Welcome back to The Zoho Report! In this episode, we're covering the latest updates and exciting new features coming to CRM and Forms.
Let's dive in.
1. CRM Record Categories
Zoho CRM has introduced Record Categories for picklist fields, bringing the powerful categorisation functionality previously exclusive to the Deals module to all your CRM records.
If you're familiar with the Stage field in your Deals module, you'll understand the concept immediately. Stages like "Qualification," "Proposal," and "Negotiation" are grouped under broader categories such as "Open," "Closed Won," or "Closed Lost." This high-level view makes it easy to understand deal progress without analysing individual stage details.
Key Features:
Custom Categories: Apply up to 5 custom record categories to any picklist field
Visual Transition Bars: Add transition bars at the top of records, previously available only in Deals
Enhanced Filtering: Filter records based on broader categories rather than individual picklist values
Quick Overview: Get useful data snapshots without selecting multiple specific values
2. CRM New Field Types: Radio Buttons & Numerical Sliders
Zoho CRM's Layout Editor now includes two new field formats designed to improve form completion speed and accuracy. These updates will be rolled out to all data centres by mid-March 2026.
Radio Buttons
Radio buttons are ideal for single-choice scenarios with limited options. Key specifications include:
Maximum 3 options per field
Two display formats: Traditional radio buttons or compact group buttons
Immediate visibility: All options visible upfront, eliminating dropdown navigation
Perfect for: Billing cycles, subscription plans, property types
Numerical Sliders
Previously, setting ranges for numeric fields lacked user-friendly feedback. The new numerical sliders address this with:
Defined ranges: Set minimum and maximum values
Visual selection: Up to 9 equal steps between min/max values
Built-in validation: Automatic rejection of values outside the defined range
Both field types include built-in validation, preventing the common issue of foreign values entering picklists from external sources like webforms. This ensures data integrity across all your CRM records.
3. CRM Workqueue
Three Core Sections:
My Activities: Your personal task command centre featuring colour-coded priorities and direct-action capability.
My Jobs: Handle all approval workflows from one screen and manage blueprint transitions without navigation
My Workqueues: Import your perfected views from other modules to a centralised dashboard
4. Forms Auto-Save
Zoho Forms introduces Browser Auto-Save, a game-changing feature that automatically preserves form progress without requiring manual intervention from respondents. How It Works:
Automatic saving: Progress saved locally in the respondent's browser as they type
7-day retention: Data preserved for up to one week
Privacy focused: Information never leaves the respondent's device until form submission
Form administrators have full control over the feature:
Customisable messaging: Personalise consent popup text and button labels
Public form compatibility: Available for all public forms
This addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of online forms, losing progress due to technical interruptions. Whether it's browser crashes, internet connectivity issues, or accidental tab closures, respondents can now return to exactly where they left off.
Stay Updated
That's it for Episode 4 of The Zoho Report! We hope these updates help you work smarter with your Zoho applications.
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