Triggers are the foundation of the "Triggers and Automations" feature, designed to help users automate actions based on specific events or time-based conditions. They allow users to initiate automated workflows, freeing up time and reducing the need for manual tasks.
Note: a variety of trigger options are available specific to the Automation type eg. Experiment, Sample or Equipment.
Event-based Triggers - Event-based triggers respond to user actions or changes within the system. They activate the automation only when a specified event or condition occurs. These are straightforward actions taken by the user or within the system. Typical examples include:
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- Creation Events - Automation is triggered when a new record or entry is created. Example: "Trigger when a new sample is created"
- Deletion Events - Automation is triggered when a specific record is deleted. Example: "Trigger when a Sample is archived."
- Field Value Change -This type of event-based trigger activates when there’s a change in a particular field. You can select the specific field you want to monitor for changes, like an experiment status update or sample location. How Field Value Change works - Select a field to monitor (e.g., “Experiment status”), and the trigger activates when this field’s value is modified.
Time-based Triggers - Time-based triggers are ideal for time-based reminders. Unlike event-based triggers, which rely on user actions, scheduled triggers operate on a specific timeline.
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- How Scheduled Triggers Work - Set a trigger based on a date or time relative to an important date (like an expiration or due date). The trigger activates automatically based on the chosen schedule. Example (Before a Specified Date) - Trigger one day before the sample expiration date to send a notification for evaluation or disposal.
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How to Set Up a Scheduled Trigger
Scheduled triggers enable automation to run before or after a specified date or event, such as a sample expiration date or experiment due date. To configure a scheduled trigger:
- Select the Scheduled trigger option
- In the timing dropdown menu, select when the trigger should activate in relation to the specified event date. Options include:
- On Event - Activates exactly on the event date:
- 1 Day Before/ 2 Days Before/ 1 Week Before / 1 Month Before - Activates a certain time before the event.
- 1 Day After / 2 Days After / 1 Week After / 1 Month After - Activates a certain time after the event.
- Custom - Allows the user to specify a custom time interval. For example, If they want a reminder to be sent 3 days before the sample expiration date, select Custom.
Configure Custom Timing (Optional)
If the user selected Custom, additional fields will appear for them to set specific timing. Enter the desired time interval (e.g., 3) and select the unit (e.g., Days, Weeks, Months). Specify whether the trigger should activate Before or After the event date. Select the Event Date Field that the trigger should reference. For example, choose "Due At" or "Expiration Date" from the dropdown.
Save the Trigger
After configuring the timing, click Save to activate the scheduled trigger. The automation is now set to run at the specified time in relation to the selected date.