How To Implement Data Quality Checks In Salesforce

Quick summary

Salesforce validation rules enforce data quality checks by blocking record saves when required fields or conditions are not met. This step-by-step walkthrough shows how to create a validation rule on any object using the Object Manager and a custom Error Condition Formula.

Steps

1. Go to Setup on the top right of Salesforce.
2. Search for Object Manager in the Quick Find box.
3. Select the object you want to enforce the rule on, such as Leads or Opportunities.
4. Find the Validation Rules section and click on it.
5. Click New to initiate the creation of a new validation rule.
6. Define the rule Label and Error Condition Formula settings.
7. Enter a clear rule Label, for example "Opportunity Requires Amount".
8. Select Active to make the rule enforceable immediately.
9. Craft a clear Error Message displayed to users when validation fails, for example "Please enter an amount for Closed Won opportunities".
10. Enter the Error Condition Formula using the formula builder to define the criteria, for example ISPICKVAL(PRIORVALUE(StageName), "Closed Won") && Amount == null.
11. Click Save to create and activate the validation rule.