CRM 4 Workflow Timeouts: How-To

Sometimes you need a process to stop, wait for the clock to tick, and finally take some action when the system time reaches a milestone relative to a field on a record. Need to learn about workflows in Dynamics CRM? Consider my one-day live online class, Building Workflows in Dynamics CRM, which also includes a copy of my book on the topic.

Here are a few examples:

  • An opportunity goes past its estimated close date and it’s still open.
  • A case doesn’t get resolved.
  • A subscription gets close to its expiration date.

In scenarios like these, what you need is a special workflow function, Timeout. This is one of those functions that performs an important function precisely as it’s intended to, does it well…and is unfortunately well-hidden. Trick Bag reader Dina Loukota prompted me to record a how-to video on this useful function, and here it is:

August 25, 2010 · Filed under Dynamics CRM Workflows

2 Comments »

  1. dml Said,

    August 27, 2010 @ 9:17 am

    Hi, Richard
    I have another workflow question.

    Scenario….Based on a field that is populated on the ProForma form, I need the workflow to create a new Client (related entity) record and include a link to the new record in the email to user.

    My question to you: Would I need to create a separate child workflow to create / attach a link / send email and place in the ProForma workflow?

    thanks

  2. Mike Said,

    December 1, 2010 @ 12:56 pm

    Richard,

    What kind of performance issues would the CRM Server face when having 1000’s of time out workflows open at the same time

    Thank you for your help,

    Mike

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