Salesforce's Summer 2024 release introduces numerous improvements to Salesforce Flow, further establishing it as the preferred automation tool for administrators and developers alike.

Some key enhancements include:

Enhanced flow creation and flow types

The new Flow Creation Wizard streamlines the process of starting a new flow. Salesforce has also introduced distinct flow types, making it easier to select the right tool for the task, whether it is screen flows, auto-launched flows, scheduled flows, or platform event-triggered flows. Additionally, there is now an option to let Einstein build a draft flow. This feature, currently in beta, will be of significant help to administrators who are new to flow, providing a foundational base to work with.

Screen flow enhancements

Several new enhancements have been introduced to screen flows and idea solutions, including:

• Utilizing the repeater component to create a list of records
• Making address input mandatory, along with a major upgrade that enhances user-friendliness and adaptability
• Introducing reactive collection choice sets
• Providing disabled and read-only options in entry components
• Adding action buttons by retrieving data in the flow and saving it for use when the action button is clicked, improving user-friendliness and enabling intuitive interactions
• Offering more detailed error messages when debugging

Threading token in email action

Say goodbye to cluttered email threads and mismatched replies. The Summer 2024 release introduces the threading token, a powerful tool that seamlessly links email replies directly to the relevant Salesforce records. This eliminates the need for manually searching for related records or losing track of important conversations. With threading tokens, email communication becomes more efficient, organized, and impactful, ensuring that every reply is accurately associated with its corresponding record.

Debugging enhancements added

Using multiple variables can make debugging frustrating. Running tests now allows for quicker entry of values and easier verification of flow behavior. Scheduled triggers, which are often difficult to test in many situations, have been improved in the Summer 2024 release. Start conditions can be skipped and are no longer restricted to just debugging the first record hit. Instead, users can select specific records to run, triggering multiple scenarios by selecting different records. The ability to debug flows with the Repeater component is also a great new enhancement.

New data handling features

• Users can check for duplicates before using the Create Records element with a new “Check for Matching Records” box.
• The Transform element is now generally available with updates, aligning with many major database extract, transform, and load (ETL) components, making it a valuable addition for experienced database users. Mapping tips can now be used to avoid errors upon save and navigate with upgrades in mappings.
• The new ability to lock records will reduce confusion with concurrent modifications. This is particularly useful in complex updates that touch multiple objects and require more processing time to complete.
• Before-save flows received a major upgrade. This release lets users effortlessly validate and refine data within the Create Records element before being saved to the database, providing greater control and precision for the record creation process.
• Null and empty data is now easier to manage using the “Is Blank” operator. Text values will be used to look for null data, checking for no characters, white space, and values other than text.

Managing flows

• Administrators can open certain aspects to flow revisions with new provisioning features for users without “Manage Flows” permissions.
• Users are no longer bound by past restrictions on paused and waiting flow interviews. Users can now increase the complexity of their flows and handle processes that require more time than simpler ones.
• Flows can be organized by grouping them into categories and subcategories. New fields can be used to create list views and to create, search, filter, and sort flows in a new Automation Lighting app.

Key takeaways and recommendations

• The Summer 2024 release of Salesforce Flow brings a wealth of new features that enhance capabilities and usability.
• Users can explore these enhancements in a sandbox environment to get familiar with the changes.
• Consider how the new features can be leveraged to optimize existing flows and build even more powerful automation solutions.
• Check the official release notes for a comprehensive list of all changes and considerations.
• New features enable users to start the process of moving old workflow rules and process builders to Salesforce Flow.

Salesforce support provided by Citrin Cooperman

Citrin Cooperman’s Digital Services Practice can help ensure that your business is getting the most out of its Salesforce investment. To learn more about how our team’s Salesforce support services can assist your business in leveraging the new enhancements to Salesforce Flow, reach out to Christopher Hunter at chunter@citrincooperman.com or Digital Services Practice Managing Partner Eric Casazza.