The Start Workflow step process is an operation method that automatically triggers a designated workflow after a form submission. Upon triggering, it automatically initiates the associated approval workflow or list workflow, entering the workflow process, which effectively improves the efficiency of approvals and the automation of data processing. This function is widely used in scenarios where workflows need to be triggered in the background based on form content, ensuring timely data processing and smooth collaboration.
When to Use the Start Workflow Step Process
The Start Workflow node is suitable for scenarios that require triggering multiple automated processes to enhance task handling efficiency and ensure smooth progress through various stages. Here are typical situations where the Start Workflow node is appropriate:
Parallel Processing: When multiple workflows can proceed simultaneously and independently, the Start Workflow node can trigger multiple workflows at the same time, avoiding the need to wait for one process to complete before starting the next. This significantly improves overall work efficiency, especially in scenarios like approvals, data processing, or task assignments where there are no dependencies.
Phased Chain Processes: For complex multi-step processes, the Start Workflow node can sequentially trigger multiple related workflows, ensuring that each stage's tasks are executed in the specified order. This approach makes the process more orderly and controlled, suitable for complex business processes that require gradual advancement and management.
The flexibility of the Start Workflow node makes it applicable not only for the automated triggering of independent processes but also for achieving refined process segmentation management as needed.
Note:
The Start Workflow step type is suitable for various types of forms, including list forms, approval forms, and dashboards.
Configuration Steps
To configure the Start Workflow step process, please follow these steps:
Execution Conditions: Set the trigger conditions for starting the workflow, which can be configured based on different business logic. For detailed information about execution conditions, please refer to the execution conditions of actions.
Workflow Type: In the workflow type settings, there are two options available:
Approval form workflow: When "Approval Workflow" is selected, it requires associating the approval form's workflow. You need to choose the corresponding application and the data source for the approval form to ensure that the workflow triggered by the form is linked to the approval process.
Application: Select the context of the current application, usually the application system where the data source is located.
Data Source: Select the data source for the approval form from the dropdown list.
Set variables: Click the settings to set variables.
Open this approval form: choose to open this approval form or not.
Query parameters: Click the settings to set query parameters.
Open in: set the open method of the approval form.
Data list workflow: When "List Workflow" is selected, it requires associating with the list form's workflow, and the following data item settings will be displayed:
Data item: Select a data item — You must specify one or more list data items to trigger the workflow on.
Application: Choose the application containing the list (e.g., Purchase Management_AD).
Data source: Select the data list (e.g., PR Records).
Item Id(s): Provide the ID(s) of the target item(s). You can enter manually, use a variable (e.g.,
{Form.PRRecordID}), or click the selector to choose records.Select a list workflow: Choose the specific workflow under the list to start.
Additional Notes
When using the Start Workflow step to trigger a data list workflow:
Yeeflow supports starting workflows for multiple list items at once (up to 50 items).
This feature is implemented by the frontend iterating through the provided Item ID(s) and triggering the workflow for each item sequentially.
A loading indicator will display during execution to show progress.
If the user manually refreshes or navigates away from the page while this action is running, the process will be interrupted and remaining workflows will not be started.
Summary
Workflow type | Description |
Approval form workflow | Start an approval form process in a selected application |
Data list workflow | Start a workflow for specified list items (up to 50 items supported) |
Tip: The Start workflow step helps you chain processes, trigger mass updates, and automate complex scenarios across your applications with no-code configuration. For data list workflows, avoid refreshing the page during execution to ensure all target items are processed successfully.