Workflow Engine Overview

Flint's workflow engine allows you to automate complex, multi-step business processes without writing code. Create powerful automations that respond to events, make decisions, and integrate with your systems.

What Are Workflows?

Think of workflows as automated versions of your manual processes. Instead of manually moving data between systems, checking conditions, and triggering actions, workflows do this automatically.

Real-World Examples

Invoice Processing Workflow

1. New invoice arrives via email
2. Extract invoice data automatically
3. Check if amount matches purchase order
4. If matched → Approve and send to accounting system
5. If not matched → Flag for manual review

Shipment Tracking Workflow

1. New shipment created in system
2. Generate tracking number
3. Send confirmation email to customer
4. Monitor carrier updates every hour
5. Notify customer when delivered

Customer Onboarding Workflow

1. New customer signs up
2. Send welcome email sequence
3. Create accounts in various systems
4. Schedule follow-up calls
5. Track onboarding completion

How It Works

Simple Building Blocks

Workflows are built from three types of building blocks:

Triggers - Start your workflow

• Webhook receives data
• Schedule runs daily/weekly/monthly
• File uploaded to folder
• Manual button click

Actions - Do something

• Send an email
• Make API call to external system
• Transform data format
• Query database
• Generate document

Conditions - Make decisions

• If amount > $1000, then route to manager
• Switch based on customer type
• Check if all required fields are filled

Visual Workflow Builder

Create workflows using our drag-and-drop interface:

• Connect blocks with simple arrows
• Set parameters with forms
• Test with sample data
• Monitor execution in real-time

Key Features

Smart Variable System

Reference data from anywhere in your workflow using simple syntax:

• {{customer.email}} - Use customer email from trigger
• {{step1.total_amount}} - Use calculated amount from previous step
• {{variables.api_key}} - Use global configuration values

Intelligent Branching

Create sophisticated logic without complexity:

• If/Then - Simple yes/no decisions
• Switch - Route based on multiple options
• Parallel - Run multiple actions at once
• Loops - Process lists of items

Error Handling & Recovery

Workflows are designed to handle real-world problems:

• Automatic Retries - Retry failed steps with smart delays
• Manual Review - Pause workflow for human intervention
• Fallback Actions - Alternative paths when things go wrong
• Complete Audit Trail - See exactly what happened and when

Organization Features

Custom Actions - Build organization-specific actions for your unique systems and processes

Role-Based Access - Control who can create, edit, and run workflows

Regional Deployment - Run workflows in your preferred geographic regions

Resource Limits - Set limits on execution time and concurrent workflows

Execution Infrastructure

Scalable Architecture

Your workflows run on a distributed system that scales automatically:

• Workers - Lightweight execution units that process your workflows
• Orchestrator - Intelligent system that manages workers and distributes jobs
• Queue System - Ensures workflows run reliably, even during high load

Performance Features

• Auto-scaling - More workers spin up during busy periods
• Idle Management - Workers shut down when not needed to save resources
• Priority Queues - Urgent workflows jump to the front of the line
• Global Distribution - Run workflows close to your users and systems

Reliability Guarantees

• Never Lose Jobs - All workflow runs are persisted and recoverable
• Graceful Shutdowns - System updates don't interrupt running workflows
• Health Monitoring - Automatic detection and recovery from failures
• Backup Systems - Multiple layers of redundancy

Getting Started

1. Define Your Process

Start by mapping out your current manual process:

• What triggers the process?
• What steps do you follow?
• What decisions do you make?
• Where does data come from and go?

2. Build Your First Workflow

Use our workflow builder to:

• Add your trigger (webhook, schedule, etc.)
• Connect action blocks for each step
• Add conditions for decision points
• Set up variables and data flow

3. Test and Deploy

Before going live:

• Test with sample data
• Review the audit trail
• Set appropriate error handling
• Configure notifications

4. Monitor and Optimize

Once running:

• Watch real-time execution
• Review performance metrics
• Analyze error patterns
• Refine based on results

Enterprise Features

Advanced Integrations

• Pre-built connectors for popular systems
• Custom API integrations
• Database connections
• File system operations

Security & Compliance

• Data encryption at rest and in transit
• Audit logs for compliance
• Role-based access controls
• IP allowlisting

Monitoring & Analytics

• Real-time workflow monitoring
• Performance dashboards
• Error rate tracking
• Business metrics integration

Support Options

• Dedicated success manager
• Priority support channel
• Custom training sessions
• Professional services for complex implementations