Manage Custom Object Records Linked to a Contact

Contact workflows can create, update and clear custom object records, such as installations, warranties or loyalty profiles, that are linked to the contact.

Before you begin

You need at least one custom object and an association label connecting it to contacts.

The three actions

• Create an Associated Record for Contact: build a new record, fill any fields, and link it with a label. Merge fields and custom values are supported.
• Update an Associated Record for Contact: change fields on records linked through a label. Choose All associated records to update every linked record at once.
• Clear Fields of Associated Record for Contact: choose fields to empty. The record stays and only those values reset. At least one association must exist.

Set up

1. Open the contact workflow and click +.
2. Choose one of the three actions.
3. Pick the object and the association label.
4. Add fields to set, or select fields to clear.
5. Save and publish.

Examples

• Create: when an opportunity is marked Won, create an "Install" record with the survey date and install date, labeled "Installation Scheduled".
• Update: when a service request arrives, set a Warranty record's Last Service Date to today and add the service notes.
• Clear: when loyalty points are redeemed, clear "Loyalty Points" and "Last Redemption Date" on the Loyalty Program record.

Notes

Workflows start from events, not dates, so tie these actions to a triggering event such as a status change or redemption.

Good to know: Use specific labels instead of All associated records when a contact can be linked to several records of the same type.