Question

Difficulty: Very hardApproval Processes

An administrator is configuring a multi-step automated approval process for high-value contract renewals. When an end-user initiates an approval request, Salesforce executes a strict sequence of system evaluations and action triggers. Place the automated system steps in the exact chronological order in which Salesforce processes them from initial user submission to final approval completion.

  1. 1Salesforce evaluates the top-level approval process entry criteria, applies the initial record lock, and executes initial submission actions.
  2. 2Salesforce evaluates the step entry criteria for Step 1 to determine if the record should enter the step or skip to the next step/action.
  3. 3Salesforce assigns the approval request to the specified approver and sends the step notification email.
  4. 4Salesforce executes step approval actions when the designated approver approves Step 1.
  5. 5Salesforce executes Final Approval Actions and unlocks the record (or maintains lock according to final approval settings).

Answer

The correct chronological execution order is: 1) Evaluate process entry criteria, lock record, and run initial submission actions; 2) Evaluate Step 1 entry criteria; 3) Assign request and send step notification email; 4) Execute Step 1 approval actions; 5) Execute Final Approval Actions.
When a record is submitted for approval, Salesforce evaluates the top-level process entry criteria first. Once satisfied, the record is locked and initial submission actions execute. Next, step entry criteria are evaluated for Step 1. Upon satisfying step criteria, assignment and step notification emails are dispatched. Following approver action, step approval actions fire. Finally, after all steps are approved, Final Approval Actions execute to complete the lifecycle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate top-level approval process entry criteria and execute initial submission actions
The record enters the approval process, becomes locked, and initial submission actions run.
Process-level entry criteria are evaluated prior to any individual step criteria.
2
Evaluate step entry criteria for Step 1
Salesforce determines if the record qualifies for Step 1 routing.
Step entry criteria determine whether the record enters Step 1 or moves to alternative step routing.
3
Route approval request to designated approver
The approval notification is dispatched and pending work item is created.
Once step entry is confirmed, assignment and notification occur synchronously.
4
Execute step-level approval actions
Step-specific automated actions (e.g., field updates, email alerts) trigger upon approver authorization.
Step approval actions occur immediately after the designated approver submits an affirmative decision.
5
Execute Final Approval Actions
Final approval actions trigger and record locking state transitions according to final approval configuration.
When all steps in the approval process path are completed, Salesforce executes final approval actions.

Key Concept

Salesforce Approval Process Evaluation Sequence and Action Lifecycle
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