The Remove Associated Records from Workflow action allows users to automatically unenroll related records when conditions change. Available in Contact-based, Company-based, and Custom Object-based workflows, this action helps maintain clean automation processes by removing records associated with the trigger record, based on a selected object and association label, from another workflow.
Note: This action differs from the standard Remove from Workflow action, which only removes the current record (e.g., a contact) from a workflow. Remove Associated Records from Workflow instead allows you to target and unenroll associated records, such as Contacts, Companies, or Custom Objects, ensuring seamless automation management across related entities.
How It Works #
- Open a Contact-based, Company-based, or Custom Object-based workflow, then click the plus sign to add the action.
- If necessary, update the action name so other users can understand its purpose at a glance.
- Select an Object: Choose the type of associated records to remove.
- Association Label: Select the associated records that should be removed. Note: this does not apply to Company-Contact associations.
- Workflow: Select the target workflow the associated records will be removed from.
- Finally, save the action.
The Remove Associated Records from Workflow action simplifies automation maintenance by ensuring that only relevant records remain active in workflows. By automatically unenrolling associated entities when conditions change, this feature helps you keep your workflows organized, efficient, and free of redundant or outdated enrollments.
Edge Cases & Notes #
- At least one matching association (by label) must exist; otherwise, no records will be removed.
- Removals occur immediately. To re-enroll records later, use the Add Associated Records to Workflow action or a separate automation.
Examples #
Example 1: Car to Dealer (Custom Object Workflow) #
When a Car record’s status changes to Sold, remove its associated Dealers (label: Assigned Dealer) from the Dealer Notification Workflow so they no longer receive updates.
- Object: Dealer
- Association Label: Assigned Dealer
- Workflow: Dealer Notification Workflow
Example 2: Contact to Contact (Parent-Child Relationship) #
When a Student Contact graduates, remove all Parent Contacts (label: Parent-Child) from the Semester Start Notification workflow.
- Object: Contact (Parent)
- Association Label: Parent-Child
- Workflow: Semester Start Notification
Example 3: Company to Contact (Company Workflow) #
When a Company record’s status changes to Inactive, remove all associated Contacts from the Active Clients Communication workflow.
- Object: Contact
- Workflow: Active Clients Communication Workflow
Frequently Asked Questions #
How is this different from the standard Remove from Workflow action? #
The standard action only removes the current record, while this one targets and unenrolls associated records such as Contacts, Companies, or Custom Objects.
Which workflow types support this action? #
It is available in Contact-based, Company-based, and Custom Object-based workflows.
What do I configure for the action? #
You select the object type, the association label of the records to remove, and the target workflow they will be removed from.
Does it work for Company-Contact associations? #
The association label selection does not apply to Company-Contact associations.
What happens if no matching association exists? #
At least one matching association by label must exist, otherwise no records will be removed.
Can I re-enroll records after removing them? #
Yes. Removals are immediate, and you can re-enroll records later using the Add Associated Records to Workflow action or a separate automation.
