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Starting Guide To Automations

Learn how to set up and use the automations feature

Sarah G avatar
Written by Sarah G
Updated yesterday

Overview

Automations help you streamline workflows by automatically performing an action when something happens (a trigger). For example, you can automatically assign a Form when a user starts employment, or send a private Chat message after a Course is completed.

Automations connect different parts of Connecteam so they can “talk” to each other. Reducing manual work and keeping your processes running consistently.

In this article, you’ll learn how to access Automations, manage existing automations, create a new automation, add triggers and actions, and use conditions.


Access Automations

Automations appears on the left sidebar underneath the smart groups tab:

**Please note: Only Owners have access to Automations


Manage Existing automations

From the General Automations page, you can:

  • Enable/Disable an Automation via toggling on/off the button

  • Click Add new to create a new automation.

  • Open the Run log to see which runs were successful and which were unsuccessful.

From the three dot menu, you can:

  • See the Run History

  • Edit Automations

  • Delete automations.


Create a New Automation

To create a new automation, follow these steps:

  1. Click Add New

  2. Click Set trigger, then select a trigger from the list.

  3. Next set up your Action by selecting an Action from the action list.

  4. (Optional) Add Conditions between steps to control when the automation runs, See below for an in depth review.

  5. Click Save and activate to immediately activate it or save as draft to activate at a later time.

  6. Name Your Automation and give it a description(optional)

See the full flow in the gif below:


Adding and Configuring Triggers

A trigger is the event that starts an automation. After you choose a trigger, you may need to define extra details (like a specific form or course). Triggers are grouped by feature.

Below are a list of all the available Triggers, if you would like to request any new automations, vote here!

Available Triggers:

User completed A Course

A user Requested Time off

  • A User Submits a Form

  • Form Status Column Changed

Quiz Was Submitted

Time since Start date

  • Shifts created

  • Shifts updated

  • Shifts deleted

  • Task Published

  • Task Completed

NFC Tag Scanned


Adding and Configuring Actions

An action is the automated step that happens after the trigger. It’s the “outcome” of the automation, designed to move your process forward without manual follow-up. For example, an action can notify the right person, assign a required item (like a form or course), or send a message to the employee. Most actions require configuration, such as selecting recipients, defining task details, or writing the message that will be delivered

Below are a list of all the available Actions, if you would like to request any new automations, vote here!

Available actions:

  • Update Custom Field

  • Add User Tags

Assign Form

  • Send Message to team

  • Send Message to user

Send User Tokens

Send SMS

  • Assign to Time Off Policy

  • Unassign from Time Off Policy


If your action includes sending a message (for example, Notify someone or Send private chat message), you can personalize it using variables. Variables automatically pull details from the trigger user, such as the user’s first name, last name, full name, email, Time Clock ID, Time Clock name, and daily limit hours.

For example, if you need to send a message to someone who exceeded their daily time limit, you can use variables to automatically include their details in the message.


Adding Conditions Between Steps

Conditions let you control when the automation continues to the next step.

You can add conditions based on:

To add a condition, click the + icon between steps, then choose the condition type and configure the criteria.

Examples

  • Only continue if the user is in the “New Hires” Smart Group.

  • Only continue if the user’s Location (Custom User Field) is “New York.”


Frequently Asked Questions

What are Automations in Connecteam?


Automations are in-app processes that run automatically using a trigger (what starts it) and an action (what happens next).

How do I check whether an automation worked?


Open the automation and review the Run log to see successful and unsuccessful runs.

Why can’t I use a trigger mentioned in this article?

Some triggers and actions are only available if your account includes the relevant Expert hub that the trigger/action belongs to. If a trigger listed in this article doesn’t appear for you, it likely means that feature isn’t included in your current subscription.

For full details on what’s included in each plan and hub, review Connecteam’s Pricing page.

Why am I getting an unsuccessful run with my SMS messages?

If your SMS messages show an Unsuccessful run, it usually means your account doesn’t have enough SMS credits to send the message.

What to do next:

  1. Check your SMS balance to confirm you have available credits.

  2. If your balance is low or empty, top up your SMS package.

  3. Resend the message after topping up.

Need more details? For further information, check out this article!


Pricing and Availability

Automations is available on the Expert plan (per hub). In the automation builder, you can browse all triggers and actions. However, you can only activate triggers and actions that are included in the hubs on your current subscription.

Note: Automations is currently in Beta and is being rolled out gradually. If you don’t see Automations yet, your account may not have access at this time.


Need more guidance? 🙋 Our LIVE support team (at the bottom right corner of your screen) replies to ANY question.

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