Salesforce Features
Custom Formula Fields
We are pleased to announce the arrival of the second-most-requested
feature: dynamically computed custom formula fields. In addition to
calculating numeric values, administrators can also create formulas
that produce date, date/time, duration, text, or hyperlink results.
Users who are familiar with Excel formulas will master custom formula
fields in a flash; the syntax and built-in functions are very similar
to those in Microsoft’s popular spreadsheet program. Custom formula
fields, which can be placed on any object (just as you would create a
custom field) will come in handy in a wide variety of situations such
as computing gross margin, opportunity discounting, commissions, lead
scoring, round-robin lead and case assignment, click-to-dial for phone
numbers, and more.
This feature is
available in team, professional and enterprise editions.
Best Practice Resources
- Getting Started with Custom Formula Fields (Flash)
- 100 Ways to Use Custom Formula Fields (PDF)
- Custom Formula Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Also See
- Custom Formula Blog
- Custom Formula Discussion Board
- Custom Formula Suggestions from the Salesforce Rollout Guide
Application Quick Links
- Create a Custom Formula Field on the Accounts, Contacts, or Opportunity, or any of the other page layout
Feature Details
- New Formula Field Type: A new custom field type, Formula, is available on any standard or custom object. The formula definition includes the desired data type of the formula output — number, currency, percent, text, or date/time — and the formula expression.
- Excel-Like Formula Language and Function Library: The language syntax and built-in functions for math, text, date/time, and logical operations are all similar to those in Excel. While Excel formulas operate on cells in a spreadsheet, formula fields operate on other standard and custom fields in Salesforce. For example: Discounted Amount = {!Amount} – ({!Amount} * {!Pct_Discount}).
- Simple Controls and Wizards: As with all features in the point-and-click Customforce tool, formula fields were designed with business users and non-technical administrators in mind. The custom formula wizard provides a rich, interactive environment for defining formulas and includes integrated help and examples.
- Powerful Conditional Logic: The formula language includes powerful IF and CASE functions, giving users the ability to embed application logic right in their formula fields. For example, a commission formula could calculate a commission amount only if an opportunity’s status is closed/won.
- Real-Time Computation… Everywhere: Formulas are recomputed in real time for every request, so they are guaranteed to always be up-to-date. And because they are defined as custom fields, formula fields can be used everywhere custom fields are available — not only in page layouts, but also in reports, workflow rules, dashboards, assignment rules, email templates, and more.
- Dynamic URLs and Custom Links: Fans of Salesforce’s custom links (Web links) for integration purposes will be excited about the built-in hyperlink function. You can dynamically create Web links and place them anywhere custom fields can be displayed including related lists, list views, and reports. This enables many creative integration possibilities, such as click-to-dial phone integration for contact and account related lists that display phone numbers.
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