Customize Workflow Activity Text

[nikan]

I am attempting to customize the text on a custom object instance's Activity tab triggered by a workflow in my account. Essentially when a specific property of a custom object instance is updated, a workflow triggers a webhook then outputs a card on the custom object's "page" (when you click on the instance from the custom obect's directory) under Activity. 

Currently, the text is a two liner:

Workflow Activity                                                                             Jan 14, 2021 at 11:50 AM PST

Salt Spray Filter completed NEW UPDATE

...where the "NEW UPDATE" indicates the name of the workflow completed. I'd like to customize the text that is displayed beyond creating more workflows with more detailed descriptions capturing the property's prior value and new value, for example.

I'm working with the API's but haven't found one that covers this. The bit I've read on the Events and Timeline API's doesn't cover workflow triggered events - it seems to be more for tracking contact interaction with webpages. I'd really love some direction or simply to know if what I'm attempting is possible. 

Cheers!

[nikan]

Hey @Mike_Eastwood ,

I tried using my portal Id in lieu of the app Id and got an error saying my portal Id is not an app, which makes sense. In digging further, it seems that you must create a Hubspot app to handle custom timeline events - is that correct?

Other than clarifying that, my real question revolves around custom timeline events for CUSTOM OBJECTS. After setting up my app, I get the error: "ObjectType '2-1253614' not currently supported. Must be one of: [companies, tickets, deals, contacts]"

Is there support or a workaround to handle custom objects with custom timeline events? That was the basis of my orginal question, so I just want to verify whether or not that is possible and what I may be missing at this point. 

Thanks for your help

[Mike_Eastwood]

Hi @nikan 

I haven't played with Custom Objects yet... but my assumption is that you must be able to create associations between Custom Objects and typical HubSpot Objects (Contact, Company, Deal, etc.) or the Custom Object wouldn't be very useful.

The HubSpot API key is in the admin area of the HubSpot Portal you want to access:

Settings (Cog top right) > Integrations (left menu) > API Key (sub menu).

There you will find the Active API key (Hapikey) that will let you access that Portal with your app.

Yes, you will need to create an App (in your developer portal) to use Timeline Events. 

Your Timeline Event should handle any event you want to add e.g. Custom Object created.

Did I answer your questions? I've been away with work/play.

Cheers

Mike

[nikan]

No not really. My research suggests that it is not yet possible to implement any of the app tools (webhooks, custom timeline events, and crm cards) with custom objects, which was my question. When I've tried to use the custom object id with these tools, I get an error saying that the object type must be one of contacts, deals, companies, or tickets. 

[dennisedson · Accepted solution]

Hey @nikan,

I can confirm that those three things are not yet available for custom objects. 

[Mike_Eastwood]

Hi @nikan 

Yes, you use the App Id from your Developers Portal.

I recommend you use OAuth2 for authenticaion.

The developHapikey is only designed to be used during development and testing.

If it's an internal tool it might work for you but I would put the extra effort int o use OAuth.

Have fun

Mike

[Mike_Eastwood]

Hi @nikan 

You could create a HubSpot App that triggers a Webhook on Property Change (which covers new or changed values) or your Workflow could call your Webhook (Enterprise Only).

The Webhook can then pass the values to your code.

Your code can then push the custom text into the Timeline.

Have fun

Mike

p.s. thanks for the mention @dennisedson 

[nikan]

Thanks @Mike_Eastwood, 

I generally use webhooks via workflows for simplicity. In creating the event type, however, would I replace the <<appId>> with my portal Id? 

for reference: 

'https://api.hubapi.com/integrations/v1/<<appId>>/timeline/event-types?hapikey=<<developerHapikey>>'

Thanks for your help.

[dennisedson]

Hi @nikan 

Sounds like a fun project!

@Mike_Eastwood , @MatthewShepherd , what would you do here 🤔