Initial actions update object record fields when the approval process begins for that record.

The only conditions considered before the initial actions occur are the process definition's entry criteria, which start the approval process. No additional logic is involved. It is therefore a best practice to create initial submission actions for fields that must be updated at the start of the approval process. This ensures that all fields are handled programmatically and do not require manual updates.

Note

As with all fields that can be updated as part of the approvals process, the values you enter for the Field Value are not validated while you are creating actions and approval steps. You must understand the field types and thoroughly test your process before using it in a live environment.

To create initial submission actions

There must be an approval process.

  1. Click Add New in the Initial Submissions Actions section.
  2. Select either: 
    • Field Update (Constant) from the Field Action Type list and select the field name, then enter the field value, ensuring it is an appropriate value type for the field, or
    • Field Update (Value) and select the user lookup field for the object record you will update with the Current User ID. The current user is the person who is logged into Salesforce and makes a change to the object record that initiates the approval process.
  3. Click Save to complete the task or click Save & New to add another action.

The item is added to the Initial Submission Actions section.