Before Launching Your First Workflow - Test Workflow for Pro Suite Edition

Begin Testing Workflow for Pro Suite Edition 

We strongly recommend testing Workflow before deploying it to your live data. To avoid confusion and prevent accidental changes to live records, establish a clear naming convention for your test records. 

For example:

• Account Object Testing: WorkflowTestCompany1, WorkflowTestCompany2, etc.
• Contact Object Testing: Workflow Test First Name, Workflow Test Last Name1, 2, 3, etc.
• Lead Object Testing: Workflow TestLead 1, 2, 3, etc.
• Campaign Object Testing: Workflow Test Campaign
• Opportunity Object Testing: Workflow Test Opportunity

Creating Workflow Rule Criteria for Testing

When setting up your Workflow Rule Criteria, ensure that at least one of your filters references the test records you’ve created. This will prevent accidentally sending real emails or assigning tasks to your reps. Here's an example of how you can filter for test records in your workflow criteria:

• Example Workflow Criteria for Account Object:
  • AccountName Equals WorkflowTestCompany
  • AND Type = Prospect
  • Email Alert Subject: "Please Ignore – Testing New App"
  • Field Update: "Updated for WorkflowTest"

By filtering specifically for test records, you ensure that your workflow actions only affect those records during testing.

Using the “Execute Now” Button for Immediate Testing

To save time while testing, use the “Execute Now” button on the Workflow Detail page. This button triggers your workflow immediately, rather than waiting for the scheduled execution at the top or bottom of the hour. By default, this button is hidden, but you can make it visible by following these steps:

1. Go to Setup > Develop > Custom Settings > Workflow Setting
2. Select Manage > Workflow Global Setting > Edit
3. Check the “Execute Now” checkbox to make it visible on your Workflow Detail page.
4. After testing, uncheck the “Execute Now” checkbox to remove the button once testing is complete.

Naming and Testing Workflow Actions

When testing different workflow actions, use specific naming conventions to easily identify them:

• Create Task: Name the task subject something like "Created by Workflow App."
• Email Alert: Set the email template subject to something like "Testing for Workflow App."
• Field Update: Set the field update value to "Updated by Workflow" in one of your text fields.
• Create New Record: Hardcode a text field value on your target object to insert the phrase "Created by Workflow."

Why These Tips Are Useful

By following these best practices, you can easily identify that Workflow for Pro Suite Edition is functioning correctly during testing. It also simplifies the process of mass deleting test records once you’re done with your tests, ensuring that your live data remains unaffected.