How Do You Stop a Workflow?

Every workflow must have a beginning and an end. You launch workflows from the user interface via the Run Workflow button, from shared kick-off forms or via the API. But how do workflows end?

Managing Workflow Termination in Pneumatic

Workflows generally fall into two categories: those that require completion of all stages for a successful outcome and those that can be abandoned at any point, depending on the circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to manage the second category of workflows in Pneumatic, including the use of the “Complete at Any Stage” option and the incorporation of conditions for automatic workflow termination.

Two Types of Workflows

In general, there are two broad categories of workflows:

1. Workflows requiring full completion: Examples of these workflows include new hire onboarding and new customer onboarding. In these cases, every stage must be completed to ensure a successful outcome.
2. Workflows that can be terminated early: Examples include customer outreach campaigns and hiring processes. These workflows can be stopped if certain conditions are met, such as a customer not engaging or a candidate failing a screening stage.

Workflows in the former category don’t require any intervention: they just run their course and end. In contrast, there are options for how to handle workflows in the latter group.

Using the “Complete at Any Stage” Option in Pneumatic

For workflows that can be stopped early, enable the “Complete at Any Stage” option in the template. Once activated, all workflows based on the template can be completed at any stage. Workflows with this option enabled will have an “End Workflow” option in their workflow management menu, allowing for manual termination whenever necessary.

Automating Workflow Termination with Conditions

While manual termination is available, we recommend incorporating conditions in your workflow templates to automate early termination. By leveraging Pneumatic’s automation tools, you can create a more efficient workflow management process.

For example, in a hiring process workflow, include a condition after the initial screening stage to check if a candidate has passed. If they haven’t, the condition automatically ends the workflow for that candidate. This approach helps streamline the overall process and reduces manual intervention.

Summary

Effectively managing workflows in Pneumatic involves understanding when and how to stop them. By using the “Complete at Any Stage” option and incorporating conditions for automatic termination, you can optimize your workflow management process and make the most of Pneumatic’s automation capabilities.