Overview
Lightning flows (or flows) enable you to automate intricate business processes and labor-intensive data entry and allow you to work smarter and enable users to save their valuable time and ensure that the tasks are accomplished. Flows are one of the most important tools that should be present in a Salesforce admin’s toolbelt. If flows are not configured properly, they are hard to manage and may create a mess.
Let us dive into this blog to learn more about Salesforce Flows.
What is a Flow Builder?
Salesforce Flow Builder is a declarative interface used to create individual Flows. It can also be used to develop code-like logic without a programming language through the drag-and-drop method. Several business processes can be automated using this tool including executing logic, sending emails, calling Apex classes, interrelating with Salesforce database, etc.
Image Source: https://arrify.com/ultimate-guide-on-salesforce-flow/
What are the Different Types of Flows?
Flows are divided into five varieties. Here is the list:
Screen Flow
Screen Flow comprises a user interface that enable users to provide inputs, and can be called via an action or a button. It is displayed in the Utility Bar or Lightning Page as a screen that enables the users to interact. Moreover, Screen Flow cannot be called automatically.
Auto Launched Flow
Auto Launched Flow is used to run automated tasks and can be summoned from process builder, subflows, Apex class, record changes, a set schedule, or platform events.
Record-triggered Flow
Record-triggered Flows are used to carry out tasks in the background when a record is generated, modified, or deleted.
Schedule-Triggered Flow
Schedule-Triggered Flow launches at a definite time and it runs in the background. This is particularly useful for actions that need to be done routinely on a set of records or occur at a given time.
Platform Event-triggered Flow
These kinds of flows run in the background when a platform event message is received.
Different Elements of Salesforce Flow builder
Here are the elements of Flow Builder that are perceptible on the screen.
Whenever a user opens Flow, a set of tools is displayed depending on the kind of flow.
Manager Tab
In the below image, the Manager tab is displayed. Here is where the Resources including Collections, Variables, Formulas, Constants, and Choices are stored.
Image Source: https://arrify.com/ultimate-guide-on-salesforce-flow/
Collections refer to a cluster of Variables which are stockpiled together. This feature enables you to handle multiple records all at once.
Variables allow you to store data that can be used in Flow. This data can necessarily include numbers, text, dates, records, currency, picklists, and boolean.
Formulas show a dynamic value in relation to other values displayed within the Flow. If you intend to calculate a future date based on the time of a specific Flow, then this feature is helpful.
Constants include values that you provide once and are not bound to change. They come in handy when you wish to refer to a certain value several times through the Flow.
Choices are found within Screen Elements and displayed as an option to the users.
Elements Tab
In the Elements tab there are different components such as Logic, Interaction, and Data. These are displayed dynamically according to the type of Flow.
Image Source: https://arrify.com/ultimate-guide-on-salesforce-flow/
When Should You Use a Flow and Why?
Flows are used when you intend to automate complicated business processes, and if you wish to generate complex logic or mass updates, then you need to use a flow. In addition, if you did not complete a task using Process Builder or Workflow, then using Flow Builder is highly recommended for automation.
Major Benefits of Salesforce Flow
- Salesforce Flow is quite easy to manage as anyone (assuming that they know about this feature) would be able to follow its course.
- As flow supports the screen user interface, the users can communicate with it easily.
- Flow enables to Query any given object and carries out database operations such as Create, Update, and Delete.
When Should You Not Use Salesforce Flow?
There are certain scenarios where Salesforce flow may not be the best choice for automating business processes:
- Complex processes with multiple steps: For complex processes with many steps or a lot of decisions, Salesforce Flow may not be the most efficient automation tool. It may be better to consider other options such as custom code or external integration.
- Simple automation circumstances: If your automation needs are simple, you may want to consider using Process Builder or Workflow instead of Flow. These tools are better suited for simpler scenarios and may be more efficient to use.
- Inadequate budget: Flow is a paid feature of the Salesforce platform, so it may not be the most affordable option for organizations with limited budgets. In these cases, there are other automation solutions available that may be more budget-friendly.
- Limited resources: Flow is a complex tool that can take some time and effort to learn and set up. If you don’t have the resources to invest in training or hiring a Salesforce consultant, then Flow may not be the best choice for you.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use Flow or an alternative solution will depend on your specific automation needs, the complexity of your automation scenario, and the resources and budget available to your organization.
As a Salesforce consulting company, we are always ready to help our customers leverage the features of Salesforce Flow to achieve their business goals. If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us at services@suyati.com.