Using Triggers and Actions
Last updated July 26, 2024
Stackby's workflow automation offers a powerful way to automate tasks and processes. At the core of workflow automation are triggers and actions. Triggers initiate the workflow by recognizing a specific event, while actions carry out the defined steps based on the trigger. Understanding how to use triggers and actions effectively is key to building powerful and efficient workflows.
Triggers: Starting the Workflow
- New Row Added: Triggers when a new row is added to your spreadsheet.
- Use case: Automatically assign a new task to a team member based on the project type in the new row.
- Cell Value Changed: Triggers when a specific cell's value changes.
- Use case: When a customer's status changes to "Paid" in your sales spreadsheet, update their order status and send a confirmation email.
- Time-Based: Triggers at a specific time or interval (e.g., daily, weekly).
- Use case: Send a daily reminder email to team members about upcoming tasks.
- Webhook: Triggers when a webhook notification is received from an external application.
- Use case: When a new order is placed on your e-commerce website, use a webhook to update your inventory spreadsheet in Stackby.
Actions: Performing the Tasks
- Update Cells: Modify the value of a cell based on the trigger or data.
- Use case: Update a "Completed" date in a task list when a task's status changes to "Done."
- Add Rows: Add new rows to your spreadsheet with calculated data or based on the trigger.
- Use case: When a new customer registers on your website, add their information to your customer database spreadsheet.
- Send Notifications: Send emails or Slack messages to inform users of changes or events.
- Use case: Send a notification to the finance team when a new invoice is created in your spreadsheet.
- Run Formulas: Calculate data using formulas based on trigger data or other cell values.
- Use case: Calculate the total value of a customer's order using a formula, automatically updated when new items are added.
- Create Tasks: Create new tasks in your task management system based on trigger information.
- Use case: When a new project is added to your project tracking spreadsheet, automatically create a new task in your project management tool.
Combining Triggers and Actions
- Simple Workflows: A simple workflow may involve a single trigger and one or two actions.
- Complex Workflows: You can build intricate workflows with multiple triggers and actions, adding conditions and branching to create complex, automated processes.
- Conditional Logic: Use "If/Then/Else" logic to create workflows that make decisions based on certain criteria. For example: "If a task's status is 'Complete,' then update the 'Completed Date,' otherwise, do nothing."
By understanding the different triggers and actions available in Stackby, you can build powerful workflows that automate tasks, enhance productivity, and unlock the full potential of your data. Experiment with different combinations of triggers and actions to create tailored solutions that fit your specific workflow needs.
Was this article helpful?