Configure Two Picklist Fields as Dependent Fields

Objective

Configure two picklist fields as dependent fields so only valid value combinations can be selected, and set Sequence Rulesets to automatically update the dependent field when they update the controlling field.

Applies To

• Admins configuring Prospect or Account fields
• Users building Sequence Rulesets that update a controlling field

Before You Begin

• You need two picklist fields at the Prospect or Account level to create a dependency. This can be an existing field, such as Stage, paired with a new custom field, or two new custom fields.
• Field dependencies are configured in two places: the Fields tab and the Field dependencies tab.

Overview

Dependent picklists let you link two picklist fields so that the valid options in one field depend on the value selected in the other. For example, linking Stage and Substage means only the Substage values that make sense for a given Stage can be selected.

Sequence Rulesets can update dependent fields as part of the same automation that updates the controlling field. When a Ruleset action sets Stage, it can also set Substage, with the available Substage options limited to valid combinations for the selected Stage. Stage and Substage update together in a single transaction, so Salesforce never receives an invalid intermediate state.

Because valid combinations are enforced directly in Outreach:

• Salesforce triggers built to enforce Stage-Substage combinations are no longer needed.
• Updates sync without the delays trigger-based processing can introduce.
• Outbound sync errors caused by mismatched Stage-Substage values are eliminated, since invalid combinations cannot be configured or executed.
• Manual updates on a record and automated updates through Rulesets both follow the same dependency rules, so qualification workflows can be automated end to end.

Procedure

Create a field dependency

1. Log in to Outreach as an Admin.
2. Click Administration > Records > Prospects or Accounts > edit the account.
3. Confirm or create the two picklist fields you want to link.
4. Go to the Field dependencies tab.
5. Click Add rule.
6. Select the controlling field (for example, Stage) and the dependent field (for example, Substage).
7. In Value mappings, map which values in the dependent field are valid for each value in the controlling field.
8. Save the dependency rule.

Use dependent fields in a Sequence Ruleset

1. Open the Ruleset action that sets the controlling field, such as Stage.
2. The action shows optional inputs for dependent fields, filtered to the values that are valid for the selected Stage.
3. Click View dependencies to review or edit the controlling and dependent field pair while editing the Ruleset.

Update dependent fields on a record

1. Open a Prospect or Account and edit its Stage.
2. Select values for both picklists in the model that appears.