How can I update a few records in the database where a specific DML operation is currently not allowed?

 In the context of Salesforce, in this scenario, you can suggest your colleague create a temporary staging table in which he can make the necessary updates. This particular approach would ensure that the DML operation should be directly on the main table. Here is a step-by-step guide given:-

Create a staging table

Insert data into the staging table

The colleague can insert the required updates into the staging table:-

INSERT INTO temp_updates (id, column_to_update, new_value)
VALUES (1, ‘column_name’, ‘new_value’),
       (2, ‘column_name’, ‘new_value’),
       …

Apply updates by using a non-DML operation

You can apply the updates from the staging table in the main table by using a non-DML Operation such as a MERGE statement.

MERGE INTO main_table AS target
USING temp_updates AS source
ON target.id = source.id
WHEN MATCHED THEN UPDATE SET target.column_to_update = source.new_value;

Verify and cleanup

After applying the updates try to ensure that the changes are correct and then clean up by dropping the staging table:-

  DROP TABLE temp_updates;