Summer ’25 adds a Flow Builder Action element that lets you call an autolaunched Flow Approval Process directly from another flow. This simplifies approvals automation and keeps logic inside Flow Builder.
Overview
Salesforce Summer ’25 introduces an Action element in Flow Builder that can call a Flow Approval Process from an autolaunched flow. Previously, initiating an approval process from a flow required workarounds (Apex, platform events, or external calls). This enhancement makes approval automation more straightforward and maintainable.
How it works
Build an autolaunched flow (no screen) and add an Action element. From the Actions list, choose the active autolaunched Flow Approval Process you want to invoke and pass the required inputs. Activate both the flow and the approval process as needed.
Quick steps
- Create or identify the autolaunched Flow Approval Process you want to call (must be active).
- Create an autolaunched flow that will trigger the approval process.
- Add an Action element in Flow Builder and select the appropriate Flow Approval Process.
- Map input variables (record IDs, comments, or any custom inputs) and handle outputs or errors using fault paths.
- Test in a sandbox and then activate the flow in production. Optionally add a custom button to the object page layout to start the flow for users.
Best practices
- Use fault paths to capture and log approval invocation errors.
- Keep the approval process modular—use separate autolaunched approval flows for different approval behaviors.
- Document input/output variables so future admins understand data passed between flows.
- Test end-to-end (flow + approval process) with various user profiles and record types to ensure correct approvers and entry criteria.
Use cases
- Complex order approvals where business logic determines which approval process to run.
- Automated request routing that chooses approval processes based on record fields or related records.
- Agent console actions that start approval flows without writing Apex.
References
Salesforce Release Notes: Call a flow approval process from a flow (Summer ’25).
Why this matters
This update reduces the need for custom code and simplifies approvals orchestration inside Flow Builder. For Salesforce admins and developers, it means faster delivery of approval automation, easier maintenance, and clearer ownership between process automation and approval rules. Business users benefit from more consistent and auditable approval flows.