Table of Contents:

• What are Variables
• How to Use Variables

What are Variables

Distro Variables allow you to dynamically insert information from the triggered object (such as a Lead), or from the user a route assigned it to, into another field during a field update, ownership assignment or notification. Instead of stamping only static values, you can automatically pull and stamp real-time data — like an Account ID or Owner ID — based on matching rules or other logic.

This provides more flexibility in automating field updates and setting ownership, making your routing and assignment workflows in Distro more powerful and efficient.

Benefits

​​Dynamic Field Updates: Stamp real-time values (such as matched Account IDs) into fields automatically, without requiring static inputs.

 

Flexible Ownership Assignment: Dynamically assign record ownership based on the owner of a matched Account or Opportunity without needing predefined teams or rules.

Increased Efficiency: Reduces manual steps, improves data accuracy, and streamlines workflows.

 

Enhanced Flexibility: Allows you to reuse any field value from the triggered object for both updates and assignments.

How to Use Variables

Dynamic Field Updates Using Variables

You can use Distro Variables to automatically update fields based on real-time information from the triggering object.

Steps:

1. Create a custom field in Salesforce if needed (e.g., distro-matched account on the Lead object).
    
2. Set up your Router to trigger on a specific field update (such as a Lead field).
    
3. Add a Field Update action.
   • Select the field you want to update.
      
   • Choose Triggered Object Variable instead of a static value.
      
   • Select the specific field you want to insert, such as Matched Account → Account ID.
      
4. Publish the Router after verifying your matching settings.
    

This setup allows you to automatically populate fields like a matched Account ID onto a Lead record without manual entry.

Using the Assignee Variable

When a route assigns a record, the Assignee variable holds the Salesforce User record of the person the record was assigned to. You can use it in any node after the assignment on that route.

Note: Triggered Object → Owner is the owner at the moment the Router was triggered, before any assignment. If the route reassigns the record, that is the previous owner. Use Assignee to reference the new owner. Using both lets you show the previous and the new owner in the same message.

Steps:

1. Add a node that assigns the record, such as Assign & Update Ownership, to a route in your Router;
2. After it, add a node that accepts variables:
   • Send Slack Notification, Send Teams Notification or Send Email Notification – choose Custom under Message;
   • Field Update – choose the variable instead of a static value;
3. Open the variable picker and select Variables → Assignee;

   

4. Choose the field to insert. Assignee fields come from the Salesforce User object. Lookup fields such as UserRole, Profile and Manager open to the related record, so you can insert, for example, the assignee’s manager’s email or role name.

The Assignee variable is only available on a route that assigns the record, and each route has its own Assignee. Insert it from the variable picker on every route that uses it: a message copied from another route keeps that route’s Assignee, and the Router does not publish until you re-insert the variable.