Spiff: How to Trigger Formula Field Value Updates

In the Spiff and Salesforce integration, if a formula field is updated and pulling into Spiff, the value and SystemModStamp field may not automatically update.

The 'SystemModstamp' is the date and time when a record was last modified by a User or by an automated process (such as a trigger.) In this context, 'trigger' refers to Salesforce code that runs to implement standard functionality, rather than an 'Apex trigger.' However, Derived fields, such as Formulas, do not have the Create or Update supported calls so they cannot be updated manually as well, hence the LastModifiedDate of the record will also not change for the associated record.

Due to the following reasons, the Formula/Calculated fields in Salesforce do not update the SystemModStamp:

1.Nature of Formula/Calculated Fields:

• • Formula/Calculated fields are derived fields, meaning their values are computed based on other fields or data. They do not directly store data in the database but are dynamically calculated when accessed.

2.SystemModStamp Behavior:

• • The SystemModStamp field is updated when a record is modified by a user or an automated process (e.g., triggers, workflows). However, changes in formula/calculated fields do not count as direct modifications to the record itself, as they are not stored in the database.

3.Dependency on Source Data:

• • If a formula/calculated field depends on values from another object or field, changes to those source values will not trigger an update to the SystemModStamp of the record containing the formula/calculated field. The SystemModStamp only reflects changes to the record where it resides.

4.Performance Considerations:

• • Salesforce optimizes performance by not updating SystemModStamp for formula/calculated fields, as these fields are recalculated on-the-fly and do not require database updates.

To update Spiff to show the new formula value, we recommend using one of the below options:

1. Backdate the sync for the object in Spiff whenever the formula field has changed to make sure historical records (those that haven't been updated since the last sync) are updated.
2. Work with an experienced Salesforce admin to establish apex code or similar to update a database field on a record anytime the output of the formula/calculation changes so that the SystemModStamp is updated.

Documentation

• Difference between SystemModStamp and LastModifiedDate
• What are Derived Fields in Salesforce? How their value is set? What is the impact on Timestamps?