An Approval Process is an automated series of steps required to approve a record. It is a declarative tool that specifies the sequence of approvals needed, the conditions under which a record must be submitted for approval, and what happens when the record is approved or rejected. It's essentially Salesforce's way of managing internal controls and sign-offs for critical business data (like discounts, expenses, or contract finalization). It has four main component which include (Entry criteria, Approval process, Approval Actions, Rejection Actions).
Key Features and Control
- Initial Submission Actions: Actions that occur the moment a record is submitted for approval (e.g., locking the record so no one can edit it while it's pending review).
- Approval Queue: Pending approval requests are collected in the approver's "Items to Approve" list (often visible on the Home Page or a mobile app).
- Email Notifications: Automated email notifications inform users when a record requires their approval or when their submitted record has been approved or rejected