Validation Rules are great! They force data quality, ensure users follow a process, and are part of a mature system. But, sometimes it can be difficult to determine when and where to implement a validation rule. Below I describe a framework (I know, my favorite) that will help guide what should be implemented as a Validation Rule.
Without further ado, I give you a Validation Rule decision framework.
When deciding if a Validation Rule is needed or not ask yourself three questions.
Should your field be required?
Is the field part of a step process?
Do you just need a warning message?
If a field needs to be require every time a record is edited then a Validation Rule should not be used. A Field Level requirement should be implemented.
~ If a field needs to be required sometimes (i.e. specific criteria) then a Validation Rule should be used.
~ A step process is any business process that has field dependent requirements. Validation Rules can be implemented to validate each step in the process, ensuring no steps are skipped.
~ Warning messages or "Soft Errors" aren't supported by Salesforce just yet but please continue to vote for this idea - https://success.salesforce.com/ideaView?id=08730000000Bra7AAC. Validation Rules prevent the saving of a record whereas the warning message would allow a record save but display a warning based on your criteria. However, there are other options outside of Validation Rules which you can explore.
- Use a Formula to display a dynamic message based on your warning criteria
- Use a Visualforce page to display warnings
- Use the Process Builder to push a Chatter Post (based on criteria) to users indicating the warning
** Note: Some Standard Salesforce Fields can't be made required at the Field Level (e.g. Address Fields). The work around is to use a validation rule. You can vote for this idea if you run into this issue - https://success.salesforce.com/ideaView?id=08730000000lAndAAE
