Empowering Custom Solutions: VTAP Platform Capabilities in Vtiger CRM

In the ever-evolving landscape of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology, businesses seek tailored solutions that transcend traditional CRM configurations. The year 2021 marked a significant milestone with the introduction of VTAP on Cloud, an innovation that equips developers with tools and runtime capabilities to extend CRM functionalities, bolstering businesses' unique requirements.

Vtiger Application Platform (VTAP) is a game-changer offering developers and administrators the means to amplify the CRM's user interface (UI) behavior. This extension is achieved through in-app customization or the creation of custom Representational State Transfer (REST) endpoints for seamless integration with external applications.

The core principle of VTAP lies in transforming Vtiger CRM from a mere tool confined within the organization's boundaries into a robust platform that can be built upon and its capabilities extended. What's more, delving into coding intricacies is not an essential prerequisite. The platform enables users to effortlessly customize the CRM's appearance, craft new modules and buttons, and even foster third-party integrations.

To embark on the VTAP journey, one needs a foundational understanding of web development languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML- ideal for those inclined toward low-code approaches.

Low-Code Tools: Unveiling Creativity

1) App Creator:

A standout feature within VTAP is the App Creator toolkit, catering to businesses' unique needs beyond CRM configurations. This toolkit facilitates the creation of specialized cloud web applications, offering an avenue for clients to streamline their operations effectively. Developers can fashion client-side web applications employing a range of frameworks. This runtime tool harmoniously extends CRM functionalities, aligning businesses with their integration or customization goals.

2) Module Designer:

VTAP's Module Designer empowers users to forge or expand the functionality of existing CRM modules. Modules within Vtiger CRM encapsulate distinct record types, encompassing sections like Contacts, Organizations, Deals, Invoices, and more. Deemed as Entity modules, they underpin critical features including Reports, Workflows, and Approvals. This tool ensures engagement with the Vtiger user interface, allowing customization, the addition of bespoke components at designated placeholders, and the construction of custom pages. Furthermore, it facilitates seamless integration with external service providers for SMS, phone calls, and WhatsApp. Read our blog to know more about Module Designer.

3) API Designer:

The API Designer is a workspace where developers can fashion custom HTTP-based APIs. These APIs are equipped to interface with VTAP JavaScript APIs or external applications, propelling integration to new heights. Through Vtiger Application Design Language (VADL) specifications, developers define APIs, which are then accessible via user authorization and record access configuration. This inclusive approach extends API usability beyond the CRM, spanning external applications. The API Designer also champions the creation of intricate incoming webhooks, optimizing data sharing while maintaining privacy.

No-Code Tools: Crafting Seamless Workflows

1) Process Designer:

The Process Designer module in Vtiger CRM is a testament to VTAP's no-code prowess. It provides a graphical interface for users to construct meticulous business workflows. The intuitive flowchart tool empowers businesses to design and streamline their operational processes, elevating efficiency and coordination.

2) Insights Designer:

When data is abundant and spread across diverse applications, the need for insightful data analysis is paramount. VTAP's Insights Designer addresses this, enabling users to assimilate, analyze, and present data through accessible charts and graphs. Users can harness the power of Insights Designer to fashion bespoke reports tailored to their unique analytical needs.

3) Add-On Publisher: A boon for developers

VTAP's Add-On Publisher stands as a pinnacle of empowerment for developers. This platform facilitates the creation and publication of add-ons, expanding the horizons of Vtiger CRM functionalities. Add-ons, which introduce new features or functionalities, enrich the CRM experience. The Add-On Publisher ecosystem boasts several key elements:

  • UI Interface: Facilitating the export of customizations performed on modules such as Workflows, custom fields, approvals, and more.
  • Code Editor: An integrated code editor empowers developers to craft and refine add-on code.
  • Publishing System: Developers can seamlessly publish add-ons onto the Vtiger Add-On Marketplace, a hub where users can explore and integrate these extensions.

The Vtiger Add-On Marketplace complements the Add-On Publisher, offering features like a search engine for add-ons, a rating system, and a commenting system to foster community engagement.

Apart from the above, we have also built Vtiger Platform Extension for the VS-Code editor along with the CLI tool. These can help you build and publish apps quickly. Read our June newsletter to know more.

4) VTAP Tables 

VTAP Tables offer SQL-like capabilities for creating, updating, and deleting tables similar to standard SQL tables. These tables function as spreadsheets, enabling data addition, updates, and deletions. Ideally suited for lightweight data scenarios without intricate permission requirements or row ownership, VTAP Tables integrate seamlessly with Insights Designers for diverse charting and pivot table visualizations. Additionally, apps developed using VTAP can be embedded within the CRM iframe.

VTAP Tables are also accessible via REST API and VTAP JavaScript API.

In conclusion, VTAP emerges as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of CRM customization and extension. Its fusion of low-code and no-code tools presents a comprehensive toolkit that caters to developers, administrators, and businesses alike. By breaking the conventional confines of CRM functionalities, VTAP propels Vtiger CRM to new heights of agility, adaptability, and innovation.
 
 
 

VTAP Customer Use Case

 
 

The client operates within the realm of apparel and accessories sales, catering to prominent chain stores. Their objective was to establish monthly sales targets and monitor daily sales records for each store within the CRM system. Every store is designated to a specific sales agent, who is granted access to the CRM. Importantly, the sales agent's access was limited to entering daily sales data solely for their designated store.

Given that these agents predominantly work in the field, streamlining the process of entering customer sales data into the CRM was a priority. A conventional web interface would have proven overwhelming for them. Consequently, the decision was made to swiftly develop a responsive mobile application that would offer accessibility from their mobile devices.

The establishment of targets fell under the purview of managers, who then assigned these goals to individual store locations (Organizations). These objectives were subsequently delegated to specific store agents. At the close of each day, the agents would log their sales data through the mobile app. Additionally, distinct promotional products were allocated with specific targets. During the designated month, agents were tasked with selling these products and achieving the predefined objectives.

To facilitate the storage of sales entries, a dedicated 'Sales Entries' module was crafted within the CRM system. This module was intrinsically linked to each individual store (Organization). Upon accessing the mobile app, the store agent was presented with a clear depiction of their targets, current achievements for the month, and the remaining progress required to meet the objectives. The visual representation of the app is exemplified in the provided screenshot.
 

The client operates within the realm of apparel and accessories sales, catering to prominent chain stores. Their objective was to establish monthly sales targets and monitor daily sales records for each store within the CRM system. Every store is designated to a specific sales agent, who is granted access to the CRM. Importantly, the sales agent's access was limited to entering daily sales data solely for their designated store.

Given that these agents predominantly work in the field, streamlining the process of entering customer sales data into the CRM was a priority. A conventional web interface would have proven overwhelming for them. Consequently, the decision was made to swiftly develop a responsive mobile application that would offer accessibility from their mobile devices.

The establishment of targets fell under the purview of managers, who then assigned these goals to individual store locations (Organizations). These objectives were subsequently delegated to specific store agents. At the close of each day, the agents would log their sales data through the mobile app. Additionally, distinct promotional products were allocated with specific targets. During the designated month, agents were tasked with selling these products and achieving the predefined objectives.

To facilitate the storage of sales entries, a dedicated 'Sales Entries' module was crafted within the CRM system. This module was intrinsically linked to each individual store (Organization). Upon accessing the mobile app, the store agent was presented with a clear depiction of their targets, current achievements for the month, and the remaining progress required to meet the objectives. The visual representation of the app is exemplified in the provided screenshot.
 
 

Vtiger APPtitude

 

Tools we like

 
 

Zabbix is an open-source network monitoring and management tool that helps IT teams monitor the health and performance of servers, networks, applications, and services.

With features like real-time monitoring, alerting, visualization, and capacity planning, Zabbix ensures the availability and performance of IT infrastructure. It collects data from various sources, sends alerts based on predefined conditions, offers customizable dashboards and graphs, and supports integrations for enhanced functionality. 

Zabbix is versatile, scalable, and widely used to maintain the reliability of IT systems.

Here's a list of key features and aspects of Zabbix:

  • Monitoring Diversity: Zabbix supports monitoring of various resources, including servers, network devices, applications, and services, through multiple methods such as agent-based, SNMP, JMX, IPMI, and more.
  • Real-time Monitoring: Provides real-time insights into the status and performance of monitored components, enabling proactive issue detection.
  • Alerting and Notification: Generates alerts based on predefined thresholds or conditions, with notifications sent via email, SMS, instant messaging, and custom scripts.
  • Escalation Procedures: Configures escalation paths to ensure alerts are addressed according to priority and notifies appropriate personnel.
  • Data Collection: Collects and stores historical data, enabling trend analysis and capacity planning.
  • Visualization: Offers customizable dashboards, graphs, and screens to visualize data and monitor infrastructure health.
  • Maps: Creates network topology maps to visualize the relationships between various components.
  • Web-based Interface: Provides accessibility through a user-friendly web interface and allows monitoring and configuration from any device with a browser.
  • Scalability: Handles both small environments and large distributed infrastructures through proxy servers and distributed monitoring.
  • User Authentication and Authorization: Provides user roles and permissions to control access to monitoring data and features.
  • APIs and Integrations: Supports APIs for integration with other tools and systems, enhancing their functionality.
  • Predefined Templates: Offers pre-configured templates for common systems and applications, simplifying setup.
  • Extensibility: Allows users to create custom checks and scripts to monitor specific metrics.
  • Security: Ensures secure access to monitoring data through authentication and encryption mechanisms.
  • Community and Support: Benefits from an active user community, providing resources, forums, and documentation for assistance.
  • Graphs and Reporting: Generates graphs and reports to analyze historical data and trends.
  • Notification Methods: Supports a wide range of notification methods, enabling flexible and customizable alerting.
  • Ease of Installation: Provides installation packages for various operating systems and a web-based setup wizard.
  • Open Source: Allows users to access, modify, and contribute to its codebase since Zabbix is open source.
  • Multi-platform Support: Works across different operating systems and platforms.
 

Zabbix is an open-source network monitoring and management tool that helps IT teams monitor the health and performance of servers, networks, applications, and services.

With features like real-time monitoring, alerting, visualization, and capacity planning, Zabbix ensures the availability and performance of IT infrastructure. It collects data from various sources, sends alerts based on predefined conditions, offers customizable dashboards and graphs, and supports integrations for enhanced functionality. 

Zabbix is versatile, scalable, and widely used to maintain the reliability of IT systems.

Here's a list of key features and aspects of Zabbix:

  • Monitoring Diversity: Zabbix supports monitoring of various resources, including servers, network devices, applications, and services, through multiple methods such as agent-based, SNMP, JMX, IPMI, and more.
  • Real-time Monitoring: Provides real-time insights into the status and performance of monitored components, enabling proactive issue detection.
  • Alerting and Notification: Generates alerts based on predefined thresholds or conditions, with notifications sent via email, SMS, instant messaging, and custom scripts.
  • Escalation Procedures: Configures escalation paths to ensure alerts are addressed according to priority and notifies appropriate personnel.
  • Data Collection: Collects and stores historical data, enabling trend analysis and capacity planning.
  • Visualization: Offers customizable dashboards, graphs, and screens to visualize data and monitor infrastructure health.
  • Maps: Creates network topology maps to visualize the relationships between various components.
  • Web-based Interface: Provides accessibility through a user-friendly web interface and allows monitoring and configuration from any device with a browser.
  • Scalability: Handles both small environments and large distributed infrastructures through proxy servers and distributed monitoring.
  • User Authentication and Authorization: Provides user roles and permissions to control access to monitoring data and features.
  • APIs and Integrations: Supports APIs for integration with other tools and systems, enhancing their functionality.
  • Predefined Templates: Offers pre-configured templates for common systems and applications, simplifying setup.
  • Extensibility: Allows users to create custom checks and scripts to monitor specific metrics.
  • Security: Ensures secure access to monitoring data through authentication and encryption mechanisms.
  • Community and Support: Benefits from an active user community, providing resources, forums, and documentation for assistance.
  • Graphs and Reporting: Generates graphs and reports to analyze historical data and trends.
  • Notification Methods: Supports a wide range of notification methods, enabling flexible and customizable alerting.
  • Ease of Installation: Provides installation packages for various operating systems and a web-based setup wizard.
  • Open Source: Allows users to access, modify, and contribute to its codebase since Zabbix is open source.
  • Multi-platform Support: Works across different operating systems and platforms.
 
 

Coming Soon

 

App Creation and App Evolution

 
 

Utilizing the capabilities of the App Creator tool, we're embarking on a journey that goes beyond the conventional. 

Designing for All: A fresh perspective on CRM with inclusive app creation

App Evolution: Revolutionizing CRM interaction for every profile

We're not just enabling app creation for CRM users; we are extending this privilege to our contacts and the wider public. Our vision encompasses the introduction of three distinct avenues for app creation, each catering to a specific realm of engagement.

User apps: These specialized applications are designed exclusively for CRM users. Tailored to meet the unique needs of those within your organization, these apps will empower your CRM users with tools finely tuned to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

Contact apps: Imagine an environment where your contacts, too, can engage with purpose-built applications. These apps, accessible to contacts exclusively, mirror the concept of a customer portal, granting your contacts a seamless channel for interaction and engagement with your business.

Public apps: Expanding the horizons further, we are introducing apps that transcend organizational boundaries. These apps are designed for public access, opening up new avenues for interaction and value creation. By making these apps accessible to a wider audience, we are breaking down barriers and fostering engagement beyond the traditional confines.

In effect, the introduction of these diverse app categories empowers you to forge custom solutions and craft unique applications. The purpose? To cater to an expansive audience, both those directly involved with CRM and those indirectly connected. This approach not only augments the potential of your CRM but also brings your organization closer to its customers, contacts, and the world at large.
 

Utilizing the capabilities of the App Creator tool, we're embarking on a journey that goes beyond the conventional. 

Designing for All: A fresh perspective on CRM with inclusive app creation

App Evolution: Revolutionizing CRM interaction for every profile

We're not just enabling app creation for CRM users; we are extending this privilege to our contacts and the wider public. Our vision encompasses the introduction of three distinct avenues for app creation, each catering to a specific realm of engagement.

User apps: These specialized applications are designed exclusively for CRM users. Tailored to meet the unique needs of those within your organization, these apps will empower your CRM users with tools finely tuned to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

Contact apps: Imagine an environment where your contacts, too, can engage with purpose-built applications. These apps, accessible to contacts exclusively, mirror the concept of a customer portal, granting your contacts a seamless channel for interaction and engagement with your business.

Public apps: Expanding the horizons further, we are introducing apps that transcend organizational boundaries. These apps are designed for public access, opening up new avenues for interaction and value creation. By making these apps accessible to a wider audience, we are breaking down barriers and fostering engagement beyond the traditional confines.

In effect, the introduction of these diverse app categories empowers you to forge custom solutions and craft unique applications. The purpose? To cater to an expansive audience, both those directly involved with CRM and those indirectly connected. This approach not only augments the potential of your CRM but also brings your organization closer to its customers, contacts, and the world at large.
 
 

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