Salesforce Flow has become the backbone of automation in Salesforce, allowing businesses to build powerful, scalable processes without writing a single line of code. From sending simple email notifications to managing complex, multi-object workflows, Flow empowers admins, developers, and consultants to automate routine tasks efficiently.
Recently, Salesforce has made a significant change — moving Flow out of the Setup menu and into dedicated Lightning apps like Automation App and Approvals App. This shift is not just a UI update; it represents a major change in how businesses will access, build, and manage automation.
In this article, we’ll explore why Salesforce is making this move, what it means for your business, and how iBirds Services can help you take full advantage of these changes.
The Role of the Setup Menu in Salesforce Automation
For years, the Setup menu in Salesforce has been the control center for admins. It’s where you configured everything — from object settings and security permissions to automation tools like Process Builder, Workflow Rules, and later, Salesforce Flow.
While this centralized location made sense initially, it also came with some challenges:
- Non-technical users found the Setup menu overwhelming.
- Switching between record pages and Setup pages disrupted workflow.
- Admins had to navigate a maze of options to find the right automation tools.
With Salesforce Flow becoming more central to everyday operations, keeping it hidden deep inside Setup was no longer ideal.
Introducing the Automation App
Salesforce has now introduced the Automation App, a dedicated workspace for building and managing Flows.
Key Benefits of the Automation App:
- Faster Access – No more digging through the Setup menu; you can open the app directly from the App Launcher.
- Better User Experience – The interface is cleaner, with all automation tools in one place.
- Context-Aware Navigation – Easily jump between a Flow and related records without breaking your workflow.
- Collaboration Ready – Teams can work together on automation projects without needing full Setup access.
This is a game-changer for admins and business teams who work on automation daily.
The New Approvals App
Another major change is the launch of the Approvals App, designed to modernize approval processes in Salesforce.
What’s New in Flow Approvals:
- Centralized Approval Management – View, track, and manage all approvals in one place.
- Integration with Flow Builder – Create advanced approval paths with conditional logic.
- Real-Time Updates – Get notified instantly when approvals are submitted or completed.
- Mobile-Friendly Interface – Approve requests on the go using Salesforce mobile apps.
These improvements mean that approval workflows, which were once limited and rigid, are now more flexible and business-friendly.
Why Salesforce is Moving Flow Out of Setup
Salesforce’s decision to shift Flow from Setup to Lightning Apps is based on three main reasons:
- Better Accessibility – Automation is no longer just an admin tool; it’s a business tool.
- Improved Adoption – A dedicated app encourages more frequent use by both technical and non-technical users.
- Future Growth – Salesforce plans to expand Flow’s capabilities, and having it in its own app makes scaling easier.
In short, Salesforce wants automation to feel like part of your daily operations, not a hidden configuration option.
What This Means for Businesses
This update will have several positive impacts on how companies use Salesforce:
- Reduced Learning Curve – New users can start building automations without being intimidated by the Setup menu.
- Faster Development – Admins can create and test Flows without switching contexts.
- Greater Collaboration – Sales, service, and marketing teams can participate in automation projects more easily.
- Higher ROI on Salesforce Investment – Faster automation means better process efficiency, which directly impacts productivity and cost savings.
Real-World Example of the Change
Imagine you run a sales team that uses Salesforce to track leads. Before this update, your admin had to open Setup, search for Flow, and then create an automation to send reminders to sales reps when leads were idle for more than 3 days.
Now, with the Automation App, your admin can open the app directly, build the Flow, and even involve sales managers in the process — all without leaving the core workspace. The result? Faster implementation and better collaboration.
The Future of Flow in Salesforce
This change is just the beginning. Salesforce has hinted at several upcoming enhancements to Flow, including:
- AI-Powered Flow Recommendations – Suggesting automation ideas based on your org’s usage patterns.
- Reusable Flow Components – Build once, reuse anywhere.
- Deeper Integration with Slack – Automate notifications and approvals directly inside Slack channels.
- Enhanced Testing Tools – Test Flows without affecting live data.
Businesses that start adapting now will be in the best position to leverage these future improvements.
How iBirds Services Can Help
iBirds Services, we specialize in helping businesses make the most of Salesforce — including automation with Flow.
Our Salesforce Flow Services Include:
- Flow Implementation – Build custom automations tailored to your business processes.
- Migration from Process Builder & Workflow Rules – Move to Flow smoothly before Salesforce retires older automation tools.
- Flow Optimization – Audit and improve existing Flows for performance and maintainability.
- Team Training – Empower your staff to build and manage Flows confidently.
Whether you are just starting with Salesforce or looking to modernize your existing automation, we can guide you every step of the way.
Internal Linking Suggestions:
- Link “Salesforce CRM Implementation Services” page when mentioning Flow Implementation.
- Link “Salesforce Custom Development” page when discussing custom automations.
- Link “Salesforce Training” page when covering Team Training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Salesforce Flow?
Salesforce Flow is a tool that allows you to automate business processes without code, using a visual drag-and-drop interface.
Q2. Why is Flow moving out of the Setup menu?
Salesforce wants to make Flow more accessible and encourage everyday use by non-technical users.
Q3. Do I need to update my existing Flows?
No, your current Flows will continue working, but moving forward, you’ll build and manage them in the new Automation App.
Q4. Can my team use Flow without admin access?
Yes, with proper permissions, non-admin users can work with Flows in the Automation App.
Q5. How can iBirds help with Salesforce Flow migration?
We offer implementation, migration, optimization, and training services to ensure a smooth transition.
Summary
Salesforce’s decision to move Flow out of the Setup menu is a strategic step toward making automation more accessible, collaborative, and powerful. Businesses that embrace this change can expect faster workflows, higher productivity, and a better return on their Salesforce investment.If you’re ready to modernize your Salesforce automation strategy, iBirds Services can help you plan, implement, and optimize Flows that fit your unique needs. Contact us today to get started.