To ensure that multiple field updates occur in a specific order on a custom object, the administrator should create a process with one criteria node and three field updates arranged in the correct order. This approach allows the updates to execute sequentially within a single automation framework, ensuring that they happen in the intended order.

Using Process Builder with a Single Criteria Node:

In Process Builder, the administrator can define a single criteria node that triggers the field updates. By adding multiple field updates within this single node and arranging them in the desired sequence, Salesforce will execute them in that specific order.

This setup provides better control over the sequence of updates compared to multiple workflow rules, as Process Builder will execute each field update step by step as configured within the node.

Advantages Over Workflow Rules:

Unlike workflow rules, where the order of execution can be less predictable due to separate triggers, Process Builder enables precise control over the execution sequence within the same process.

Using multiple workflow rules or multiple criteria nodes with stop actions would complicate the setup without guaranteeing the specific order. Process Builder’s structure ensures that updates proceed in the exact order defined.

Incorrect options:

Option A (Three workflow rules): Creating separate workflow rules for each update does not ensure a specific order of execution, as workflow rules are not guaranteed to run sequentially.

Option C (Three criteria nodes with stop actions): This approach would execute each node separately, and the stop action after each node adds unnecessary complexity, without ensuring the sequential order required.

Option D (One workflow rule with three field updates): Workflow rules do not guarantee the order of field updates within a single rule. Using Process Builder with a single node is more reliable for sequential execution.

In conclusion, Process Builder with one criteria node and ordered field updates is the most effective approach to ensure a specific execution sequence for multiple field updates on the Shipment object.