differences between immediate and time-dependent Workflow actions
Immediate workflow actions execute the instant the workflow rule criteria is met.
Time dependent workflow actions are attached to time triggers. A time trigger is a defined interval, measured in hours or days before or after any date or date/time field on the object (e.g. 7 days after case open). Multiple workflow actions can be assigned to a single time trigger; multiple time triggers can exist per workflow rule.
When using “When a record is created, or when a record is edited and did not previously meet the rule criteria” only one set of time-flow actions can exist. If the record is modified and no longer meets the criteria, any pending time flow actions are removed.
Example: If case is open after 4 days email case owner. If case is open after 7 days email management.
Create workflow rule (when record is created or did not previously meet), filter criteria IsClosed=False. Create time trigger for 4 days after case creation. Add workflow rule to email case owner. Create time trigger for 7 days after case creation. Add workflow rule to email management.
How it works: CSR opens case. Case is closed after 3 days. Case is reopened after 5 days. Case is closed at 8 days.
Case opens- workflow pending at 4 days and 7 days. Case closed- no workflow pending. Case reopened- workflow pending in 2 days (CSR email not created as it would have occurred in the past). Workflow rule executes to email management. No workflow pending. Case is closed.