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Run another automation from inside an automation
The Start another workflow step starts another automation on the same record and carries on straight away. Build the shared steps once and call them from anywhere.
Before you start · for owners and managersThe permission to edit workflows
Before you start · for owners and managers
The permission to edit workflows
- You need: The permission to edit workflows
Steps
1
Press Add a step and choose Start another workflow.
2
Under Workflow to start, choose the automation to call. It must be on the same unit, or use the Another workflow starts it trigger.
3
Make sure it’s turned on.
How it works
The call doesn’t wait: the called automation may wait on a delay for days, while the calling one carries on with its steps.
The called automation’s trigger isn’t checked, but its conditions apply.
The caller’s message or email, and the old and new values, are passed to it.
Each called run has its own log and counts as a separate execution.
If it’s turned off or deleted, the call is skipped and the caller carries on.
If something goes wrong
What you see
Why
What to do
“Workflows can call each other at most 5 levels deep.”
The chain is deeper than 5.
Shorten the chain.
“… is already running in this chain — calling it again would loop.”
A loop.
Redesign the calls.
“… runs on …, not on this record’s unit.”
The called automation is on another unit.
Use the call trigger in it.
“The workspace has used this month’s workflow runs.”
Your plan’s balance has run out.
A real example
Shield Security Co.
The situation
“Escalate to the manager” is repeated in several automations.
What they did
- An “Escalation” automation with the trigger Another workflow starts it.
- Every automation that needs escalation adds Start another workflow.
The result
One edit changes the escalation everywhere.
A made-up company, to show the idea. The numbers are rounded.
Good to know
Up to 5 nested levels.
Up to 25 calls from one event.
An automation can’t call itself, and the chain can’t go back to an automation already in it.
The same call isn’t repeated within 10 minutes when the step is retried.
Did this guide solve it?
If not, we’ll ask what was missing.