Why setWorkflow(false) Didn’t Stop All Automation

Matthew_13
Kilo Sage

3 weeks ago

Problem
I used setWorkflow(false) expecting it to prevent all business rules, flows, and other automation from running during an update. However, I still saw certain logic executing, which was confusing.

Solution
The key realization is that setWorkflow(false) does not disable all automation.

What it actually does:

  • Skips most Business Rules

  • Prevents Workflow execution

  • Does not stop everything such as all Flow Designer actions, engine-level logic, or certain platform processes

This explains why some automation can still run even when setWorkflow(false) is set.

Why this matters
If you’re:

  • Performing bulk updates

  • Writing fix scripts or background scripts

  • Trying to control automation side effects

Relying solely on setWorkflow(false) can lead to unexpected behavior.

Takeaway
To control automation more reliably:

  1. Understand which automation types are affected by setWorkflow(false)

  2. Use conditional checks inside rules/flows when appropriate

  3. Test updates in a controlled environment before assuming automation is fully suppressed

Sharing this since it’s a common assumption and not always obvious from documentation.

 

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2 REPLIES 2

OlaN
Tera Sage

2 weeks ago

Hi,

This seems inaccurate and I would ask that you provide examples.

According to documentation it skips all business rules and script engines, not some. And frankly that seems like a very odd statement, because then there must be some (documented) logic behind which business rules to skip.

 

Also, please don't post things that are AI generated. If you intend to write something make it genuine and type it yourself.

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Matthew_13
Kilo Sage
In response to OlaN

2 weeks ago

I appreciate your perspective, but I want to clarify that my post is based on my own experience and knowledge not AI-generated content. Accusations like that are unnecessary, unhelpful to the community, and violate some guidelines.

 

If you have specific documentation or examples regarding business rules and script engines, please share them so we can have a constructive discussion. Let’s focus on helping each other and keeping the conversation professional. I also ask that you refrain from following me from post to post yelling AI, as it can come across as being motive-driven at this point. 

 

Thank you for understanding @OlaN 

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