The Start Another Workflow action allows a workflow to automatically start another workflow. This article discusses the Start Another Workflow action in more detail.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Start Another Workflow Action
- Setting Up a Start Another Workflow Action
- Setting Up the Workflow to be Started by the Action
- How the Start Another Workflow Action Appears in the User Application
Understanding the Start Another Workflow Action
The Start Another Workflow action allows data gathered in a workflow and saved into square brackets to be passed on directly to another workflow, and without needing to start the other workflow manually. Since the action passes the user on to another workflow, this means that it is always the final action in the current workflow. Once the user completes the Start Another Workflow action, the current workflow is also marked as completed. The user is then passed on to the other workflow without going through its Start page.
For example, in a workflow named Workflow 1, a Start Another Workflow action can be used to trigger another workflow named Workflow 2.
A Start Another Workflow action can only be used with Invitation Required and Registration Required workflows. It is not available for Public workflows.
To connect to a Public workflow using the Start Another Workflow action, you must change the Public workflow's Publishing Options first.
When adding a Start Another Workflow action to a workflow, you will be asked to select the workflow that will be triggered by the action. You can use any existing workflow with Invitation Required or Registration Required publishing settings.
You will need to create a workflow first before you can connect it to a Start Another Workflow action. For example, if you anticipate a new, and non-existent, Workflow 2 to be started by Workflow 1, you will have to create and publish Workflow 2 first before you can select it in the Start Another Workflow action in Workflow 1.
You will also need to create starting square brackets in the Start action of Workflow 2. These square brackets will take the values passed on from the corresponding square brackets in the Start Another Workflow action in Workflow 1.
The Start Another Workflow action gives AUTTO the capability to create complete systems composed of several workflows. Each workflow in such a system can be triggered automatically through a Start Another Workflow action at the end of a workflow, with users seamlessly going backwards and forwards between different ones when required. Careful planning is needed to create this system of connected workflows.
Data from the workflow containing a Start Another Workflow action is passed on to another workflow using Starting Square Brackets. For more information, see To Set Up Starting Square Brackets in a Start Action.
Setting Up a Start Another Workflow Action
You can add a Start Another Workflow action to a workflow once you have compiled the required information needed to trigger the start of the next workflow.
In addition, make sure to create a Workflow with Publishing Settings set to Invitation or Registration Required. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to use a Start Another Workflow action in your workflow.
To set up a Start Another Workflow action:
- Drag a Start Another Workflow action to the canvas of the Workflow Editor, then connect it to the previous action in the workflow.
- Position your cursor over the action, then click the Edit icon when it appears.
- On the Action Editor, select the workflow that will be started using the action. Only Invitation Required or Registration Required workflows will appear on the list of workflows.
- Click Update.
- When asked to confirm the connection to the other workflow, click Confirm.
- Select the square brackets in the workflow that will be sent to the other workflow.
NOTE: The values under the Inputs column are automatically pulled from the Start action of the other workflow. In our example, name, date, and value are all taken from the Start action in Workflow 2.
- Click the X button on the Action Editor to close and save the Action.
Setting Up the Workflow to be Started by the Action
On the workflow to which the Start Another Workflow action is connected, you need to set up starting square brackets in the Start action. These square brackets will take the values of the inputs passed from the Start Another Workflow action. For more information, see Setting Up Starting Square Brackets in a Start Action.
NOTE: Publishing settings for the other workflow should also be either Invitation Required or Registration Required.
How the Start Another Workflow Action Appears in the User Application
With the Start Another Workflow action, you can go straight through from one workflow to another workflow. In addition, data gathered in one workflow, including any information saved in square brackets, is passed on to the other workflow through the use of Starting Square Brackets in the Start action of the other workflow. This is all done seamlessly, with the two connected workflows acting as if they are part of a single workflow, rather than being two separate workflows. User credentials are passed along with the first workflow so that users need not log on to the second workflow any more.
Moreover, this feature is not limited to a couple of workflows only - you can connect as many workflows as you need to each other.
The data passed between workflows, including which workflow passed and received data, are viewable from the Data tabs of the workflows. For more information, see Viewing Progress, Workflow Data and Users.
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