Signal Start Node

Overview

The Signal Start node is one of three node types that start a workflow. Like the Start node, Workflows can have multiple Signal Start nodes. Unlike the Start node, the Signal Start node trigger from application promotions or save events. To use a Signal Start node, you must configure the settings, save your workflow, then select Run or Test Run.

The Signal Start node can be set to trigger from the following events:

  • On specific or all application promotions.

  • On specific or all module saves.

  • On specific or all workflow saves.

The Signal Start node is located in the list of nodes to the left of the Workflow Builder.

What You'll Learn

After completing this article, you’ll know when to use a Signal Start node, how to configure its most commonly used settings, and understand the best practices.

Similar Workflow Nodes

While the names are similar, the Start node differs from the Signal Start node and Timer Start node. Here are the differences

  • Signal Start node: Starts a workflow when an event occurs, like Module saves and application promotions.

  • Start node: Starts a workflow when triggered by an event.

  • Timer Start node: Automates the start of a workflow according to a schedule.

Settings Menu Description

Let's explore the node's Settings Menu. This menu displays as a blue menu bar, either above or below the node, when you select the node itself. The Signal Start node has the following settings:

Setting

Description

Edit

Takes you to the Edit Signal Start Event window, where you can configure settings relating to the Signal Start node.

Delete

Removes the node from the workflow.

Run

Activates the workflow and puts it in a running state. Once you start the node, it waits for events to run. It continues to run until you click Stop.

Stop

Deactivates a running workflow and puts it in a stopped state.

A stopped state means the node no longer listens for a save event of the selected module or promotion of the selected application.

Test Run

Performs a test run of your workflow. This Test Run is separate from the “normal” Run/Stop state. The test runs until the workflow completes 1 cycle.

You should always test your workflow to ensure it behaves as expected.

Edit Signal Start Event Window Description

Click the Edit button to display the Edit Signal Start Event window.

The following settings are available in the Edit Signal Start Event window:

A static image displaying the End node on the workflow canvas, and the End node's confiugration panel with default settings.

Setting

Description

Label

The name of the node. By default, the Label displays as signalStart-1. This label is optional and displays on the node once set.

Path

The Path of the node. By default, the Path displays as signalStart-1.

The Path is a unique identifier that other components can reference.

Triggering Event

There are six Triggering events to choose from:

  • On Promotion (Specific Application) : Triggers your workflow once you promote your application to the next environment.

  • On Promotion (All Application) : Triggers your workflow once you promote any application to the next environment.

  • On Save (Specific Modules) : Lists all the modules in your environment. When you save the selected module, your workflow triggers.

  • On Save (All Modules) : Lists all the modules in your environment. Saving any module in your workspace triggers your workflow.

  • On Save (Specific Workflow) : Lists all the workflows in your environment. When you save the selected workflow, your workflow triggers.

  • On Save (All Workflows) : Lists all the workflows in your environment. Saving any workflow in your workspace triggers your workflow.

Adding a Signal Start Node

In this example, set up a simple workflow that includes a Signal Start node. This use case assumes that you've set up your module in advance and that you have a workflow set up.

What You'll Need

To set up this use case, you'll need:

Remove the Default Start Node

1. On the workflow canvas, select the Start node.
2. Click Delete.

Configuring the Signal Start Node

1. Drag and drop a Signal Start nodein the Authenticated Swimlane.
2. Click Edit.
3. In the Label field, enter Confirmation Email Start.
4. From the Triggering Event drop-down, select On Save ( Specific Module).
5. From the Module drop-down, select Enablement Lab: Message Use Case - General Info.

This module triggers your Signal Start node.

A static image showing the Edit Event Window of the Signal Start node, the Module "Enablement Lab: Message Use Case..." is selected.

6. Click X (Close).

Configuring the Message Node

Add a Message node. Use this Message node to send a confirmation email to your end-user acknowledging receipt of their basic information.

1. Drag and drop a Message node in the Authenticated swimlane.
2. Click Edit.
3. In the Label field, enter Confirmation Email.
4. From the Send via drop-down, select Email.
5. In the To field, enter {{data.email}}.

{{data.email}} references the value your end-user enters in the Email field of the General Informationmodule.

6. In the From Name field, enter Unqork, or a custom sender name.
7. In the Reply To field, enter no-reply@unqork.com, or a custom sender address.
8. In the Subject field, enter Thank you for applying.
9. In the Template field, enter the following:

Hi {{data.firstName}},

Thank you for submitting your application. We'll be in touch soon.

{{data.firstName}} references the value your end-user enters in the First Name field of the General Information module.

10. Connect the output port (right) of the Signal Start node to the input port (left) of the Message node.
11. Click X (Close).

Configuring the End Node

1. Drag and drop an End node in the Authenticated swimlane.
2. Click Edit.
3. In the Label field, enter Confirmation Email End.
4. Connect the output port (right) of the Message node to the input port (left) of the End node.
5. Click X (Close).
6. Click Save....
7. In the Version Description field, enter a description of the changes made to the workflow.
8. Click Save.

Once configured to run, your Signal Start node turns bold in color.

Your workflow looks like the following image when complete:

A static image displaying a completed workflow that contains a Signal Start node, Message node, and End node

Resources