Workflows and automations
Operations managers connect triggered blocks on a canvas with conditions, loops and approval waits.
Operations managers connect triggered blocks on a canvas with conditions, loops and approval waits.
Where to find it
Web: open Workflows. Desktop: Business → Workflows, using the same record paths. Disabled modules or missing read permission remove the navigation entry.
| Screen / tab | Web path | Usage | Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workflows | /workflows | List, view or tab | Native screen |
| Automations | /automations | Legacy redirect → /workflows | Native screen |
| Record details | /workflows/[workspaceId] | Record or editor | Native screen |
| Record details | /workflows/[workspaceId]/[workflowId] | Record or editor | Native screen |
| Blocks | /workflows/runs/[runId] | Record or editor | Native screen |
| Record details | /workflows/rules/[id] | Record or editor | Native screen |
| Runs | /automations/runs | List, view or tab | Native screen |
| Record details | /automations/[id] | Record or editor | Native screen |
| Record details | /automations/runs/[runId] | Record or editor | Native screen |
Start working
Step 1
Choose a draft/template.
Step 2
Add triggers/blocks and inputs.
Step 3
Map module events into actions.
Step 4
Test/review/deploy.
Step 5
Inspect runs/waits; stop listening or decide/cancel.
Settings
Option-by-option configuration and screen paths: Settings guide.
There is no separate settings route; the guide distinguishes record options from declared defaults.
Permissions and limits
Before you start
Drafts do not deploy. Actions use the deployer’s current permissions. Legacy automation links redirect to canvas workflows.
Role capabilities: Read (read), Write (write), Delete/archive (delete), Manage (manage), Export (export).
Own-record restrictions apply equally to lists, records and Era. Record state or missing data can refuse an otherwise permitted action.
Ask Era
Draft a workflow notifying an owner on a new application.
Select relevant records for Era context. Era respects modules/roles; external or confirmation-sensitive work can stop for approval. Use era tools in the terminal to inspect currently available tools.
Automation and events
These declared events are available to module-event triggers. Subscribing does not configure the next operation; choose recipients, conditions and actions separately.
Operation details
The inventory includes record, configuration, visitor and background flows. IDs support Era/automation; not every row is a menu button. Asterisks mark required inputs. Unmapped rows do not imply a visible control.
| Operation and ID | Inputs | Permission | Screen or flow |
|---|---|---|---|
Draft a workflow · workflows.draft | Name *, When this happens, Trigger, Trigger settings, Description, Only when, Steps | Manage | Record/API/visitor flow; no separate screen button mapped |
Start a workflow from a template · workflows.install_template | Template *, Answers | Manage | Record/API/visitor flow; no separate screen button mapped |
Start a workflow on a module event · workflows.subscribe_canvas | Canvas workflow *, When this happens *, Listening, Stop a waiting run when | Manage | /workflows |
Stop a workflow listening to events · workflows.unsubscribe_canvas | Canvas workflow * | Manage | Record/API/visitor flow; no separate screen button mapped |
Park a workflow run at a wait · workflows.park_canvas | Canvas workflow *, Canvas execution *, Pause point *, Waits for *, Until, Approval task, Block, Trigger event | Write | Background routine |
Approve or reject a waiting workflow · workflows.decide_wait | Waiting run *, Approve *, Note | Write | /workflows/runs/[runId] |
Cancel a waiting workflow run · workflows.cancel_wait | Waiting run * | Write | /workflows/runs/[runId] |
Remember a step’s idempotency key · workflows.record_step_key | Canvas workflow *, Block *, Key *, Canvas execution, Result | Write | Background routine |
Report a failed workflow run · workflows.report_run_failed | Canvas workflow *, Canvas execution *, Workflow, Error | Read | Background routine |
Record an undo of a workflow run · workflows.note_undo | Canvas workflow *, Canvas execution *, Outcome *, Steps * | Write | Record/API/visitor flow; no separate screen button mapped |
Related guides
Technical sources
packages/os-kernel/src/modules/workflows.ts, packages/os-kernel/src/modules/index.ts, apps/studio/lib/os/navigation.ts, apps/studio/lib/os/settings-groups.ts, apps/era-station/apps/web/src/era/business/screens.ts.
Desktop editor surfaces: apps/era-station/apps/web/src/era/surfaces/workflow/WorkflowCanvasScreen.tsx.