Der Dieckmann

I proudly present my new vtiger Relations Module for download, an optional extension of the famous open source crm vtiger. The module enables the user to document and to analyze relationships of a lead, an account or a contact for a better understanding of its roles, its dependencies, its influences, its behaviour and so on. Furthermore, the module enables the user to analyse complex networks based on an export of collected data as comma separated values (csv) by making use of third party social network analysis software like e.g. nodeXL. By the vtiger module “relations”, vtiger becomes a valuable tool of any kind of marketing intelligence.

1. How it works

The new vtiger module “relations” makes it possible to manage data related to a directed „relationship“ , „tie“ or „edge“ of two stakeholders managed by using vtiger, e.g. of two leads, two contacts, two accounts, as well as between two single arbitrary leads, contacts, or accounts. Any relationship and its attributes is handled as an independent entity and can be used for the analysis of networks and interdependencies between stakeholders managed with vtiger. The basic structure and functionality of the module resembles other modules. It is 100% compatible to vtiger module manager. After installation, it is available at the „Marketing“-tab. The module’s usage is restricted by the rules defined throughout roles and profiles. Its picklists can be administrated via the picklist-editor of vtiger. Furthermore, the administrator is able to add custom fields at the module manager interface.

The module is designated to

1. document, show and edit relationships among leads, accounts and contacts.
2. analyse relationships by listing them according to a filter specified by the user
3. search relationships
4. to make use of social network analysis software by exporting data as comma separated value (csv) files.

2. Download

If you wish to install the vtiger relations module into a vtiger installation, you can purchase a license at 30,- EUR (incl. 19% VAT) via PayPal. Click here:

You will be connected to PayPal for payment.
If you need a commercial invoice, please provide me with your billing address and, in case your company is located in the European Union, your VAT No.

After your payment, an automated email will be sent to your email adress of your PayPal account with the link where you can download the module. Please note: For safety reasons, this link is valid 24 hours only. If you face any problems downloading the file, please do not hesitate to drop me a line by email.

3. Copyright and License

vTiger Relations Module is a module to manage cross module relations. Copyright (C) [2011] a-g-c [www.a-g-c.de] by order and for account of Florian Dieckmann. The software is property of Florian Dieckmann. This software is distributed on an „AS IS“ basis, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, either expressed or implied. Only in case of an authorized download of the software from http://derdieckmann.de or in case the software was sent to you by Florian Dieckmann by email, Florian Dieckmann grants you a nonexclusive license to use this software. You can modify and use the software without the possibility of resale, redistribution, rent or sublicense, unless it is otherwise agreed by Florian Dieckmann. You can freely use the software for your own business. You can not deploy / install copies of the software into software systems of other people or companies unless you acquire a separate or otherwise agreed license from Florian Dieckmann. It is forbidden to use the software to violate applicable law. It is forbidden to use the software for defamatory, violent or pornographic purposes or for any other breach of morality.

If you wish to join the discussion and/or development of the relations module or if you want to push things forward otherwise, please do not hesitate to drop me a line by email or to leave a comment below.

4. Getting Started (Installation)

Before installation, create a backup of your vtiger system and your vtiger database!

The module has to be installed by using the module manager. To be able to install the new module, you must have “Administrator privileges” on your vtiger system.

Go to the Settings > Module Manager > Custom Modules and click on „Import New“.

Choose the vtiger relations module zip-file. Click „import“.

If you accept the license agreement, click „yes“.

Complete the installation by clicking „Finish“ below the installation report. The installation report will be shown after you accept the license agreement.

After installation, the module settings can be configured by using the module manager.

Note: Picklists can be edited by using the picklist editor at vtiger settings panel. You need Administrator privileges to edit picklists. Additional picklists as well as addtional information fields can be added by using the layout editor.

When you are going to add your first definition of a new relationship, you will have to configure the relation ID. Click the link „here“ in the red warning to configure it.

You may enter „REL“ as prefix for „relations“ and a number like e.g. “1″ as start sequence number.

5. Usage

Creation of a new relation:

Relation information:

Relations list view:

Note: Relations are also listed at the „more information“ tab of any lead, account or contact, whereby every relation is listed, whether the single lead, account or contact appears as „Actor A“ or „Actor B“. In both list views, either at the relations module and at the more information tab of  a lead, account or contact, columns can be sorted.

Import works as usual. You may access the import menu by pushing the known import button at the top of the module. Please note that the usual button for export at the top of the module is inactive. (Update: vtiger required to deactivate both standard import and export functionality. They reason that they wish to have uniform behaviour of import and export functionality in every module.) For export, use the CSV Export Button instead which you will find above and below the relations list view.

Data which is made available by using vtiger relations is available to define reports. This is useful to filter a group of stakeholders by their relationships to a certain stakeholder.

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