Definition
Approval Processes is a Setup page where administrators define multi-step approval workflows that route records to designated approvers based on criteria. Each process specifies entry criteria, approval steps with assigned approvers, and actions to take upon submission, approval, rejection, or recall of a record.
Real-World Example
The admin at Granite Financial creates an Approval Process for discount requests on Opportunities. Any discount over 15% requires manager approval, and anything over 30% also requires VP approval. When a sales rep submits a 25% discount, the Opportunity locks and an approval notification is sent to the rep's manager. If approved, the discount field is updated and the rep is notified.
Why Approval Processes Matters
Approval Processes is part of Salesforce's declarative automation toolkit, which allows administrators and developers to streamline repetitive business processes. By automating manual work, teams reduce human error, accelerate cycle times, and free up people to focus on higher-value activities that require judgment and creativity.
Salesforce has been consolidating its automation tools around Flow, making this an important area to understand. Whether you are migrating from legacy tools like Workflow Rules or building new processes from scratch, understanding Approval Processes helps you design scalable automations that can grow with your business.
How Organizations Use Approval Processes
- •Wonka Ltd — Implemented Approval Processes to automate their lead qualification process. Instead of sales reps manually reviewing every incoming lead, the system now scores and routes leads based on firmographic data, behavior signals, and engagement history—saving each rep roughly five hours per week.
- •Dunder Mifflin Inc — Built automations using Approval Processes to handle their contract renewal workflow. Ninety days before expiration, the system automatically creates a renewal opportunity, notifies the account manager, and generates a draft proposal—ensuring no contract silently lapses.
- •Hooli Technologies — Used Approval Processes to orchestrate their customer onboarding checklist. When a deal closes, twelve tasks are automatically created with assigned owners and staggered due dates, transforming a previously chaotic handoff into a smooth, repeatable process.