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What are Workflows? Manual vs. Automated Workflows

Written by Jessica Hightower

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.

πŸ” 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:

βœ… Human review is needed before starting
βœ… Processes occur occasionally
βœ… Timing varies

Use Automated Workflows when:

βœ… The process should always occur after a specific action
βœ… You want consistent follow-up
βœ… 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

πŸ” Tip: Ready to build your first workflow?

Related Articles

πŸ”— Create & Manage Workflow Templates β†’ Build and publish workflow templates

πŸ”— Common Workflow Examples & Use Cases β†’ Explore sample workflows by business process

πŸ”— Schedule a Workflow to Run Later β†’ Start workflows automatically on a future date

πŸ”— Workflow FAQs β†’ Answers to common workflow questions

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