Classic workflow
The Dataverse-internal workflow engine that predates Power Automate — still functional for in-transaction synchronous logic but mostly superseded for new builds.
A classic workflow in Dataverse is the legacy workflow engine that predates Power Automate. Configured through the process designer in the maker portal, classic workflows run on Dataverse events (create, update, delete, status change) and execute sequences of steps — create records, update records, send emails, change status, conditional branches. Two modes: real-time / synchronous (runs in the same transaction; can roll back the originating operation on failure) and background / asynchronous (queued for later execution; supports wait conditions for delays / polling). Power Automate has substantially superseded classic workflows for new builds — better designer, broader connector library, better ALM. Classic workflow remains relevant for in-transaction synchronous logic and existing customisations.