Process Builder
In short
Process Builder is a Salesforce automation tool that let admins build rules visually: when a record meets certain criteria, it runs actions such as updating fields, creating records, sending emails, or launching other automation.
Salesforce has announced Process Builder is being retired in favor of Salesforce Flow, so new automation is normally built in Flow and existing processes are migrated. Check Salesforce documentation for current support dates.
What Process Builder does
- Trigger: Starts when a record is created or edited.
- Criteria: Checks conditions, such as a deal amount above a threshold.
- Actions: Updates records, creates tasks, posts to Chatter, or sends email.
- Scheduled actions: Runs steps after a delay or at a set time.
Typical RevOps uses
Lead and opportunity updates
Set a field when a deal reaches a stage, or create a follow-up task when a lead status changes.
Notifications
Alert an account owner or manager when a large opportunity changes stage.
Approval handoffs
Start an approval or notify finance once a deal meets certain terms.
Process Builder vs. Flow
Flow is Salesforce's current automation tool and covers what Process Builder did and more, including screen flows and more complex logic. Teams still on Process Builder usually plan a migration, rebuild the logic in Flow, test it, and then switch the old processes off.
Practical tips
- Document each process: Record what it does and who owns it before migrating.
- Avoid overlapping automation: Multiple processes, flows, and triggers on one object can conflict.
- Test in a sandbox: Check edge cases before moving to production.
- Review old processes: Some may no longer be needed and can be retired instead of rebuilt.
Process Builder FAQs
What is Process Builder in Salesforce?
Process Builder is a Salesforce point-and-click automation tool that runs actions when a record meets certain criteria, such as updating fields, creating tasks, or sending emails. Salesforce is retiring it in favor of Salesforce Flow.
Is Salesforce Process Builder being retired?
Yes. Salesforce has announced that Process Builder is being retired in favor of Salesforce Flow, and recommends building new automation in Flow and migrating existing processes. Check current Salesforce documentation for exact dates and migration tools.
What is the difference between Process Builder and Flow?
Both automate Salesforce processes, but Flow is the current, actively developed tool and supports more complex logic and user-facing screens. Process Builder is limited to record-triggered rules and is being phased out in favor of Flow.
