Which type of flow should be used to update a Contact record that is called by other automation tools?

Using an autolaunched flow is ideal for updating a Contact record when it is triggered by other automation tools. This type of flow is designed to run in the background and can be invoked by other processes, such as process builders, Apex code, or even other flows. Autolaunched flows don’t require user interaction, allowing them to operate smoothly as part of a larger automation strategy.

Additionally, autolaunched flows can receive input variables, making them flexible and capable of handling various contexts as needed. This capability is essential when the flow might be called by different automation tools with potentially varying scenarios and data.

Other types of flows, such as record-triggered flows, are tightly coupled with events happening in the user interface or data changes that occur in real-time, which doesn't align with the goal of being called by other automation tools. Schedule-triggered flows are specifically designed to run at set intervals, which does not fit the requirement of being triggered by other automation in a responsive manner.