Loading

Update child records with the same value via Process Builder

Date de publication: May 14, 2026
Description

Administrators may want to update the same child records from one parent record with the same value as is being set for other child records of the same parent.
Examples:

  • Complete a Task, and also complete all Tasks for that Contact on that Case (which you own and whose due date is in the past)
  • Update a field on an Opportunity Product, and also update other Products related to that Opportunity
  • Update a field on a Contact, and also update this for other Contacts on the same Account

Salesforce documentation on performing updates from a parent to a child record is available here: Use Process Builder to update child records and lookup fields from parent
When trying to update records from the same object, they may trigger the same process again, creating a loop. To prevent this, create an extra field on the object to check whether this process is updating the record.
Note: Process Builder is being retired by Salesforce. For new implementations, consider using Salesforce Flow (Record-Triggered Flow) to achieve equivalent functionality.
This example demonstrates how to set Tasks related to the same Case to Completed, as long as the current user is the owner of the Task and the due date is not in the future.

Résolution

To update child records with the same value using Process Builder, follow the steps below. A custom checkbox field (CompletedByProcess) is used to prevent recursive updates — ensuring the process does not re-trigger itself when updating the child records.

Step 1: Create a Custom Checkbox Field on Activity

First, create a checkbox field on the Activity object to track whether the process completed the task.

  • Classic: Setup | Customize | Activities | Activity Custom Fields
  • Lightning: Setup | Object Manager | Activities | Fields and Relationships

Select New | Checkbox | Next | Name: CompletedByProcess | Next. Choose which profiles can see the field, select page layout options, then Save.

Step 2: Open Process Builder

In Setup, go to Process Builder and select New.

  • Name: Complete older Tasks
  • Description: Complete older tasks for same record and owner, when task owner closes task
  • Select Save.

Step 3: Add Object

  • Find an object: Task
  • Trigger: When a record is created or edited
  • Save.

Step 4: Add Criteria

  • Name: Task set to completed by task owner
  • Select Conditions are met.
  • Add the following conditions:
  • Field: Status | Equals | Picklist | Completed
  • Field: Assigned To ID | Equals | Formula | $User > User ID
  • Field: Account ID | Is null | Boolean | False
  • Field: CompletedByProcess | Equals | Boolean | False
  • Field: Related To ID | Starts with | Id | 500
  • Set Conditions: All of the conditions are met (AND)
  • Advanced: Yes
  • Save.

Step 5: Add Immediate Action

Select IMMEDIATE ACTIONS | Add Action.

  • Action Type: Update Records
  • Action Name: Update Selected Records
  • Record Type: Select a record related to the Task | Account ID > Tasks
  • Criteria for Updating Records: Updated records meet all conditions
  • Filter conditions:
  • Field: Related To ID | Equals | Reference | Related To ID
  • Field: Assigned To ID | Equals | Reference | Assigned To ID
  • Field: Due Date Only | Less than or equal | Formula | Today()
  • Set new field values:
  • Field: Status | Picklist | Completed
  • Field: CompletedByProcess | Boolean | True
  • Save, then activate the Process.

Note: Formula Fields cannot be updated by a Process.

Numéro d’article de la base de connaissances

000387965

 
Chargement
Salesforce Help | Article