Introduction to Salesforce Flows

Salesforce Flows are one of the most powerful automation tools that we have. In this blog, we’ll take a simple and easy-to-follow introduction to Flows and break down the basics. The best part? You don’t need to know any coding. Just a few clicks and you’re all set. Whether it’s a small task or a complex process, Flows can handle it effortlessly.

What is Salesforce Flow?

Salesforce Flow is an automation tool that allows users to build applications that collect, update and manipulate data based on specific conditions. It provides a visual user interface to design automation processes which makes it easier for administrators and business users to create workflows without writing Apex code.

How can we create Salesforce Flows?

To create a Flow, go to Setup, search for Flows and open the Flows page. On the right-hand panel, you’ll find the button to Create Flow.

What are the different types of Salesforce Flows?

We have majorly 5 different types of flow in Salesforce. The following are:

Screen Flow

It is used to implement scenarios where we want some guided user experiences with screens and inputs. We can use this type of flow to collect or display information from users. We can initiate this flow by clicking on some action.

Record-Triggered Flow

This type of flow is invoked in the background when a record gets saved or deleted. We can perform the logic we want when there is a DML happening in the record.

Autolaunched Flow

This flow runs in the background without user interaction. It doesn’t support screens. It can be invoked by API, buttons or any links.

Scheduled Flow

This type of flow is used to implement the logic which needs to run at a specific time. It is like a Schedular Class in Apex. It is useful for automating batch updates. Also, it doesn’t support screen elements.

Platform-Event Triggered Flow

It runs automatically in the background when a platform event occurs. This is useful for scenarios like processing data received from a third party or notifying users when an external system sends an update.

Salesforce recently introduced two new types of Flows – Data Cloud-Triggered Flows and Approval Orchestration Flows.

Autolaunched Approval Orchestration Flow (No Trigger) lets you set up approval processes that can be started programmatically or by other processes, giving you more flexibility in how approvals are handled.

Data Cloud-Triggered Flows run automatically when something changes in Salesforce Data Cloud, like new data being added or updated. They’re perfect for real-time customer interactions and keeping data in sync.

What is Flow Builder?

Flow Builder is the workspace where we design and build flows. To access it, navigate to Setup, enter “Flow” in the Quick Find box, and click New Flow.

Then it will open a new tab and select ‘Start From Scratch’.

The interface shown above is the Flow Builder. Below are the different sections that make up the Flow Builder:

1. Button Bar – It provides information about the flow like if the flow is active, how long that flow was saved or any errors or warnings.
2. Toolbox – Here we can see all the resources we have built in the current flow such as the screen element, any decision element, etc. We can also create new Resources from here by clicking on the New Resource button.
3. Canvas – It is the working area. Here we build the flow by adding elements to it.

Why do we use Flows?

Salesforce Flows helps us to remove repetitive tasks, and enhance user experience. Following are the benefits of using flows

1. Automate Complex Business Processes: It helps us to implement complex business use cases by handling conditional logic, multiple steps or any DML operation required.
2. No dependency for Code: Flows implement use case by click and no code which reduces the dependency of using Apex Code. We can handle many scenarios with Flows now which earlier requires Apex.
3. Integration: As with new updates we can now perform integration with Flows and can interact with external systems with just a click.

Common use case for Salesforce Flows

Flows can be used in various scenarios across industries. Some common use cases include:

1. We can use the flow to validate user input in Screen Flows before submitting records.
2. If we want to send automated reminders when any record reaches a critical stage or an update of some field.
3. We can use Scheduled Flows to update thousands of records without manual effort to run at a specific frequency.
4. We can use flows to integrate with External Systems. We can automate these processes by triggering flows from platform events or HTTP callouts.
5. We can use flows to launch a form to collect input from users.

Also Read – 10+ Best Practices for Salesforce Flow

FAQ’s

1. What is the difference between Flow and Workflow Rules?

Flow is a more advanced automation tool that helps us to implement complex logic, user interactions, and integrations. Workflow Rules are limited to simple field updates and email alerts as compared to flows.

2. Can a Flow replace Apex triggers?

Flows can replace many trigger-based scenarios, but complex scenarios requiring bulk processing, deep recursion handling, or external API calls which include any complex logic may still need Apex.

3. Are Flows available in all Salesforce editions?

Flows are available in most Salesforce editions, but some advanced features may be restricted in lower-tier editions.

Conclusion

Salesforce Flows is an essential automation tool that enables users to streamline business processes without deep coding experience. This Introduction to Salesforce Flows will help you understand the Flows at a basic level. By leveraging different types of Flows, businesses can improve their efficiency, enhance user experience, and ensure data consistency.

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