What are Triggers in a workflow

While creating any workflow , triggers are the starting points that initiate a workflow. They define when a workflow should run by listening to specific events or conditions. Once a trigger occurs, it activates the rest of the steps in the workflow.

Types of Triggers

Here's an overview of the commonly used ones:

1. App Integrations

   • These are event-based triggers that start a workflow when something happens in a connected app.

   • Example: When a new row is added in Google Sheets, or when a new lead is created in a CRM, the trigger fires, and the workflow begins.

2. Webhook

   • Webhooks are used to receive real-time data from external applications.

   • A unique URL is generated, and when data is sent to this URL, the workflow is triggered.

   • Example: An e-commerce app sends order details to a webhook URL when a new order is placed, triggering a workflow to send a confirmation email.

3. Cron - Scheduler

   • These are time-based triggers that run workflows at specific intervals or schedules (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly).

   • Example: A workflow runs every day at 9 AM to check for overdue tasks and send reminders.

Why Triggers Are Important

Triggers reduce manual work by starting workflows automatically based on predefined conditions. This helps ensure timely responses, minimizes errors, and improves overall efficiency.

Selecting the right trigger is the first and most important step in designing a workflow.

It ensures the automation runs at the right time and in response to the right events. When setting up a workflow, always start by identifying what event should kick off your automation—this becomes your trigger.