To-Do Step

A To-Do step is a workflow feature that pauses automation until a human reviews or approves the process. In Activepieces, the To-Do step is a unique function that requires manual intervention, giving teams control over key decisions before the flow continues.

What Is a To-Do Step?

A To-Do step is a checkpoint in an automation where human input is necessary. Unlike other steps that run automatically, a To-Do step stops the workflow and waits for a person to confirm, approve, or adjust the task.

The idea comes from business process automation, where not every task can or should be handled by software alone. Certain steps require human judgment, such as approving an invoice, reviewing a draft, or signing off on a proposal. The To-Do step bridges the gap between full automation and human oversight by ensuring that workflows remain flexible and trustworthy.

In Activepieces, the To-Do step is built into the flow builder. It allows users to embed approval points inside otherwise automated processes, making sure that the right people are notified and that nothing proceeds without sign-off.

How Do To-Do Steps Work?

The To-Do step works as a pause-and-resume mechanism in a flow. Instead of running immediately, the flow stops at the To-Do step and waits for manual action. Here’s how it typically works in Activepieces:

• Step insertion: A user adds the To-Do step into the flow at the point where human intervention is required.
• Task assignment: The step is configured to notify or assign a task to a specific person or team.
• Human review: The assigned person receives a notification and reviews the details of the workflow task.
• Decision input: The reviewer either approves, denies, or modifies the task.
• Flow continuation: Once the decision is submitted, the flow resumes its execution, moving on to the next automated step.

This mechanism allows businesses to combine the speed of automation with the accuracy and contextual judgment of human decision-making.

Why Is the To-Do Step Important?

The To-Do step is important because not all processes can be fully automated. It acknowledges the fact that human expertise is still required in areas where judgment, compliance, or quality assurance matter.

Key reasons why the To-Do step is valuable include:

• Accuracy: Makes sure data or actions are reviewed before being finalized.
• Compliance: Provides an opportunity to verify that steps meet regulatory or policy requirements.
• Control: Allows businesses to maintain oversight of sensitive processes.
• Trust: Builds confidence among stakeholders that automation won’t bypass important checks.
• Flexibility: Offers a balance between speed and control by allowing automation to pause when needed.

For Activepieces, this feature is unique because it positions the platform not just as an automation tool but as a human-in-the-loop system. It allows organizations to combine automated workflows with manual approvals, reducing risk while retaining efficiency.

Common Use Cases

The To-Do step is used in a variety of scenarios across industries where human oversight is critical. Examples include:

• Invoice approval: A finance workflow automatically processes invoices but requires a manager to review and approve them before payment.
• Content review: Marketing teams automate the preparation of blog drafts or email campaigns but use a To-Do step to make sure a human approves the content before publishing.
• Hiring processes: A recruitment flow automatically gathers resumes and schedules interviews but requires HR staff to approve candidate progression at certain stages.
• Legal compliance: A workflow prepares contract drafts, but a To-Do step ensures a legal officer reviews them before they are sent to clients.
• Customer service: Automated responses are prepared for support tickets, but a To-Do step allows an agent to review sensitive replies before sending.

In these cases, the To-Do step provides a safeguard against mistakes while still reaping the benefits of automation.

FAQs About To-Do Step

What is a To-Do step in automation?

A To-Do step is a pause in a workflow where human input is required. Instead of continuing automatically, the workflow waits until a person approves, denies, or modifies the task.

Why are To-Do steps important?

They are important because not every process can be automated fully. To-Do steps provide oversight, compliance, and quality assurance, ensuring that sensitive or high-stakes tasks are reviewed before moving forward.

How does Activepieces use To-Do steps?

Activepieces includes To-Do steps as a native feature in its flow builder. This allows users to embed approval checkpoints into workflows, ensuring that critical decisions involve human judgment while still benefiting from automation.

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