Workflows help teams create consistent, repeatable processes by guiding users through a series of assigned steps and actions.
Common uses for workflows include:
New client onboarding
Lead qualification and follow-up
Policy or account servicing
Application processing
Appointment preparation and follow-up
Event planning and management
Internal operational processes
Workflows help teams standardize repeatable processes, assign ownership, and ensure steps are completed consistently.
Types of Workflows
Swivel supports two workflow types:
Manual Workflows
Automated Workflows
The right option depends on whether users should start the workflow themselves or whether Swivel should trigger it automatically.
Manual Workflows
Manual Workflows require a user to intentionally start or run the workflow.
These workflows are ideal when processes happen on an as-needed basis or require human judgement form the beginning.
Common Examples:
Service requests
Claims processing
Client onboarding
Policy delivery
Special projects
Example:
A client requests an address change.
A user manually starts the: Service Request Workflow which guides them through:
Complete form β Obtain signatures β Submit request β Confirm completion
Manual workflows provide flexibility while maintaining process consistency.
π Tip: Leave the Automation Trigger field blank when creating a manual workflow.
Automated Workflows
Automated workflows start automatically when a selected action occurs in Swivel.
Instead of manually activating the workflow, Swivel detects an event and triggers the workflow for you.
Common Examples:
Automatically start onboarding when a new client is created
Trigger follow-up process when an appointment is completed
Start application prep when a product is attached
Launch workflows when opportunities move stages
Automated workflows help reduce manual effort and ensure important follow-up actions happen consistently.
Available Automation Triggers by Workflow Type
Different workflow types support different automation triggers. Available triggers may vary depending on where the workflow is attached.
Workflow Type | Example Automation Trigger |
Contact Type | Create Contact for Contact Type |
Pipelines | Create an Opportunity Advance the Sales Stage |
Sales Stage | Advance the Sales Stage |
Appointment Type | Create a Contact's Appointment |
Product | Attach a product to the contact |
Campaign Types | Create a campaign using the specific campaign type |
Channel Types | Create a Channel Type using the specific channel |
Event Types | Create an event using the specific Event Type |
Vendor Types | Create a new vendor using the specific Vendor Type |
When Should I Use Manual vs Automated Workflows?
Use Manual Workflows when:
β
Human review is needed before starting
β
Processes occur occasionally
β
Timing varies
Use Automated Workflows when:
β
The process should always occur after a specific action
β
You want consistent follow-up
β
You want to reduce manual work
Scenario | Recommended Workflow |
Service Request | Manual |
New Client Onboarding | Automated |
Appointment Follow-up | Automated |
Policy Delivery | Manual |
Lead Qualification | Automated |
π Tip: Ready to build your first workflow?
π Continue to Create & Manage Workflow Templates
π Explore Common Workflow Examples & Use Cases
Related Articles
π Create & Manage Workflow Templates β Build and publish workflow templates
π Common Workflow Examples & Use Cases β Explore sample workflows by business process
π Schedule a Workflow to Run Later β Start workflows automatically on a future date
π Workflow FAQs β Answers to common workflow questions
