ApexIntermediateapprovallockingprocess
Design Apex for record locking during approval processes
Real World Scenario
Integration updates Quote lines while stuck in approval causing pricing inconsistencies.
Expected Answer
• Detect ProcessInstanceWorkitem pending status before DML
• Integration user bypass only with documented exception
• Trigger addError when locked record modified by non-approver
• Use approval recall API for automated correction workflows
• Field-level locking via validation during approval status
• Notify integration queue to retry after approval completes
• Test concurrent update during approval submission
Follow-Up Questions & Answers
Click to expand — each follow-up includes a direct, interview-ready answer
Main difference: use case and scale. Detect ProcessInstanceWorkitem pending status before DML. Integration user bypass only with documented exception. Pick based on your integration pattern and team capability. Approval locking is business rule—integrations must honor lock state or use bypass contract. Balance speed of delivery with maintainability.
Architect Perspective
Approval locking is business rule—integrations must honor lock state or use bypass contract.