Cross object formula fields are fields that reference data from related objects using lookup or master-detail relationships. They can be useful to display information from parent or child objects without creating custom code or workflows. However, using too many cross object formula fields in a Revenue Cloud project can pose some risks, such as:
Formula field data is not always available during CPQ quote calculation. This means that the formula fields may not reflect the latest values from the related objects when the quote is being generated or updated. This can cause inaccuratepricing, discounts, or taxes. To avoid this, it is recommended to use CPQ fields or custom fields instead of cross object formula fields for quote calculation. 12
They are computationally expensive. This means that the formula fields require more processing power and time to evaluate and display thedata from the related objects. This can affect the performance and responsiveness of the application, especially if there are multiple formula fields on the same object or page layout. To avoid this, it is recommended to limit the number and complexity ofcross object formula fields, and use filters or conditions to reduce the number of records that need to be evaluated. 34
They can easily exceed limits if not carefully designed and tested. This means that the formula fields can cause errors or warnings if they exceed the maximum length, number, or level of relationships allowed by Salesforce. For example, a formula field can only reference up to 10 unique relationships and span up to five levels of relationships. If these limits are exceeded, the formula field will not save or display correctly. To avoid this, it is recommended to review the formula field limits and best practices, and test the formula fields in different scenarios and environments.
[References:, 1: Lookup Price Rule query considerations with Salesforce CPQ [7], 2: Salesforce CPQ Quote Calculation Stages [8], 3: What Is a Cross-Object Formula? - Salesforce [9], 4: Tips for Reducing FormulaSize and Complexity - Salesforce [10], 5: Formula Field Limits - Salesforce [11], , , , , ]