Start Here

What are Workflows? Manual vs. Automated Workflows

Workflows help teams create consistent, repeatable processes by guiding users through a series of assigned steps and actions.

Workflows help teams standardize repeatable processes, assign ownership, and ensure steps are completed consistently.

Types of Workflows

Swivel supports two workflow types:

The right option depends on whether users should start the workflow themselves or whether Swivel should trigger it automatically.

Manual Workflows require a user to intentionally start or run the workflow.

These workflows are ideal when processes happen on an as-needed basis or require human judgement form the beginning.

Example:

A client requests an address change.

A user manually starts the: Service Request Workflow which guides them through:

Complete form → Obtain signatures → Submit request → Confirm completion

Manual workflows provide flexibility while maintaining process consistency.

Automated workflows start automatically when a selected action occurs in Swivel.

Instead of manually activating the workflow, Swivel detects an event and triggers the workflow for you.

Automated workflows help reduce manual effort and ensure important follow-up actions happen consistently.

Different workflow types support different automation triggers. Available triggers may vary depending on where the workflow is attached.

Workflow Type	Example Automation Trigger
Contact Type	Create Contact for Contact Type
Pipelines	Create an Opportunity Advance the Sales Stage
Sales Stage	Advance the Sales Stage
Appointment Type	Create a Contact’s Appointment
Product	Attach a product to the contact
Campaign Types	Create a campaign using the specific campaign type
Channel Types	Create a Channel Type using the specific channel
Event Types	Create an event using the specific Event Type
Vendor Types	Create a new vendor using the specific Vendor Type

Use Manual Workflows when:

✅ Human review is needed before starting
✅ Processes occur occasionally
✅ Timing varies

Use Automated Workflows when:

✅ The process should always occur after a specific action
✅ You want consistent follow-up
✅ You want to reduce manual work

🔗 Create & Manage Workflow Templates → Build and publish workflow templates

🔗 Common Workflow Examples & Use Cases → Explore sample workflows by business process

🔗 Schedule a Workflow to Run Later → Start workflows automatically on a future date

🔗 Workflow FAQs → Answers to common workflow questions