Skip to main content

Integrations Management - CRM6.3P1US6.3

1. Problem Statement

User Roles Identified:

  • System Administrator - Technical lead responsible for CRM system configuration and API management
  • Utility Administrator - Business process owner managing CRM workflows and integrations

Pain Points by User Role:

System Administrator:

  • Complex API key management without proper visibility into usage and security
  • Manual webhook configuration process prone to errors and inconsistent event handling
  • Lack of centralized control over integration status and monitoring
  • Difficulty regenerating API keys without service disruption
  • No standardized approach to webhook URL validation and testing

Utility Administrator:

  • Limited visibility into which integrations are actively working vs. available
  • Cannot easily configure webhook events for business process automation
  • Difficulty coordinating between connected and available integrations for workflow optimization
  • No self-service capability to manage simple integration configurations

Core Problem:

The CRM system lacks a comprehensive integration management interface that provides clear visibility into API access control and webhook configuration, making it difficult for administrators to maintain secure, reliable connections with external tools while enabling business users to optimize their workflow integrations.

2. Who Are the Users Facing the Problem?

System Administrator (IT Director/DevOps)

  • Responsible for API security, access management, and system integrations
  • Manages technical infrastructure and ensures secure connectivity
  • Should have full access to API key management and regeneration capabilities

Utility Administrator (Business Process Owner)

  • Manages CRM workflows and business process automation
  • Coordinates between different tools and services for operational efficiency
  • Should have access to webhook configuration and integration status monitoring

3. Jobs To Be Done

For System Administrator: When I need to manage API access and webhook configurations for external integrations, But I lack centralized visibility and control over API keys, webhook URLs, and integration security settings, Help me provide a comprehensive integration management dashboard with secure API key handling and webhook configuration tools, So that I can maintain secure, monitored connections while reducing manual configuration errors and security vulnerabilities.

For Utility Administrator: When I need to configure business process automation through webhook integrations, But I cannot easily see which integrations are working, configure event subscriptions, or coordinate workflows between connected services, Help me access integration status visibility and self-service webhook configuration capabilities, So that I can optimize business workflows and ensure critical events trigger the appropriate automated responses.

4. Solution

Integration Dashboard and Management System

A comprehensive integration management interface that provides clear visibility into connected vs. available integrations, with dedicated sections for API management and webhook configuration.

Key Capability Areas:

1. Integration Status Visibility

  • Connected integrations counter with real-time status
  • Available integrations display with quick connection options
  • Integration category organization and filtering

2. API Key Management

  • Secure API key display with copy functionality
  • One-click API key regeneration with confirmation
  • API usage monitoring and access logging

3. Webhook Configuration Management

  • Add new webhook dialog with URL validation
  • Event subscription checkboxes for granular control
  • Active webhook list with toggle controls

4. Integration Categories and Organization

  • Email, Communication, Marketing, Social, and CRM categorization
  • Category-based filtering and management
  • Integration recommendations based on usage patterns

5. Security and Access Control

  • Role-based access to API key management
  • Webhook URL validation and security checking
  • Integration audit logging and monitoring

6. Real-time Status Monitoring

  • Integration health status indicators
  • Connection testing and validation tools
  • Error reporting and troubleshooting guidance

7. Self-Service Configuration

  • Guided webhook setup with event selection
  • Template-based configuration for common integrations
  • Quick toggle controls for enabling/disabling integrations

5. Major Steps Involved

System Administrator Workflow:

APIMain KeyFlow Management Process:Steps:

  1. Access Integration Dashboard
    • Navigate to CRM main Settings → Integrations
    • Locate API Settings section
    • View current API key (partially masked for security)menu
    • Click "Copy" icon to copy API key to clipboard
    • Clickon "Regenerate Key" button when renewal needed
    • Confirm regeneration actionSettings" in modalleft dialog
    • Update external systems with new API key
    • Monitor integration status for successful reconnection

Webhook Configuration Process:

  1. Access Webhooks section in API Settings
  2. Click "Configure" button to open webhook management
  3. Review existing active webhooks in modal
  4. Click "Add New Webhook" to create new endpoint
  5. Enter webhook URL in provided fieldnavigation
  6. Select event types"Integrations" from checkboxsettings list (contact.created, contact.updated, etc.)menu
  7. ClickLand "Add Webhook" to save configuration
  8. Toggle webhook on/off using switch controls
  9. Test webhook connectivity using built-in testing tools

Utility Administrator Workflow:

Integration Status Review:

  1. Access mainon Integrations dashboard
  2. Reviewoverview page showing Connected (2), Available (4), Categories (6) overview
  3. ExamineNavigate individualto API Settings
    • Scroll down to locate "API Settings" section
    • Observe "Configure API access and webhooks" description
    • Locate existing API Key display showing masked format: "sX_****6087conf...1gmil3bg"
  4. Access Webhook Configuration
    • Locate "Webhooks" subsection under API Settings
    • Read "Configure real-time event notifications" description
    • Click blue "Configure" button to open webhook management modal
  5. Review Existing Webhooks
    • Modal opens with title "Webhook Configuration"
    • Review "Active Webhooks" section showing current webhook: "https://api.example.com/webhooks/contacts"
    • Observe existing webhook has toggle switch enabled and shows "contact.created" and "contact.updated" events
  6. Add New Webhook
    • Click "Add New Webhook" button in modal
    • "Webhook URL" input field appears
    • Enter new webhook URL: "https://your-api.com/webhooks"
    • Input field validates URL format in real-time
  7. Configure Event Subscriptions
    • Locate "Events to Subscribe" section with checkbox list
    • Available events displayed:
      • ☐ contact.created
      • ☐ contact.deleted
      • ☐ campaign.completed
      • ☐ campaign.started
      • ☐ contact.updated
      • ☐ email.sent
      • ☐ email.clicked
    • Select desired events by checking boxes (e.g., ☑ contact.updated, ☑ campaign.started, ☑ email.sent)
  8. Save Webhook Configuration
    • Review selected URL and events
    • Click blue "Add Webhook" button at bottom of modal
    • System validates webhook URL accessibility
    • New webhook appears in "Active Webhooks" list with toggle enabled
  9. Test and Verify
    • New webhook shows in active list with selected events
    • Toggle switch is automatically enabled for new webhook
    • System displays success confirmation
    • External system begins receiving webhook notifications for selected events
  10. Monitor and Manage
    • Return to main integrations dashboard
    • Verify integration cardsstatus forupdates statusreflect new webhook connectivity
    • Monitor webhook delivery through system logs (if admin access available)
    • Use categorytoggle filtersswitches to focusenable/disable onwebhooks specificas integration types
    • Identify integration gapsneeded for business processesmaintenance

BusinessAlternative Process Integration:Flows:

    Flow 4a: Webhook URL Validation Failure

    • SelectAt availablestep integration6, fromif dashboardURL format is invalid or unreachable:
      • System displays error message: "Invalid webhook URL format" or "Webhook endpoint unreachable"
      • FollowUser guidedcorrects connectionURL processformat
      • ConfigureSystem business-specificre-validates settingsbefore allowing proceed to event selection

    Flow 7a: API Key Regeneration Required

    • If during setup, API key needs renewal:
      • Click "Regenerate Key" button next to existing API key
      • TestConfirmation integrationmodal appears: "Are you sure you want to regenerate the API key?"
      • Click "Confirm" to generate new key
      • New API key displays immediately with copy functionality
      • MonitorUpdate integrationwebhook performanceendpoint throughauthentication with new key

    Flow 8a: Webhook Management

    • To disable existing webhook:
      • Locate webhook in "Active Webhooks" list
      • Toggle switch to "off" position
      • Webhook immediately stops sending events
    • To delete webhook:
      • Click delete icon (🗑) next to webhook URL
      • Confirmation dialog: "Delete webhook?"
      • Click "Confirm" to permanently remove

    Post-conditions:

    • New webhook is configured and actively sending events
    • Integration status indicatorsdashboard reflects updated connectivity
  • External system receiving webhook notifications for selected events
  • Audit log contains record of webhook configuration activity
  • Error Handling:

    • Invalid URL formats show immediate validation errors
    • Network connectivity issues display retry options
    • Webhook delivery failures logged for troubleshooting
    • System maintains webhook configuration even if temporary delivery issues occur

    6. Flow Diagram

    mermaidimage.png


    flowchart TD
        A[User Accesses CRM Integrations] --> B{User Role Check}
        
        B -->|System Admin| C[Full Integration Dashboard Access]
        B -->|Utility Admin| D[Limited Integration Dashboard Access]
        
        C --> E[API Key Management]
        C --> F[Webhook Configuration]
        C --> G[Integration Monitoring]
        
        D --> H[Integration Status View]
        D --> I[Basic Webhook Config]
        
        E --> J{API Key Action}
        J -->|View/Copy| K[Display Masked Key]
        J -->|Regenerate| L[Confirmation Dialog]
        L --> M[Generate New Key]
        M --> N[Update External Systems]
        
        F --> O[Open Webhook Modal]
        O --> P[View Active Webhooks]
        P --> Q{Webhook Action}
        Q -->|Add New| R[Enter URL & Select Events]
        Q -->|Toggle Existing| S[Enable/Disable Webhook]
        Q -->|Delete| T[Remove Webhook]
        
        R --> U[Validate URL]
        U --> V[Save Configuration]
        V --> W[Test Connection]
        
        H --> X[View Integration Status]
        X --> Y[Connect Available Integrations]
        
        G --> Z[Monitor Integration Health]
        Z --> AA[Alert on Connection Issues]

    7. Business Rules

    General Rules:

    • System must display integration counts: Connected (exact count), Available (exact count), Categories (exact count)
    • Integration status must be real-time and accurately reflect current connection state
    • All integration actions must be logged for audit purposes
    • System must support role-based access control for different administrative functions

    API Key Management Rules:

    • API key must be partially masked when displayed (showing format: "sX_****6087conf...1gmil3bg")
    • API key regeneration must require explicit confirmation before execution
    • New API key must be immediately available for copy after regeneration
    • System must maintain only one active API key at a time per user/organization
    • API key must be alphanumeric with underscores, minimum 32 characters
    • Copy functionality must work across all modern browsers and provide user feedback

    Webhook Configuration Rules:

    • Webhook URL must be validated for proper HTTPS format before saving
    • Webhook URL must be accessible and return proper HTTP response codes during validation
    • Event subscription checkboxes must include: contact.created, contact.updated, campaign.completed, campaign.started, email.sent, email.clicked, email.opened
    • System must support multiple active webhooks simultaneously
    • Webhook toggle switches must immediately enable/disable webhook without requiring save action
    • Active webhook list must show URL and associated events for each configured webhook
    • Webhook deletion must require confirmation to prevent accidental removal

    Integration Status Rules:

    • Connected integrations must show "Connected" status with toggle switch enabled
    • Available integrations must show "Available" status with connection option
    • Integration categories must be: Email (Gmail), Communication (Slack), Marketing (HubSpot), Social (LinkedIn), CRM (Salesforce)
    • Each integration card must display appropriate category tag and description
    • Integration health status must be checked every 5 minutes and updated in real-time
    • Failed integrations must show error status with troubleshooting guidance

    Access Control Rules:

    • System Administrators must have access to API key regeneration functionality
    • Utility Administrators must have view-only access to API key (copy function only)
    • Both roles must have access to webhook configuration with appropriate limitations
    • Integration connection/disconnection must be logged with user identification and timestamp
    • Sensitive operations (API key regeneration) must require additional authentication confirmation

    Error Handling Rules:

    • Invalid webhook URLs must display specific validation error messages
    • API key regeneration failures must provide clear error messaging and rollback options
    • Integration connection failures must provide diagnostic information and next steps
    • System must gracefully handle temporary API unavailability with retry mechanisms
    • Webhook delivery failures must be logged and provide retry capabilities with exponential backoff


    8. Sample Data

    Integration Status Data:

    json

    {

    {
      "connected": {
        
    "count": 2,
    "integrations": [
    {
    "name": "Gmail",
    "category": "Email",
    "status": "Connected",
    "description": "Sync emails and calendar events",
    "lastSync": "2024-08-31T10:30:00Z"
    },
    {
    "name": "Google Calendar",
    "category": "Email",
    "status": "Connected",
    "description": "Sync meetings and events",
    "lastSync": "2024-08-31T10:25:00Z"
    }
    ]
    },
    "available": {
    "count": 4,
    "integrations": [
    {
    "name": "Slack",
    "category": "Communication",
    "status": "Available",
    "description": "Get notifications and updates"
    },
    {
    "name": "HubSpot",
    "category": "Marketing",
    "status": "Available",
    "description": "Sync marketing data"
    },
    {
    "name": "LinkedIn",
    "category": "Social",
    "status": "Available",
    "description": "Import professional contacts"
    },
    {
    "name": "Salesforce",
    "category": "CRM",
    "status": "Available",
    "description": "Import contacts and opportunities"
    }
    ]
    }
    }

    API Configuration Data:

    json


    {
    "apiKey": "sX_edht6087confxrvitlMeySzylgmil3bg",
    "maskedDisplay": "sX_****6087conf...1gmil3bg",
    "lastRegenerated": "2024-08-15T14:22:00Z",
    "usage": {
    "totalCalls": 15420,
    "lastCall": "2024-08-31T10:35:00Z"
    }
    }

    Webhook Configuration Data:

    json


    {
    "activeWebhooks": [
    {
    "id": "wh_001",
    "url": "https://api.example.com/webhooks/contacts",
    "events": ["contact.created", "contact.updated"],
    "status": "active",
    "created": "2024-08-20T09:00:00Z"
    }
    ],
    "availableEvents": [
    "contact.created",
    "contact.updated",
    "campaign.completed",
    "campaign.started",
    "email.sent",
    "email.clicked",
    "email.opened"
    ]
    }

    9. Acceptance Criteria

    1. The system must display integration dashboard with Connected (2), Available (4), and Categories (6) counters that reflect real-time status
    2. The system must show API key in masked format (sX_****6087conf...1gmil3bg) with copy functionality
    3. The system must provide "Regenerate Key" button that requires confirmation before generating new API key
    4. The system must display "Configure" button for webhooks that opens modal dialog
    5. The system must show active webhooks list with URL and toggle switches in webhook modal
    6. The system must provide "Add New Webhook" functionality with URL input field and event checkboxes
    7. The system must validate webhook URLs for proper HTTPS format before saving
    8. The system must include event checkboxes for: contact.created, contact.updated, campaign.completed, campaign.started, email.sent, email.clicked, email.opened
    9. The system must allow toggling webhooks on/off without requiring page refresh
    10. The system must display integration cards with appropriate status (Connected/Available) and category tags
    11. The system must show Gmail and Google Calendar as "Connected" with toggle switches enabled
    12. The system must show Slack, HubSpot, LinkedIn, and Salesforce as "Available" with connection options
    13. The system must categorize integrations into Email, Communication, Marketing, Social, and CRM categories
    14. The system must provide delete functionality for active webhooks with confirmation dialog
    15. The system must log all API key regenerations and webhook configuration changes for audit purposes
    16. The system must restrict API key regeneration to System Administrator role only
    17. The system must allow both System and Utility Administrators to view and copy API keys
    18. The system must provide real-time status updates for integration health without page refresh
    19. The system must display appropriate error messages for failed webhook URL validation
    20. The system must maintain webhook configuration state across browser sessions and page refreshes

    10. Process Changes


    Process AreaFromArea

    From (Current Process)

    To (New Process)

    Impact AnalysisAPIAnalysis

    API Key ManagementManualManagement

    Manual API key rotation through backend systems with developer intervention requiredSelf-required

    Self-service API key regeneration through admin interface with immediate availabilityReducesavailability

    Reduces API key rotation time by 85% - Based on elimination ofEliminates developer ticket creation,tickets, backend system access, and manual configurationsteps

    Webhook stepsWebhook ConfigurationDeveloper-Configuration

    Developer-driven webhook setup requiring code deployments and manual event mappingSelf-mapping

    Self-service webhook configuration with visual event selection and instant activationReducesactivation

    Reduces webhook setup time by 75% - Based on elimination ofRemoves development tickets, code review cycles,reviews, and deployment processesIntegrationcycles

    Integration Status MonitoringPeriodicMonitoring

    Periodic manual checks of integration health through multiple system dashboardsReal-dashboards

    Real-time integration status dashboard with automated health monitoringImprovesmonitoring

    Improves issue detection speed by 90% - Based on shiftShifts from reactive manual checks to proactive automated monitoringIntegrationmonitoring

    Integration TroubleshootingMulti-Troubleshooting

    Multi-step process involving log file analysis and cross-system investigationCentralizedinvestigation

    Centralized integration dashboard with built-in diagnostic tools and error reportingReducesreporting

    Reduces troubleshooting time by 60% - BasedConsolidates on consolidation of diagnostic informationdiagnostics and automatedautomates error classificationAccessclassification

    Access Control ManagementRole-Management

    Role-based access managed through separate user management systemsIntegratedsystems

    Integrated role-based access control within integration management interfaceReducesinterface

    Reduces access management overhead by 50% - BasedConsolidates on consolidation of permission managementpermissions into a single interfaceAuditinterface

    Audit Trail MaintenanceManualMaintenance

    Manual collection of integration logs from multiple systems for compliance reportingAutomatedreporting

    Automated audit logging with centralized reporting for all integration activitiesImprovesactivities

    Improves audit efficiency by 80% - Based on elimination ofEliminates manual log collection andvia automated compliance reportingIntegrationreporting

    Integration OnboardingMulti-Onboarding

    Multi-step process requiring technical documentation review and developer assistanceGuidedassistance

    Guided self-service integration setup with built-in validation and testingReducestesting

    Reduces integration setup time by 70% - Based on elimination ofEliminates documentation review cycles and developer involvement

    Note: Impact percentages are based on industry standard improvements from manual to automated processes and typical enterprise system consolidation benefits.

    11. Impact from Solving This Problem


    Impact CategoryMetricHowCategory

    Metric

    How it ImprovesOperationalImproves

    Operational EfficiencyAdministrativeEfficiency

    Administrative Task Completion TimeReducesTime

    -75% – Reduces API and webhook management time by 75% through self-service capabilities and automated validationSystemvalidation

    System SecurityAPISecurity

    API Key Security ComplianceImprovesCompliance

    +90% – Improves security posture by 90% throughvia proper key masking, regeneration workflows, and audit loggingIntegrationlogging

    Integration ReliabilityIntegrationReliability

    Integration Uptime MonitoringIncreasesMonitoring

    +85% integration– Increases reliability by 85% through real-time health monitoring and proactive issue detectionUserdetection

    User ProductivityAdministrativeProductivity

    Administrative Workflow EfficiencyReducesEfficiency

    -60% administrative– Reduces overhead by 60% throughwith consolidated dashboard and automated status trackingErrortracking

    Error ReductionConfigurationReduction

    Configuration Error RateDecreasesRate

    -80% configuration– Decreases errors by 80% through guided workflows and built-in validationCompliancevalidation

    Compliance ManagementAuditManagement

    Audit Trail CompletenessImprovesCompleteness

    +95% audit– Improves compliance by 95% throughwith automated logging and centralized reportingTimereporting

    Time to ResolutionIssueResolution

    Issue Resolution SpeedReducesSpeed

    -70% integration– Reduces troubleshooting time by 70% throughwith consolidated diagnostic informationSelf-information

    Self-Service CapabilityUserCapability

    User Independence RateIncreasesRate

    +85% – Increases administrative self-sufficiency by 85% through guided configuration interfaces

    12. User Behavior Tracking

    System Administrator Tracking Plan:


    12. User Behavior Tracking

    System Administrator Tracking Plan:

    api_key_viewed

    Event Name

    Event Properties

    Tracking Purpose

    Questions Answered

    api_key_viewed

    user_id, timestamp, key_masked_length

    Monitor API key access patterns

    How frequently do admins need to access API keys?

    api_key_copied

    user_id, timestamp, copy_method

    Track API key usage

    Which copy methods are most effective?

    api_key_regenerated

    user_id, timestamp, confirmation_time

    Monitor security key rotation

    How often are API keys rotated and what triggers regeneration?

    webhook_modal_opened

    user_id, timestamp, existing_webhook_count

    Track webhook management engagement

    How often do admins review webhook configurations?

    webhook_added

    user_id, timestamp, url_domain, events_selected, validation_time

    Monitor webhook creation patterns

    What types of webhooks are most commonly configured?

    webhook_toggled

    user_id, timestamp, webhook_id, new_status

    Track webhook activation patterns

    Which webhooks are frequently enabled/disabled and why?

    integration_health_checked

    user_id, timestamp, integration_name, health_status

    Monitor system health awareness

    How proactive are admins in monitoring integration health?

    Utility Administrator Tracking Plan:


    integration_dashboard_viewed

    Event Name

    Event Properties

    Tracking Purpose

    Questions Answered

    integration_dashboard_viewed

    user_id, timestamp, connected_count, available_count

    Monitor dashboard engagement

    How often do utility admins check integration status?

    integration_card_clicked

    user_id, timestamp, integration_name, integration_status

    Track integration interest

    Which integrations generate the most interest?

    category_filtered

    user_id, timestamp, category_name, results_count

    Monitor category usage patterns

    Which integration categories are most relevant to business users?

    integration_connection_attempted

    user_id, timestamp, integration_name, success_status

    Track connection success rates

    What is the success rate of user-initiated connections?

    webhook_event_selected

    user_id, timestamp, event_type, webhook_context

    Monitor event subscription patterns

    Which webhook events are most valuable for business processes?

    integration_status_reviewed

    user_id, timestamp, status_type, action_taken

    Track status monitoring behavior

    How do users respond to integration status changes?

    Key Questions Answered by Tracking:

    Operational Questions:

    • Which integrations have the highest adoption and engagement rates?
    • What are the common failure points in webhook configuration?
    • How effective is the self-service approach vs. previous manual processes?

    User Experience Questions:

    • Where do users experience friction in the integration management workflow?
    • Which features are underutilized and may need better discoverability?
    • How does role-based access affect feature usage patterns?

    Business Impact Questions:

    • What is the correlation between integration usage and overall CRM adoption?
    • How does integration health monitoring affect system uptime?
    • What is the ROI of self-service integration management vs. manual processes?

    Security and Compliance Questions:

    • How frequently are API keys rotated and what triggers regeneration?
    • Are webhook configurations following security best practices?
    • What audit trail gaps exist that need additional logging?