Salesforce, with its innovative features, offers a plethora of automation tools, one of which is the “Scheduled Path” in Flow Builder. This feature not only streamlines processes but also ensures timely execution of tasks, making it a game-changer for many organizations.
Here’s what you’ll gain from this read:
- The core concept and significance of this feature within Flow Builder.
- A scenario to illustrate the power and application of Scheduled Path.
- Discover the primary distinctions and determine the best scenarios for their application.
- An in-depth guide to configuring a Scheduled Path within a Record-Triggered Flow in Salesforce.
- Insights on how to track and manage your scheduled actions effectively.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Scheduled Path
Scheduled Path is a feature within Flow Builder that allows you to schedule specific actions within a flow to run at predefined times. This is especially helpful in situations where automating tasks or processes is required due to time-sensitive requirements. Scheduled Path runs in System mode, ensuring reliable execution and adherence to security and sharing rules.
Use Case Scenario
Let’s consider a practical use case to illustrate the power of Scheduled Path better:
Use Case: We aim to do the following when an opportunity is created or updated:
- Action Required: Change the Opportunity Type box to “New Customer.”
- Scheduled Action: Create a task for the Opportunity Owner five days before the Opportunity Close Date.
Scheduled Paths vs. Schedule-Triggered Flows
1. Flow Type:
While scheduled paths are Record-Triggered, scheduled flows are, as their name suggests, Schedule-Triggered.
2. Trigger:
- Scheduled Paths: Triggered by creating, updating, or deleting a record.
- Schedule-Triggered Flows: Activated by a specific date and time.
3. Execution Time:
- Scheduled Paths: Can run relative to a date on the triggering record or a certain period of time following the trigger.
- Schedule-Triggered Flows: Executes at a specified date and time.
4. Frequency:
- Scheduled Paths: Executes each time they’re triggered.
- Schedule-Triggered Flows: Can be set to run once, daily, or weekly.
Also Read – Before vs After Record Triggered Flow
Implementing Scheduled Path
Now, let’s walk through the steps to implement a Scheduled Path in a Record-Triggered Flow:
Step 1: Create a Record-Triggered Flow
Begin by creating a Record-Triggered Flow and select the Freeform or Auto-Layout option.
Step 2: Configure the Trigger Screen
- Trigger the Flow When: Select “A record is created or updated.”
- Run the Flow: Choose “After the record is saved.” Note that Scheduled Path is only available after the record is saved.
Step 3: Configure the Object and Criteria
Configure the object as “Opportunity” and set criteria to ensure that the flow runs only when the Opportunity is in the Open state. Select “Only when a record is updated to meet the condition requirements.” This step is essential to enable the Scheduled Path configuration.
Step 4: Configure the Scheduled Path
You can now configure the Scheduled Path. You will find this option in the Start element of your flow.
Step 5: Configure Immediate Action
Next, set up the immediate action. Assign a task to change the Opportunity Type field to “New Customer” before updating the Opportunity record. As an immediate action, link these actions to the Start element.
Step 6: Configure the Scheduled Action
Now, build the flow paths you want to execute at scheduled times. When you connect from the Start element to another element, you can select one of the possible scheduled paths.
Also Read – Salesforce Order of Execution: A Complete Guide
Final Flow
Your final flow should include immediate and scheduled actions, ensuring the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Monitoring Scheduled Paths
Once you’ve set up your Record-Triggered Flow with Scheduled Paths, any scheduled actions are placed in a queue until their specified execution times. On the Time-Based Workflow page in Salesforce Setup, you can keep track of these and other pending automations, giving you visibility and control over your planned procedures.
Conclusion
Scheduled Path in Record-Triggered Flow is a powerful addition to Salesforce’s automation toolkit. It empowers organizations to automate processes based on specific timing requirements, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can harness the potential of Scheduled Path to streamline your workflows and improve your overall Salesforce experience. Stay ahead in the world of Salesforce by embracing this innovative feature and unlocking new possibilities for automation and productivity.
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