Introducing Workflow Rules

In general, a workflow rule is the main container for a set of workflow instructions. It includes the criteria for when the workflow should execute, as well as the specific actions, such as tasks, email alerts, and field updates, that should execute when the criteria for that rule are met.

Every workflow rule must be based on a single object you choose when you define the rule. This object influences the fields that are available for setting the workflow rule criteria.

For example, if we define a workflow rule for the Job Application object, we'll be able to set the rule criteria based on the values of fields like Job Application Number and Status. We can also set the rule criteria based on standard fields, such as Record Owner or Created Date, as well as fields based on the currently active user when a rule is evaluated, such as their Role or Time Zone.

We'll look at all the ways that we can set the workflow rule criteria a little later. For now, just understand that the platform makes it very easy to create detailed workflow rules that target specific situations.