed jobs with detailed information, ensuring no valuable data is missed.

Comprehensive Version History

Keep a complete audit trail with version history. Track changes, run experiments, and easily revert to previous versions if needed, enhancing flexibility and control over your data.

Backfill Your Data Effortlessly

Introducing the backfill feature to fetch and process data for a specific period, helping you catch up on data processing during outages or failures. This ensures continuous data integrity and completeness.

Efficient Row Processing with Incremental Fetch

Incremental fetch now supports all data sources, fetching only new and updated data during each scheduled run. This speeds up job runs and reduces costs by processing only the necessary data.

Transforms Made Simple with OpenAI

Leverage OpenAI-powered transforms to generate complex formulas from simple English instructions or based on sample outputs. This simplifies the data preparation process, making it accessible even without a dedicated data analyst team.

Create Instant Pipelines with Templates

The template gallery offers pre-built pipeline architectures for various business use cases. Save and share your own templates, or use predefined ones to set up data workflows quickly.

New Dashboard Showcasing Your Pipeline Status

The improved dashboard provides an instant overview of all your pipelines, making it easy to monitor scheduled runs, identify failed jobs, and ensure your data is up-to-date.

Make Data Movement Easier with Other Business Applications

Zoho DataPrep now supports more data connectors, starting with Zoho Creator integration. Upcoming integrations include HubSpot, Salesforce, SurveyMonkey, and more Zoho products, enhancing data accessibility across your tech stack.

Zoho DataPrep 2.0 Beta is designed to make data preparation and movement easier than ever. Honestly, I found version 1 too limiting in most use cases, but with these new features, I can already find new places for DataPrep within my workflow.

Learn More: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/announcing-dataprep-2-0-beta

New Feature: Canvas Record Form in Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM just got a major upgrade with the introduction of Canvas Record Forms! This new feature allows you to personalise record entries, offering greater control over how users create records in any module. Let's break down the exciting new capabilities and how they can enhance your CRM experience.

Canvas Record Forms bring the flexibility and creativity of Canvas to record entries. This means you can now design custom layouts for your record forms, incorporating your branding elements and specific business requirements.

Why Customise Record Forms?

• Personalisation: Tailor record forms to reflect your brand for a personalised user experience.
• Improved User Experience: Streamline data entry with intuitive layouts, making it easier and faster for users to input information.
• Efficiency: Enhance productivity by creating forms designed for specific processes or roles, reducing unnecessary clutter.
• Flexibility: Adapt forms to meet diverse needs, with the ability to create multiple custom forms per module.

With the new Form View tab in Canvas, you can modify and design your record forms to highlight key information, streamline data entry, and create a visually engaging interface. Customise layouts, field alignments, colour schemes, and font styles to ensure each form effectively represents your business identity.

The Canvas Record Form feature is rolling out in phases and is currently available for the Standard and Professional editions of Zoho CRM. It will be available for other editions soon.

Learn More: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/introducing-canvas-record-form-in-zoho-crm

New Feature: Multi Add Line Items in Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM has rolled out two new features for Subforms: Bulk Additions for Subforms via Lookup and Subform Permissions. These enhancements are designed to streamline data entry and enhance security. Here's what you need to know:

Bulk Additions for Subforms via Lookup

Adding multiple entries to subforms is now a breeze. This feature allows users to bulk-add records using lookup fields, significantly speeding up the data entry process. Instead of adding records one by one, you can now select and add multiple records in a single action, saving time and reducing repetitive tasks.

Subform Permissions

With the new subform permissions, you have greater control over who can view and edit subform data. This feature allows administrators to set specific permissions for different roles, ensuring that sensitive data is only accessible to authorised users. By defining who can add, view, or edit subform entries, you enhance data security and maintain integrity across your CRM.

These updates are all about efficiency and security. Bulk additions streamline your workflow, making data entry faster and more manageable. Subform permissions enhance your control over data access, ensuring that only the right people can interact with sensitive information.

Learn more: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/introducing-bulk-additions-for-subforms-via-lookup-and-subform-permissions-for-zoho-crm

New Feature: Slicers in Zoho Sheet

Zoho Sheet has introduced an exciting new feature: Slicers! This powerful tool allows you to filter your data interactively, making data analysis easier and more intuitive. Here’s what you need to know about Slicers and how they can enhance your experience with Zoho Sheet.

Slicers are visual tools that provide an interactive way to filter data in your spreadsheets. Unlike traditional filters, slicers are displayed as buttons, making it easy to see which filters are applied and quickly adjust them as needed.

Key Benefits of Using Slicers

1. Interactive Filtering: Slicers offer a more engaging way to filter your data. You can easily click through different criteria, instantly seeing the results.
2. Clear Visualisation: With slicers, you can clearly see which filters are active, making data analysis more straightforward and transparent.
3. Enhanced Usability: Slicers are designed to be user-friendly, making it simple for anyone, regardless of their technical expertise, to manipulate and analyse data efficiently.

How to Use Slicers

Using slicers in Zoho Sheet is simple:

• Insert Slicers: Go to the Data tab and choose "Insert Slicer" to add slicers to your sheet.

• Select Criteria: Choose the criteria you want to filter by, and slicers will display buttons for each option.
• Interactive Filtering: Click on the slicer buttons to filter your data in real-time, instantly updating your sheet based on your selections.

Slicers make data analysis more interactive and accessible. They provide a clear, visual method for filtering data, which can help users make quicker, more informed decisions. Whether you’re tracking sales data, analysing marketing metrics, or managing project details, slicers can help streamline your workflow and improve data clarity.

Learn More: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/slicers-are-now-available-in-zoho-sheet%E2%80%94filter-your-data-interactively

Enhancement: Dashboard Upgrades in Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM has rolled out some fantastic upgrades to the dashboard in the CRM, designed to enhance your data visualisation and usability. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:

Dashboard Locking

Ever customised a dashboard only to find it accidentally altered later? With the new dashboard locking feature, you can now lock your dashboard layout, ensuring that your meticulously designed dashboard remains intact. This is particularly useful for teams where multiple users access and use the same dashboard.

Display Large Numbers in Shortened Form

Dealing with large numbers can clutter your dashboard and make data analysis challenging. Zoho CRM now allows you to display large numbers in a shortened form. Instead of seeing long strings of digits, you’ll see concise formats like 1K, 1M, or 1B. This makes your dashboard cleaner and the data more digestible at a glance.

Additional Display of Record Count in KPIs

Understanding your data’s scale is crucial. Zoho CRM has enhanced its KPI widgets to display the record count alongside other metrics. This means you can now see not just the metric value but also the number of records it’s based on, giving you a fuller picture of your data.

These enhancements are designed to make your CRM dashboards more user-friendly, efficient, and informative. By preventing accidental changes, simplifying large numbers, and providing comprehensive data insights, Zoho CRM continues to make it easier for users to make better, data-driven decisions.

Learn More: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/crm-dashboard-upgrades-dashboard-locking-display-large-numbers-in-shortened-form-and-additional-display-of-record-count-in-kpis-26-6-2024

Guess what the number one support question I get is?

"Help, I'm locked out of Zoho."

I must get this question at least once a week! I won't name names, but some people seem to have this issue more than most. Thankfully, if you're a Zoho One admin, getting a user back into their account is really easy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting a User Login

In this week's video, I'll take you through the process of resetting a user login, step by step. Here's a sneak peek:

1. Access Admin Panel: Navigate to your Zoho One admin console.
2. Select User: Find the user who’s locked out.
3. Reset Password: Follow the prompts to reset their password.

Bonus: Enhance Your Zoho Account Security

As a bonus, I’ll also share some simple tasks to make your Zoho account more secure. These tips will help prevent future lockouts and ensure your account remains safe.

Thank you again for taking the time to read through this newsletter ??.

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