Flows

Flows are automation sequences that connect different applications and services into a step-by-step process. In Activepieces, flows are built from triggers and actions that execute in order to complete a task automatically.

What Are Flows?

Flows represent the logic of an automation. They are the path data takes from the initial event through all the steps until the final action. The concept comes from workflow automation, where repetitive or manual tasks are replaced with a series of automated steps.

In Activepieces, flows are at the core of the platform. Each flow begins with a trigger, such as receiving a form submission or detecting a new row in a spreadsheet. The flow then executes a sequence of actions, such as sending a Slack message or calling an AI model.

This structure makes it possible for businesses to integrate multiple tools and create efficient, error-free processes.

How Do Flows Work?

Flows operate by connecting triggers and actions in a logical sequence. In Activepieces, this process looks like:

• Trigger selection: The user defines what event will start the flow, such as a new lead captured in a CRM.
• Step configuration: Pieces (integrations) are added to the flow and configured with the necessary parameters.
• Logic and conditions: Filters, branches, and loops are used to control how the data flows.
• Execution: Once the trigger occurs, Activepieces executes each action step by step, moving data between apps and handling errors.
• Monitoring: Logs and versioning tools let users track results, troubleshoot issues, and update flows when needed.

This clear and structured process makes flows easy to design, test, and maintain.

Why Are Flows Important?

Flows are important because they are the foundation of modern automation. They help businesses:

• Increase efficiency: Remove manual, repetitive work
• Reduce errors: Standardize processes across tools
• Improve productivity: Free up time for strategic tasks
• Scale operations: Automate complex, multi-step tasks
• Enable AI integration: Embed intelligent actions like summarization or classification into workflows

Common Use Cases

Flows can be applied across industries and teams. Examples include:

• Sales automation: Capture new leads from forms and automatically update the CRM.
• Marketing workflows: When a new blog is published, send an email campaign and post on social media.
• Customer support: Create a ticket in a helpdesk system whenever a new email inquiry is received.
• AI-powered workflows: Send customer questions to an AI piece for summarization before assigning them to a support agent.
• Operations: Automate approval processes by routing tasks to managers through a To-Do step.

FAQs About Flows

What are flows in Activepieces?

Flows are step-by-step automations that combine triggers and actions to move data between apps and complete tasks automatically. They are the foundation of every process built on the platform.

How do flows work in Activepieces?

Flows start with a trigger, such as a new record in a database, and then perform actions in sequence. Users can add logic, conditions, and AI-powered steps directly within the flow builder.

Can flows be customized?

Yes. Flows can include custom pieces, branching paths, and loops. In Activepieces, developers can even build their own pieces to extend flows with unique integrations.

‍