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Create an Automation

Free up staff to focus on high-value tasks

Martin Sawicki avatar
Written by Martin Sawicki
Updated over 6 months ago
  • Feature: Create an automation with a trigger, rule, and action.

  • Use: Save time and avoid errors by automating routine processes.

In the example below, the user creates an automation to generate a notification when the fuel volume inside an on-site diesel storage tank drops below a certain level. When triggered, the automation sends a message to organization staff (email and Message Center notification) and an email to an outside party (e.g. the designated fuel supply representative).

Prerequisites

Understand asset and task definition elements.

Opening an automation form

Go to the side menu and click Manage > Automation Manager. Click the plus (+) icon in the Automations Manager toolbar. A blank Add Automation form displays.

Fields with a red bar are required.

Completing the form

  1. Enter an Automation Title. This name is visible in the Automations Manager list.

  2. Click the Automation Folder field and select a folder destination.

  3. Click the When To Trigger field and select an option: asset or trigger. (see below)

  4. Fill in the remaining fields.

  5. Add one or more rules. (see below)

  6. Add an action. (see below)

  7. Add one or more recipients. (see below)

  8. Click Save.

Selecting an asset or task

In the When To Trigger field, you must select Asset of Task, but not both. If you select Asset, the form prompts you to select an Asset Type. When you create a rule, the trigger field automatically displays elements that are part of the selected asset definition. If you select Task, the form prompts you to select a task definition and task definition element.

You create a trigger based on an asset or task definition element rather than a specific asset or task.

Filling in the remaining fields

Click the Assets in Project field and select an option. If this automation does not apply to a specific project, select All Projects. Click the When to Trigger field and select On Record, On Update, or both.

Selecting On Record vs On Update

  • On Update - Select this option for asset definitions. This automation triggers when the value of an asset element changes. Optionally, trigger an action only when the updated value in the element makes the rule condition true.

For example, you could trigger a notification when the result of a weekly vehicle inspection changes to Not Road Worthy.

  • On Record - A task is recorded against an asset, and (if applicable) the rule condition is true.

Adding Rules

Go to the Rules heading and click the Add Rule link. A popup displays. Click the Elements field and select an option.

Triggers can be created for the following asset/task definition element types: Checkboxes, List, Numeric, Slider, and Text.

Click the Operand field, select an operator, and then add a value. Optionally, check the Part of Update box. Click Add.

Nektar adds the rule to the trigger. Optionally, repeat the steps to add more rules.

The options available in the Operand drop-down menu depend on the element type.

Element Type

Operand Options

Checkboxes

Is Checked

List

Contains, Equals

Numeric

Equals, Less Than, Greater Than, Between

Slider

Equals, Less Than, Greater Than, Between

Text

Contains, Equals

Adding an action

Go to the Action field and select an option:

  • Send Notification

  • Create Work Order

  • Call Webhook

Sending a notification

There are two ways to add notification recipients. Check the box auto-add the user who created the asset or task associated with the automation.

To add a longer list of recipients, click the Add Recipient link. You can add users from your organization or company contacts. Optionally, click the Add by Email list to add a recipient who is not on any list.

Creating a work order

Animations can auto-generate a work order from a pre-existing template. It is not possible to generate a work order without a template.

Calling a webhook

You can call a webhook, but you'll need Nektar support to configure the connection. Contact the support team with your webhook questions and requests.

Editing an automation

Open the Automations Manager and select an automaton. You can update any form field except the Trigger and Action.


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