Opportunity sales process and stage overview

An Opportunity Sales Process converts your organization’s sales methodology into a consistent stage path. It clarifies current goals and helps managers compare deal progress, risk, and expected closing dates.

A Sales Process defines the Opportunity Stages and their sequence. Stage controls govern when an Opportunity can enter, remain in, or leave a stage. Stage Tasks guide required sales actions.

An Opportunity Sales Process contains multiple in-progress stages and at least one end stage. Each process uses Opportunity as the Trigger Object and the Opportunity Stage field to track progress.

A stage is more than a progress label. It should represent a verifiable sales outcome. For example, entering a proposal stage can mean that requirements are confirmed. Entering a commercial stage can mean that the Account is evaluating price and contract terms.

For an in-progress stage, you can configure Stage Duration, timeout reminders, Stage Approval, skip rules, Completion Criteria, and Entry Criteria. An end stage can ignore standard restrictions and require a reason or Related Data.

Stage Tasks can edit an object, create a Related Object, or batch edit a Detail Object. Use them to update Opportunity information, create a Quote, or maintain Opportunity Line Items.

Stages identify deal progress, tasks define required actions, and conditions control progression. Align these elements to balance process control with sales execution efficiency.