Task Overview

A task is an individual execution instance of a task definition. It represents the actual execution of your automated workflows, from initiation to completion.

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What is a Task?

A task:

• Executes Instructions: Follows a task definition step by step
• Uses Dynamic Inputs: Processes input values specific to this run
• Tracks Progress: Maintains status and execution details
• Handles Interactions: Requests human input when needed
• Produces Results: Generates outputs and logs execution history

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Task Lifecycle

1. Task Creation

   • Manual execution via interface
   • Scheduled triggers
   • Event triggers (Coming Soon)
   • API calls

2. Task Queuing

   • Managed by priority and agent availability
   • System balances load and resources

3. Task Execution

   • Agent processes task step by step
   • Uses apps and integrations as needed
   • Tracks progress and logs actions

4. Human Interaction (If Required)

   • Approval requests
   • Assistance requests
   • Manual interventions

5. Task Completion

   • Final status: Complete, Error, Cancelled
   • Results stored and notifications sent
   • Execution history maintained

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Task Components

Each task is made up of key elements that define how it runs and what it produces.

• Task Definition – The template it used
• Agent – Assigned executor
• Created By/At – User/system and timestamp
• Inputs & Configuration – Task inputs, timeout, retry settings
• Execution Details – Current status, progress, logs, resources, duration
• Results & Outputs – Outputs, files, external actions, error info

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Task Types

Tasks can be initiated in different ways depending on the need.

• Manual – User-initiated, ad-hoc execution
• Scheduled – Runs automatically at set times
• Event-Driven – Triggered by external events (Coming Soon)
• Batch – Processes multiple item (bulk operations coming soon)

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Task Monitoring

Monitoring ensures visibility into task execution and performance.

• Real-Time Status – Current step, completion %, elapsed time, resources
• Execution Logs – Agent actions, app interactions, decisions, errors
• Performance Metrics – Duration, success rate, error frequency, efficiency

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Task Interactions

Human-in-the-Loop

Some tasks require direct human oversight to ensure safety, accuracy, or compliance.
Human-in-the-loop mechanisms make sure agents don’t act alone when sensitive decisions are involved:

• Approval Requests – Pause tasks and wait for a human to confirm before moving forward.
• Assistance Requests – Allow agents to ask for clarification or extra guidance from a person.
• Manual Interventions – Let humans step in at any point to pause, adjust, or redirect execution.

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System Integrations

Tasks often need to interact with other systems to complete their work. These integrations ensure tasks can access the right data, perform necessary actions, and stay secure:

• Connected Apps – Integrate with your existing tools (e.g., calendars, email, CRMs) to read and update data while respecting user permissions
• External APIs – Send and receive data from third-party services, with proper error handling and secure credential management
• File Systems – Safely read, write, and organize documents or data files, while following access control rules

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Task Management

Effective task management helps you stay organized, save time, and understand performance across all your workflows:

• Organization – Quickly find tasks with filtering, sorting, grouping, and search features
• Bulk Operations – Perform actions on multiple tasks at once, such as batch processing or import/export (coming soon)
• History & Analytics – Track what happened with each task, monitor performance over time, and identify recurring errors through reports

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Common Use Cases

Tasks can help you:

• Automate business processes – handle orders, onboarding, invoices, reports
• Manage data – sync, validate, migrate, or back up information
• Improve communication – send emails, alerts, customer updates, and team notifications

Next Steps

Now that you understand what tasks are, you can start building them into your workflows:

• Set up your automation environment – Create an Agent
• Define how tasks should run – Create Your First Task Definition
• Execute a task to see it in action – Run Your First Task
• Understand when human oversight is needed – Learn About Human-in-the-Loop