Automations Best Practices

Building efficient, reliable, and scalable workflows in FlowRunner™ requires thoughtful planning and smart design choices. These best practices will help you create automations that are robust, maintainable, and aligned with your goals.

Start with a Clear Objective

Define the purpose of your automation. Understand the task or business process it addresses and identify the desired outcomes. Clear objectives keep your workflows focused and effective.

Plan Before You Build

Sketch out your workflow before jumping into the Flow Editor. Identify triggers, actions, conditions, and data transformations. For complex workflows, create a flowchart or diagram to visualize the process and spot potential bottlenecks.

Keep It Simple

Start with the simplest possible design. Simplicity minimizes errors and makes workflows easier to maintain. You can always add complexity later as your needs evolve.

Embrace Modular Design

Break large workflows into smaller, reusable components. This modular approach improves readability and simplifies maintenance and scaling.

Use Descriptive Names

Name flows, blocks, and versions clearly and consistently. Descriptive names make workflows easier to understand and manage, especially for collaborators.

Test Frequently

Use Test Mode often to verify the logic and execution of your flows. Testing individual components during development helps catch issues early.

Document Your Workflows

Include detailed descriptions of flows and versions to explain their purpose and functionality. Documentation is invaluable for future reference, especially in collaborative projects.

Design for Scalability

Anticipate future growth in data volume or user activity. Structure your workflows to handle increased demands without major rework.

Review and Refine Regularly

Periodically evaluate your workflows to ensure they’re performing as intended. Update them based on feedback and changing requirements to maintain efficiency and relevance.

Stay Updated

Keep up with FlowRunner™ updates and new features. Leveraging the latest tools can significantly enhance your workflows and expand their capabilities.

Prioritize Security

Set and review execution permissions carefully. Limit access to sensitive flows and regularly update permissions to protect your data and processes.

Conclusion

By following these best practices, you’ll create workflows that are not just functional but also scalable, maintainable, and secure. As you grow more familiar with FlowRunner™, these principles will help you engineer automation solutions that deliver exceptional results.