What this is
Triggers let you automate actions inside workflows. Instead of relying on operators to manually switch tasks or send updates, you can define what should happen automatically when a step is completed. This ensures consistency, reduces errors, and speeds up your processes.
Each trigger can include one or more actions. Below you’ll find the full list of available trigger actions, with examples and practical use cases.
Available Trigger Actions
🔁 Go to Workflow
What it does: Redirects users into another workflow automatically.
Example: Once the Initial Setup workflow is completed, automatically start the Daily Start Routine workflow.
Use Case: Chain multiple workflows together (Setup → Run → QA) without manual handoffs.
❗ Error Message
What it does: Displays a blocking error popup with a custom message.
Example: If a required variable is not filled, show:
"Missing serial number! Please scan or enter the SN before continuing."
Use Case: Prevent operators from progressing until critical data is entered.
✏️ Set Variable Value
What it does: Assigns a specific value to a variable (text, number, Boolean).
Example: Set the variable MachineStatus to "Idle" after a process completes.
Use Case: Update state or flags to be used later in the workflow.
🧮 Set Variable with Formula
What it does: Dynamically assign a variable value using JavaScript.
Example:
const today = new Date(); return today.toISOString().split("T")[0];Sets today’s date in YYYY-MM-DD format.
Use Case: Timestamping, calculations, conditional logic, string manipulation.
➕ Increase Variable Value
What it does: Adds 1 to a variable.
Example: Increase PartsCompleted each time a workstation finishes a batch.
Use Case: Progress counters, loop logic.
➖ Decrease Variable Value
What it does: Subtracts 1 from a variable.
Example: Decrease DefectivePartsRemaining after rework.
Use Case: Error correction, inventory rollbacks.
💬 Show Popup
What it does: Displays a non-blocking message (info only).
Example: "Heads up: Machine 3 is scheduled for maintenance later today."
Use Case: Provide alerts or tips without blocking progress.
🏷️ Add/Remove Tag
What it does: Attaches or removes tags from a workflow instance.
Example: Add QC Required when a defect is flagged. Remove Pending Review once QA is complete.
Use Case: Visual tracking, filtering workflows, dynamic labeling.
🛠 Create Work Order
What it does: Creates a new work order from a template.
Example: Create a maintenance order when RuntimeHours > 500.
Use Case: Automatically trigger service, inspection, or follow-up workflows.
💡 Pick to Light
What it does: Triggers a light on a physical station/device.
Example: Light up the next bin after an operator completes a task.
Use Case: Warehouse kitting, assembly line progression.
🔌 GPIO
What it does: Sends an electrical signal (In/Out, On/Off) to a device.
Example: Turn on a green light after QA approval. Stop a conveyor belt if temperature is too high.
Use Case: Integration with hardware, PLCs, sensors.
🔄 NPT Operations
What it does: Modify records in Next Plus Tables (NPT).
Example: Insert a record into Downtime Events with reason = "Machine Jam."
Use Case: Auto-log events, disruptions, or classifications.
🌐 Webhook
What it does: Sends data to an external system.
Example: Notify ERP when a batch is ready.
Use Case: Sync with external systems, API integrations.
📝 Open Form
What it does: Launches a form for input. You can set blocking behavior:
✅ Don’t Block – show form, let user continue.
🔒 Block Current Step – must complete form before moving forward.
⛔ Block All Steps – freeze workflow until form is filled.
Example: After inspection, open a checklist that must be completed.
Use Case: Data collection, compliance checks, approvals.
✉️ Send Email
What it does: Sends a custom email.
Example: Email QA team when a product fails inspection.
Use Case: Notifications, escalation, shift handovers.
📱 Send SMS
What it does: Sends a text message.
Example: "Work order 3789 is now overdue."
Use Case: Real-time alerts for supervisors or field staff.
🟢 Send WhatsApp
What it does: Sends a WhatsApp message.
Example: "Training completed for Operator 4. Certification link: [URL]"
Use Case: Personalized alerts, mobile updates for teams using WhatsApp.
💡 Tips for Using Triggers
Combine multiple actions in one trigger for richer automation.
Test triggers in a sandbox workflow before publishing.
Always document why a trigger exists — this helps future editors.
Use variables and formulas to keep workflows flexible.
Common Issues / FAQs
Trigger didn’t fire — what happened?
Check if conditions were actually met.
Verify the trigger is linked to the correct step.
For external actions (email, webhook), confirm external systems are available.
Operator says a popup didn’t appear
Make sure the popup trigger is set to run on the right event (step completion vs session end).
Email/SMS not received
Check spam/junk folder.
Verify recipient details in the trigger configuration.