Lesson 2 of 8
Triggers and Inputs
Reliable automation begins with an explicit trigger and a clearly defined input payload.
Active reading
Trigger
What starts the workflow?
Input
What data enters?
Scope
What is intentionally excluded?
Make the start condition observable
“Whenever something happens” is not a reliable trigger. Use an event you can detect: a form submission, a new ticket, a scheduled time or an approved file upload.
Define the smallest input needed for the next step. Extra fields increase privacy, validation and failure complexity.
Example
Trigger: new support ticket. Input: subject, message, account tier. Exclude: unrelated profile data.
Quick check
Explain this lesson back in one sentence before continuing. If you cannot, reread the example and key takeaway.
Common mistake
Do not feed every available field into the workflow “just in case.”
Key takeaway
A stable workflow starts with a precise event and a minimal, intentional input payload.