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Getting started

Build and activate your first workflow

Create a draft, configure its trigger and actions, test it, fix validation issues, and activate it.

Automation buildersBusiness usersBeginnerAvailable

What this guide covers

  • A workflow connects a trigger to one or more nodes. Activation makes the saved workflow eligible to run when its trigger matches.
  • Prerequisites: A WhatsApp Agent Project.
  • Result: The canvas shows Saved and Active, and a matching event produces an execution in Analytics or the relevant operational view.
  • Limit: Test mode simulates message and external side effects but executes AI nodes for real and includes their estimated cost.

What this is and when to use it

A workflow connects a trigger to one or more nodes. Activation makes the saved workflow eligible to run when its trigger matches.

When to use Build and activate your first workflow
Use it whenExpected outcome
You want Yanola to react to an incoming message.The canvas shows Saved and Active, and a matching event produces an execution in Analytics or the relevant operational view.
You need a scheduled, webhook, or conversation-based multi-step process.The canvas shows Saved and Active, and a matching event produces an execution in Analytics or the relevant operational view.

Before you begin

  1. A WhatsApp Agent Project.
  2. A connected number for message-based triggers or sends.
  3. An approved template when the flow starts a WhatsApp conversation.

Complete the task

  1. Open the Agent Project → Workflows and select Add workflow.
  2. Name the workflow and open its canvas.
  3. Configure the required Workflow Trigger.
  4. Drag nodes from the palette, configure each field, and connect every required path.
  5. Save the draft, open Test, enter representative trigger data, and run the test.
  6. Review simulated side effects, real AI steps, branches, variables, estimated cost, and validation findings.
  7. Fix every blocking issue and turn the workflow Active.

Confirm it worked

  1. The canvas shows Saved and Active, and a matching event produces an execution in Analytics or the relevant operational view.

Common problems

Build and activate your first workflow troubleshooting
SymptomWhat to check
Activation is blockedOpen validation details and fix missing required fields, invalid connections, or incomplete branches.
Test cannot runSave the workflow first and ensure the Workflow Trigger is configured.

Current limitations

Test mode simulates message and external side effects but executes AI nodes for real and includes their estimated cost.

Where to go next

Related documentation

Workflow builder interfaceUse the node palette, canvas, configuration drawer, connections, variables, undo/redo, autosave, validation, and Test panel.Test a workflowRun a saved workflow with test contact and trigger data while preventing message, database, and external side effects.Save, activate, pause, and change workflowsMove a validated workflow into Active status and make controlled operational changes.