Using Triggers and Actions
Last updated July 29, 2024
Triggers and actions are the building blocks of your Workato automations. They define the events that initiate a workflow and the tasks that are performed within it. This article will explain how to use triggers and actions to build your first automation.
Triggers
- Definition: Triggers are the events that start a workflow. They indicate when a specific action should occur.
- Types: Common trigger types include:
- New Record: When a new entry is created in a database or spreadsheet.
- File Upload: When a new file is uploaded to a cloud storage service.
- Scheduled Event: When a task needs to be performed at a specific time or interval.
- Email Received: When a new email arrives in an inbox.
- Example: Creating a workflow that sends an email notification whenever a new customer account is created in Salesforce would use the "New Record" trigger.
Actions
- Definition: Actions are the tasks performed within a workflow. They dictate the actions to be taken after a trigger is activated.
- Types: Workato offers a wide range of actions, including:
- Sending Emails: Sending email notifications, updates, or alerts.
- Creating Records: Adding new entries to databases or spreadsheets.
- Updating Records: Modifying existing records in databases or spreadsheets.
- Uploading Files: Uploading files to cloud storage.
- Example: Returning to our Salesforce customer account example, the action could be to send a welcome email to the new customer.
Building a Simple Workflow
- Choose a trigger: Select the event that will initiate your automation.
- Select an action: Choose the task you want to perform after the trigger is activated.
- Configure the settings: Provide necessary information, such as email addresses, file names, or data mappings, to connect your chosen applications.
- Test your workflow: Run a test to ensure that your trigger and action are working as expected.
By understanding the concepts of triggers and actions, you can create robust and efficient automations that streamline your workflows and improve your productivity.
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