Freshsales and Retool: Complete Integration Guide 2024

 

Integrating Retool with Freshsales

 

Integrating Retool with Freshsales allows you to build powerful internal tools that leverage Freshsales' CRM capabilities. Here's a detailed technical guide on how to achieve this integration.

 

Prerequisites

 

• Ensure you have admin access to both Retool and Freshsales accounts.
• Familiarity with APIs and typical web service authentication mechanisms such as OAuth2 or API key authentication.
• Basic knowledge of Retool's application builder interface and Freshsales APIs.

 

Configure API Access in Freshsales

 

• Log in to your Freshsales account, and navigate to the Admin settings.
• Under the "API Settings" section, find and note your API key, or create a new one specifically for connecting with Retool if required.
• Ensure that the API key has sufficient permissions to perform the read/write operations you intend in Retool.

 

Setting Up a REST API Resource in Retool

 

• Log in to your Retool account, and navigate to the "Resources" section.
• Click on "Create New" and select "Resource" from the dropdown menu.
• Choose "REST API" as the type of resource you are connecting.
• Enter your Freshsales API base URL in the URL field (e.g., https://yourdomain.freshsales.io/api/).

 

Authenticating to Freshsales from Retool

 

• Under the "Authentication" section of the resource setup in Retool, select "Bearer Token" for the authentication type.
• Paste the Freshsales API key that you obtained previously into the Bearer token field.
• If using OAuth2, follow Retool's OAuth2 setup guide, ensuring you have appropriate client credentials from Freshsales.

 

Building a Retool App with Freshsales Data

 

• After the resource is created, go to "Apps" and start a new app in Retool.
• Drag and drop components from the UI builder to create your interface. This could include tables, forms, and buttons.
• Bind these components to queries that pull or post data from/to Freshsales by using the resource you set up.

 

Creating Queries to Access Freshsales Data

 

• In the query editor, select the Freshsales resource you created.
• Use the REST API endpoints provided by Freshsales documentation to access desired data, like GET /contacts or POST /deals.
• Parameterize your queries as needed by switching to the "advanced" mode which allows for dynamic query parameters.

 

Testing Your Retool App

 

• Utilize Retool's preview and testing capabilities to ensure data is being correctly retrieved/updated from Freshsales.
• Check the console for any errors in request configurations or data bindings.
• Validate that API limits or permissions do not impede the app's functionality. Review Freshsales' API documentation for any specific constraints.

 

Deploying and Sharing Your Retool App

 

• Once you have verified that everything works as intended, you can deploy your app by sharing it with your team members or embedding it on your internal portals.
• Go back to the app page, click on the "Share" button, and adjust the access settings as per your organizational hierarchy.

 

By following these meticulous steps, you will be able to successfully integrate and build a functional Retool app that harnesses the full potential of Freshsales' CRM capabilities. This integration enhances operational workflows and boosts productivity by providing tailored and situation-specific insights powered by Freshsales data.