Record-Triggered Flow Explained
Record-triggered flows are the direct successor to both Workflow Rules and Process Builder triggers. They fire in three timing contexts: before-save (for fast field updates without DML), after-save (for operations that need the committed record ID, like creating child records or sending emails), and asynchronous (for callouts and heavy processing that should not block the user). A single flow can include scheduled paths that execute hours, days, or weeks after the triggering event.
The before-save path is particularly efficient because it updates the triggering record in memory without consuming a DML statement, making it ideal for formula-like field stamps and simple validations. After-save paths support the full range of Flow elements, including subflows, Apex actions, and platform events. Clientell AI leverages record-triggered flows extensively: when you describe an automation in natural language, the AI generates an optimized flow with the correct timing context, entry conditions, and bulkification patterns.
Related Salesforce Terms
Flow
Flow is Salesforce's declarative automation tool that lets admins build complex business processes using a visual, drag-and-drop interface without writing code.
Process Builder (Deprecated)
Process Builder was a visual automation tool for creating processes triggered by record changes; it has been deprecated in favor of Flow.
Workflow Rule (Deprecated)
Workflow Rules were simple if/then automation triggers in Salesforce that have been deprecated and replaced by Flow.
Approval Process
An Approval Process is a Salesforce automation that routes records through a series of approval steps with designated approvers, actions, and rejection handling.