Assignment or Update Element in Flows

An issue I frequently encounter involves confusion between using the assignment element and the update element in record-triggered flows. It’s essential to understand that you can use an assignment element instead of an update element in a before-save flow to update the field values on the record that triggered the flow. However, this approach does not work when running your record-triggered flow in after-save mode.

Before-Save vs. After-Save

Before-save flows in Salesforce offer a powerful way to make changes to records before they are saved to the database. This feature automates pre-commit tasks like data validation or field updates. Executing before save, it cuts down DML operations, boosting Salesforce efficiency. It ensures accurate data storage, streamlines workflows, and upholds data integrity with little impact on performance.

After-save flows, on the other hand, are triggered after a record has been saved to the database. This flow type suits actions needing a completely saved record, like sending emails, creating records, or complex logic. It depends on the record’s saved state for execution. After-save flows allow for the handling of tasks that are not directly related to the data validation or immediate updates of the record being saved. They offer a robust solution for extending functionality beyond the save operation, enabling more comprehensive automation and interaction within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Understanding the nuanced differences between the assignment and update elements in Salesforce’s record-triggered flows is fundamental for any administrator or developer aiming to optimize their automation processes. The assignment element provides a streamlined, efficient way to modify records before saving. The update element is crucial for after-save modifications, ensuring robust automation aligned with Salesforce’s best practices.Embracing this distinction not only enhances your flows’ effectiveness but also prevents potential issues that could arise from improper element usage.

I am sure you know by now; before-save is labeled as Fast Field Updates, and after-save is labeled as Actions and Related Records in the record-triggered flow start element configurator.

Conclusion

This distinction is critical for designing efficient and effective flows. To sidestep potential confusion and ensure smooth transitions between before-save and after-save contexts, my advice is to consistently use the update element in record-triggered flows for modifying field values on the trigger record. This practice fosters clarity and maintains the integrity of your flow’s logic across different execution contexts.

It is also important to note that a developer needs to build a before-save flow over an after-save flow whenever possible to benefit from the speed and efficiency of fast field updates.

For benchmark performance results, please refer to this Salesforce Architect page: https://architect.salesforce.com/decision-guides/trigger-automation

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