A validation rule is required because Cloud Kicks needs to prevent , rather than merely discourage, users from skipping required Opportunity stages. A validation formula can evaluate the new StageName together with the prior stage, required fields, or other process criteria and block the save when the transition violates the sales process. Salesforce validation rules are designed to prevent records from being saved when specified business conditions are violated. Path and Guidance for Success improve usability and tell representatives what they should do, but neither inherently stops a user from jumping directly to Contract Signed. An approval process would add unnecessary managerial routing and does not directly represent the requirement to enforce valid stage progression. Therefore, a validation rule is the most efficient declarative mechanism for enforcing the required pipeline sequence.

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