Workflows vs. Plug-ins

S.NO

Workflows

Plug-ins

1.

Workflows have limited events like create, update, send mails, etc.

Plug-ins have more events

2.

Less impact on server response time because the code is run in a different process.

Synchronous plug-ins can increase the platform’s response time because they are part of the main platform processing.

Asynchronous plug-ins have less impact on server response time because the code is run in a different process.

3.

Workflows can be created by an end user who may not have developer skills.

Plug-ins can be created developers only because it needs coding and developer skills.

4.

Workflows triggered automatically run under the security context of the workflow owner.

Plug-in execute under the security context of the crm web application pool identity.

5.

Works well for either short or long processes.

A plug-in registered for synchronous or asynchronous execution is restricted to complete its execution within a 2 minute time limit. 

6.

When the Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Outlook client is offline, Workflows do not execute.

Plug-in works in both offline and on-line.

7.

Workflows cannot use impersonation.

Plug-ins can perform data operations on behalf of another system user.