How Do I Debug a Workflow?

Workflows are a powerful tool that allows you to automate and manage complex processes. However, when workflows don’t perform as intended, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to identify and fix the issues. If your workflows are taking too long to complete or getting stuck at a specific stage, you may need to debug them. In this post, we discuss how to identify the source of the problem and make changes to resolve it.

Analyze the Data

The first step in debugging a workflow is to analyze the data. Look for patterns or anomalies that might indicate a problem. For example, if a workflow is taking longer than usual to complete, you might look for tasks that are taking longer than expected to execute. If a workflow is getting stuck at a specific stage, you might look for tasks that are failing to complete properly.

Redesign the Workflow Template

Once you’ve identified the part of the workflow that is likely to be the source of the problem, you can redesign the workflow template. Workflows are based on templates that define the sequence of tasks, the people and teams those tasks are assigned to and the conditions for executing them. By changing the workflow template, you can change all those parameters to ensure that the workflows based on that template run as intended.

Changes to the workflow template get propagated to all running workflows in the system instantly, which means that any changes you make will immediately take effect. This allows you to quickly make changes to resolve issues without having to restart the workflows.

Track the Performance

After you’ve made changes to the workflow template, it’s important to track the performance of the updated workflows to determine whether the changes you made have resolved the issue or whether further investigation is necessary.

Depending on the type of workflow, you may need to track the performance over a period of several days or weeks to get a clear picture of how the updated workflow is performing. This can help you identify any lingering issues and make additional changes as needed.

Repeat the Process

If the issue hasn’t been resolved, you may need to repeat the process of analyzing the data, redesigning the workflow template, and tracking the performance. Workflows can be quite complex, so it’s not uncommon to encounter multiple issues that require multiple rounds of debugging.

Summary

Debugging workflows can be challenging, but it’s an important part of managing complex processes. By analyzing the data, redesigning the workflow template, and tracking the performance, you can identify and resolve issues that might be preventing your workflows from running as intended. If you encounter issues with your workflows, don’t be discouraged. With the right tools and approach, you can overcome these challenges and build more efficient workflows.