--- title: Workflow slug: IC-W-workflow docTags: createdAt: 2026-01-09T06:49:54.000Z --- **Workflow** is a powerful automation feature in Turbine that enables you to create dynamic, conditional logic for controlling how application records are presented and behave. Every application in Swimlane Turbine has a workflow. Every applet also has a workflow. Workflow is a series of conditional decision points and resulting actions that automate the presentation of record fields and layout. You build the workflow like a tree, with one or more branches. Each branch is conditional and can consist of multiple conditions and actions. Activity on individual records catalyzes workflow execution. ### Key Concepts - **Workflow**: A tree-like structure of conditions and actions that automate record presentation - **Conditions**: Decision points that evaluate field values and determine which path the workflow follows - **Actions**: Operations that modify field visibility, editability, requirements, values, and layout - **Stages**: Groups of conditions and actions that execute together - **Branches**: Conditional paths in the workflow tree that execute based on condition evaluation *** ## What is Workflow? Workflow is a series of conditional decision points and resulting actions that automate the presentation of record fields and layout. You build the workflow like a tree, with one or more branches. Each branch is conditional and can consist of multiple conditions and actions. ### Purpose Workflow enables you to: - **Dynamically control field visibility** - Show or hide fields based on record data - **Modify field editability** - Make fields read-only or editable based on conditions - **Set field requirements** - Make fields required or optional dynamically - **Automate field values** - Set field values automatically based on conditions - **Control layout presentation** - Show, hide, collapse, or expand sections - **Filter selection options** - Dynamically filter dropdown/selection field options - **Control time tracking** - Enable or disable time tracking for records ### When Workflow Executes Workflow is triggered by various record activities: - **Opening a new record form** - When a user opens a form to create a new record - **Saving a new record** - When a record is saved for the first time - **Opening an existing record** - When a user opens an existing record - **Modifying an existing record** - When field values change in an existing record - **Record creation by playbook** - When a playbook creates a new record - **Record modification by playbook** - When a playbook modifies an existing record - **Record creation by remote client** - When a remote client tool or script creates a record - **Record modification by remote client** - When a remote client tool or script modifies a record *** ## Workflow Components Turbine workflow consists of: - **Conditions** - Decision points in the workflow - **Workflow Actions** - Singular items to be accomplished by workflow ### Conditions Conditions are decision points in the workflow that evaluate field values and determine which path the workflow follows. Each condition tests a specific field against criteria using operators. **Condition Types:** - **Field-based conditions** - Evaluate field values (equals, contains, greater than, and so on) - **Reference field conditions** - Evaluate referenced record fields or record counts - **Default actions condition** - Always evaluates to true (used for unconditional actions) **Condition Evaluation:** - **AND logic** - All conditions must be true for the stage to execute - **OR logic** - Any condition being true causes the stage to execute - **Nested conditions** - Conditions can be grouped and nested for complex logic For detailed information on creating and configuring conditions, see [Creating Conditions](docId\:paJMstm95JwBR3uu2UvqX). ### Actions Actions are operations that modify record presentation and behavior. Each action performs a specific task when its associated conditions are met. **Available Action Types:** The following action types are available in the workflow action dropdown: 1. **Set Field Value** - Automatically set a field's value - Enter a value directly or use field references in text fields - For date fields, you can set specific dates or use date modifiers (previous, current, next) - Only executes once per workflow run 2. **Set Field Read/Write** - Make fields read-only or editable - States: Lock (read-only) or Edit (write) - Cannot be applied to: History, JSON, Created/Updated dates, Created/Updated By fields 3. **Set Field Required/Optional** - Make fields required or optional - States: Required or Optional - Required fields are enforced on record save — see [Workflow Actions](docId\:TD4jAiFtmXeKOumFYJWv9) - Cannot be applied to: History, Reference, Comments, Attachments, JSON, Created/Updated dates, Created/Updated By fields 4. **Filter Selection Options** - Dynamically filter available options in selection fields - Filters values list fields based on conditions 5. **Modify Layout** - Show, hide, collapse, or expand fields and sections - For sections: show, hide, collapse, expand - For fields: show, hide only - Can be applied to all fields and sections 6. **Trigger Notification** - Send notifications when conditions are met - Configure notification templates and recipients - Can be used to alert users about record state changes 7. **Trigger Integration** - Execute integration actions when conditions are met - Run integration tasks as part of workflow execution - Available within Repeat stages for iterative integration execution 8. **Export and Email Record** - Export a record using a formatted export template and email it - Select an export template to format the record - Configure email recipients and subject - Useful for generating reports or sending formatted record data 9. **Toggle Time Tracking for Record** - Enable or disable time tracking for records - Enable or disable time tracking for the record - Controls whether time can be tracked on the record For detailed information on configuring actions, see [Workflow Actions](docId\:TD4jAiFtmXeKOumFYJWv9). ### Stages Stages are containers that group conditions and actions together. Each stage: - Contains one or more conditions that determine if the stage executes - Contains one or more actions that execute when conditions are met - Can be nested within other stages for complex workflows - Can be disabled without deletion ### Workflow Structure Workflow is structured as a tree: ```text Workflow Start ├── Default Actions (always execute) ├── Stage 1 (Conditional) │ ├── Condition(s) │ ├── Action(s) │ └── Nested Stage(s) ├── Stage 2 (Conditional) │ ├── Condition(s) │ └── Action(s) └── ... ``` *** ## Workflow Execution Summary There is no set order of how a workflow is executed. The processing first evaluates all of the conditions in the workflow, and then determines a list of actions that are dependent upon how the conditions are met. The process then executes the defined actions. For detailed information on workflow execution, see [Advanced Workflow Topics](docId\:EZs3Wye6brB_oQKphx8sL). *** ## Related Documentation - **Getting Started with Workflow** - Learn how to access and use the workflow builder - **Creating Conditions** - Detailed guide on creating and configuring conditions - **Workflow Actions** - Complete guide to all workflow action types - **Advanced Workflow Topics** - Execution details and advanced concepts - **Workflow Best Practices** - Design patterns and best practices - **Troubleshooting Workflows** - Common issues and solutions