agent failed to write back merged records: validation rule blocked it

TL;DR

The merge logic produced a record that a validation rule rejects, so the write-back fails after the merge decision is made. Validate the merged field set against the active rules before calling merge (or write), fix the offending fields, and only then commit. Validate before the destructive step.

Error

[ {
  "message" : "Merged record violates validation: Close Date must be in the current fiscal year",
  "errorCode" : "FIELD_CUSTOM_VALIDATION_EXCEPTION"
} ]

Steps

1. Read the rule message and identify the offending merged field. Expected: you know which value the rule rejects.
2. Decide the correct value: usually the master's value wins, but the rule may require the loser's. Expected: an explicit, documented choice.
3. Adjust the merged payload to satisfy the rule. Expected: a payload that passes.
4. Re-run the merge or write-back. Expected: success.
5. Add a pre-merge validation step to the agent that checks the merged field set against known rules. Expected: failures move before the destructive step.

When to use

• Merges complete logically but the write fails on validation.
• An agent merges records with conflicting field values.
• After new validation rules deploy, merges start failing.

When not to use

• Master selection problems (choose the master first).
• Child record limits (different fix).

Tool compatibility

• Salesforce validation rules; merge and update APIs.
• Agent pre-write validation.

Variant phrasings

write-back blocked after merge

Validate the merged payload first.

merged record fails validation

Same fix from the data side.

Why it happens

Merge combines two records' fields, and the combination can violate rules neither record violated alone (a close date from one, a stage from the other). The rule sees only the final payload.

Edge cases

• The "correct" value may need a human call; queue those merges for review instead of guessing.
• Bypass checkboxes exist for system merges; use them deliberately, not by default.
• Test merges in a sandbox after rule changes.

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstSZDVDROK-ffZe1UX9Z2RQ

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstSZDVDROK-ffZe1UX9Z2RQ

Thread query: agent failed to write back merged records: validation rule blocked it

TL;DR: The merge logic produced a record that a validation rule rejects, so the write-back fails after the merge decision is made. Validate the merged field set against the active rules before calling merge (or write), fix the offending fields, and only then commit. Validate before the destructive step.