Skip to content
IT Canvass
Workflows · Lesson

Custom workflows

Quick answer

Building custom SailPoint IdentityIQ workflows the right way: subprocesses, rules, libraries and upgrade-safe patterns.

Key takeaways

  • Build custom only when shipped workflows do not fit
  • Thin parents, logic in subprocesses, rules and libraries
  • Do not edit shipped workflows in place
  • Test with trace, version the XML, keep rollback ready

When to build custom

Build a custom workflow when no shipped process fits: bespoke onboarding, integrations, scheduled remediation or approval logic beyond the standard schemes.

Structure for reuse

Keep parent workflows thin and push logic into subprocesses and rules. Use workflow libraries for shared methods so you do not repeat script.

Upgrade-safe patterns

Avoid editing shipped workflows in place. Copy or wrap them, and keep custom logic in clearly named objects so upgrades do not overwrite your work.

Testing and rollback

Test in a sandbox with trace enabled, keep the XML in source control, and be able to re-import a known-good version.

Want to learn this properly?

Our live, instructor-led SailPoint Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.

Check your understanding

  1. What keeps custom workflows upgrade-safe?

    • A. Editing shipped workflows in place
    • B. Keeping custom logic in separate, clearly named objects
    • C. Disabling refresh
    • D. Avoiding rules
    Show answer

    B. Keeping custom logic in separate, clearly named objects

    Keeping custom logic separate from shipped objects prevents upgrades overwriting it.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Custom Workflows refer to in SailPoint?

Build a custom workflow when no shipped process fits: bespoke onboarding, integrations, scheduled remediation or approval logic beyond the standard schemes.

What is worth remembering about Custom Workflows in practice?

Keep parent workflows thin and push logic into subprocesses and rules.

What is another point to note about Custom Workflows?

Use workflow libraries for shared methods so you do not repeat script.
CallWhatsAppEnquire