Advanced Salesforce Flows: Sub-Flows, Apex & Error Handling

• They are reusable: As mentioned above, once you build a sub-flow, you can use it in multiple places. This saves time and effort. 
• They are easier to manage: Using a Sub-Flow means you can break complex flow into smaller components. This makes it easier to maintain. 
• They increase efficiency: You don’t have to repeatedly build the same functionality multiple times for various places. You can simply use the Sub-Flow.

• Calculate Project Due Dates

  You can create a Sub-Flow for setting the starting dates of projects and setting their due dates. For example, one of the conditions can be that the due date has to be on a working day, not a holiday.

• Onboarding New Joiners

  A Sub-Flow can make the onboarding process easier by providing training access to new employees, storing their information, and putting them on the payroll.

• Lead Tracking

  You can build a Sub-Flow for qualifying leads, getting their information, updating sales representatives, and much more.

• Reusable Email Notifications

  Do you want to create email notifications for important events such as project initiation, case completion, etc? Create a Sub-Flow that will accept variables such as email ID, subject line, and message. This Sub-Flow can be invoked through the parent flow, whenever personalized email notifications are required.

• Archiving Records

  Want to archive old records with minimal effort? Create a Sub-Flow that will select and archive records. You can also delete certain records if they are too old and irrelevant. The Parent Flow can call upon these Sub-Flows at different periods of time or during audits.

Benefits of using Apex Variables

• Handling Complex Logic: It can be used in scenarios where complex logic is required. These are the scenarios where declarative tools are not of much help. 
• Batch Processing: You can create batches of records and process them in groups rather than singularly. 
• Integration with External Systems: Want to extract data in a third-party application or system? You can do this easily in real time using Apex Variables.

Benefits of using Apex Variables

• Step 1: Go to the Developer Console.
• Step 2: Create a new Apex Class
• Step 3: Put in the variables you want in your Flow. You can do this by adding fields annotated with @InvocableVariable
• Step 4: State which kind of data you want in each variable. It can be integer, string, custom object, or Date)
  

  For Example:

  
  public class ProductDetails {
  
  	@InvocableVariable(required=true) public String productName;
  	
  	@InvocableVariable(required=true) public Decimal price;
  	
  	@InvocableVariable public String description;
  }
  							

• Step 5: Now, you need to define the method which can be called by the Flow. Use @InvocableMethod to do this.
• Step 6: It’s time to connect the Apex Action to your Flow. Simply drag the Apex Action on the canvas. Choose the Apex class you created.

Real-Life Use Cases of Apex Variables

• Managing Inventory

  Using Apex Variables, you can update the inventory whenever a new order is created. 

• Calculating Commission

  Want to easily calculate sales commission? Do this using Apex Variables where you use the total amount and commission rate. 

• Give Scores to Leads

  Want to see which leads to prioritize? Use the lead scoring method where you can assign scores to leads based on factors such as their origin, level of engagement, industry, etc.

• Users get a better experience.
• It’s easier to maintain.
• It saves time.
• It provides you with a more stable system without abrupt failures.

1. Creating Fault Paths

   This is the most commonly used way of error handling. 

   When you define a fault path, you can clearly define which actions should be taken when an error occurs. It could be recoding the error, showing an error message, or shifting the user to another screen. 

   You can use fault connectors on elements to do this. These elements can be Record, Create, Update, and Delete to define alternative paths whenever there is an error. 

   For example, you can have it send a message to the admin in case of an error.

2. Use Try-Catch logic in Apex

   Here, you can use try-catch blocks to manage exceptions in custom Apex code. 

   The method uses a Try Block which has code that may toss exceptions. 

   Then, there is a Catch Block which executes when there is an exception in the try block. 

   For example, you can create an integration process. This will create and delete a contact with the particular LastName and send an error message if the LastName is blank.

• Permission-related Errors

  If a record is updated but the user lacks permission to edit it, you can notify the user that they lack access. You can also inform the admin of the issue. 

• Catch missing data

  When creating automated tasks, you can catch which data is missing. You can also notify the owner that certain data is missing. 

• Insertion of Duplicate Records

  With adequate error handling, you can avoid duplicity in records. This can be done by searching existing records before creating a new one.

• Do not leave error handling for the end. Want your Flow to run smoothly? Make sure that you identify and resolve errors at different stages rather than only when the process is complete.
• Get to the root of the error. You can do this by using debug logs and execution details of the Flow. It helps in the quick identification of issues. 
• Make sure you keep a record of errors. By doing this, you will gradually be able to see patterns and possible problems that you need to resolve.