Why are Salesforce Retiring Process Builder & Workflow Rules? What Now?

It’s really happening that Salesforce plans to retire Process Builder and Workflow Rules in some time. Salesforce rapidly enhanced Flow’s functionality and encourages all its customers to move from Process Builder and Workflow Rules. Even the advice on which automation tool to use has an updated message written by Salesforce Help or Trailhead, the message reads as: 

“For all behind-the-scenes automation needs, we recommend that you use Flow Builder.” Trailhead: Choose the Right Automation Tool.

Process Builder & Workflow Rules Retirement Timeline 

During Dreamforce ‘21, Patrick Stokes, the Product Manager, who is responsible for the retirement of Process Builder and Workflow Rules, explained that there would be a formal end-of-life roadmap, governed by an end-of-life council.  

Do not panic! As the retirement process is not an overnight task, it is planned in different phases over the course of years and not months. It is a gradual process that helps all its customers accommodate the new tools and get accustomed to updated features. 

According to Salesforce’s latest update, a roadmap projecting the gradual process of the retirement cycle can be seen in the illustration below: 

Are the Workflow Rules and Process Builder going to retire now? How much time do I have? 

There are stages as shown in the retirement timeline above. 

Stage 1: you cannot create any newer Workflow Rules according to Salesforce Winter ’23 Oct 2022.

Stage 2: you cannot create any new Process Builders according to Salesforce Spring ’23 Feb 2023 

Stage 3: end of support for both Workflow Rules & Process Builder is estimated at 2025. 

Stage 1&2: You can still work with your existing Workflow Rules & Process Builders, it’s just that you need to create new ones.  

Stage 3: Salesforce doesn’t provide any support further 

Stage 4: In the Future Salesforce will completely stop both Workflow Rules & Process Builder automation.  

*The dates may be subject to change, but the retirement intent remains! 

The future of the Salesforce automation tool is Flow, and all the resources are bound to this new generation tool. All the gaps that are between Flow and the older automation tools are closed so now Flow is your first choice for Salesforce Automation.  

Hey! Don’t panic! For Salesforce has provided tools that help convert Workflow Rules and Process Builder to Flow. Train your team on Flow features or get in touch with Prudent, for it is a dedicated Salesforce Consulting Partner with certified expertise.  

Why do you think that Salesforce retires Process Builder and Workflow Rules? 

Automating repetitive, time-consuming manual tasks helps free-up time to perform activities that help improve customer retention and generate new sales enhancing returns on investment (ROI). Salesforce provides multiple tools for automating various activities as it’s always at the forefront of understanding customer requirements.  

With the help of the No code version, it has upgraded each tool with the latest versions that meet the ever-changing business demands in automating various tasks giving way to solving complex processes with a few clicks.  

There are many challenges that are encountered while working with multiple tools: 

• Tracking automation and their health are challenging especially when they are spread across multiple products. 
• With the ever-changing business requirements in automation, it’s complicated when they require more sophisticated tools.  
• As it’s time-consuming in maintaining the process builder, workflow, and Flow builder, Salesforce works on developing and enhancing futureproofing only one tool i.e., The Flow builder. 

Why Do You Need Flow? 

The major challenges of Process Builder and Workflow Rules are addressed with the Flow. 

Flow offers: 

• Improved overall performance 
• Better functionality to enhance high-volume automation 
• Dynamic error handling and debugging capability 

• Repeatable and reusable functionality 
• Add-on features such as Screen Flows 

What Next to Get There? 

If you are using Process Builder and Workflow Rules currently, these are the steps to follow to move to Flow: 

• Upskill your team to use Flow or outsource your business needs 

• Always start it with a small function 
• Build on greater success 

Are you ready to reap the benefits of exceptional Salesforce Flow?  

• Learn how to use Flow with a learning curve 
• Get proficient with the Flow terminology with an A-Z glossary 

• Create a Flow Strategy by following best practices 
• Get a birds-eye view on the Flow Trigger Explorer 
• Develop thinking like a Programmatic Developer 
• Have a great grip on testing and debugging  
• Understand the Flow Migration Tool 

• Build any new automation request in Flow 
• Any update required to the existing automation – rebuild in Flow 

What are the best practices? 

• Make a list of all the Workflow Rules and Process Builder automations. 
• Differentiate the automation that is relevant and that can be retired. 

• Select the smaller ones from the list that operate on the same object and combine them into one Flow 
• Don’t just convert all existing automations to Flow, analyze if you can utilize some new features of Flow to enhance performance. 
• Train your team on Flow and make them update all the new features. 

Transition helps clear technical debts on the business front 

• Remove all the automations that are no longer required 

• Make sure the existing automation fulfills your business logic 
• Make use of new Flow features to improve automation 

Prudent has a pool of Salesforce-certified and trained consultants and administrators who can help you by accessing your current Workflow Rules and Process Builder and converting them into Flows. For further assistance in identifying and analyzing your automation needs, get in touch with us. 

Published by Rakesh Neunaha, Sobha Rani
Reach out today at business@prudentconsulting.com. Ph : (214) 615-8787