Custom Metadata Types

Are you constantly updating flows to keep pace with changing data like user IDs and effective dates? With Custom Metadata Types (MDT), you can skip the repeated flow versions and manage your data all in one place. Adopting MDT can be a game-changer for Salesforce Admins.

Custom Metadata Types are flexible, maintainable, and perfect for evolving needs. A recent client of ours benefited greatly from adding in MDT. From new employees and changing dates, we reduced the amount of time for each related task by 90% and stop the revolving door of new flow versions.

If you are just learning about MDT, here’s a step-by-step guide for getting started:

1. Setup > search Custom Metadata Types > Select Custom Metadata Types > Click “New Custom Metadata Type”
2. You will likely use this MDT for a variety of flows so keep the name generic but informative. Add a description too to help future admins.
3. Once the MDT is created, you will need to create fields for each value you want to hold. In our case, to simplify tracking User IDs, we also created User Name fields so we weren’t looking each user up as updating occurred. Update the page layout with sections to make it easy to read and update.
4. At the top of the MDT page, click “Manage *and the name of your MDT”
5. This is where you can enter the values that you will reference in your flow. When finished, click Save.

6. Now you are ready to call these values in your flow. Open the flow you want to update.
7. Add a Get Element to your flow and the object will be the name that you gave your Custom Metadata Type.
8. You can have multiple records to track on in a MDT, so add to your Get Element Filter “Developer Name = *the MDT name with underscores

9. Now you are ready to use it where you need in your flow. Where you would normally enter the value for your field, use the Get for your MDT and choose the field from your manage record. You made your first MDT. You will love it so much it won’t be your last.

Ready to give MDT a try? Start with a small test flow in your sandbox to see how it saves you time and effort. For more information on setting up MDT, check out the Trailhead for Getting Started with Custom Metadata Types.

If you would like a similar solution built for you Salesforce instance, let’s chat >>>