Understanding workflow steps
A workflow step is a specific form or record type that’s part of your overall application. For example, a building permit workflow might include:- Step 1: Initial application
- Step 2: Site plan submission
- Step 3: Supporting documents
- Step 4: Final review
Completing a step
When you’re ready to work on a step:Open your workflow
Navigate to your workflow from the Workflows section or from the associated property page.
Find the active step
Look for steps with action buttons like:
- Create - Start this step (for steps you haven’t begun)
- Continue - Resume work on a step you’ve started
- View - See a completed step (read-only)
Complete the form
Fill in all required fields. Required fields are marked and must be completed before you can submit.
- Enter text, numbers, dates, and other information as requested
- Upload any required files or documents
- Review conditional fields that may appear based on your responses
Success! Your step is recorded and the workflow updates to show your progress. The next step (if any) becomes available.
Step order and dependencies
Workflows typically have steps that must be completed in order: Sequential steps - You must complete step 1 before step 2 becomes available. The workflow enforces this order. Visible but locked - You may see future steps but cannot start them until prerequisites are complete. Current step indicator - The step you should work on next is highlighted or has an active action button.Working with forms
Each step presents a form specific to that part of the workflow. Forms can include:Field types
| Field type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | Short or long text entries |
| Number | Numeric values, sometimes with units |
| Date | Date picker for selecting dates |
| Dropdown | Select from predefined options |
| Checkbox | Yes/no or multiple selection options |
| File upload | Attach documents, images, or other files |
| Location | Map-based location selection |
Conditional fields
Some fields only appear based on your answers to other questions. For example:- Selecting “Yes” to a question may reveal additional detail fields
- Choosing a specific option from a dropdown may show related questions
- Certain responses may skip sections that don’t apply
Conditional logic is configured by your community. If you’re unsure why certain fields appear or don’t appear, review your previous answers or contact your community for guidance.
Required fields
Required fields are marked and must be completed. You cannot submit the step until all required fields are filled in. If you try to submit with missing required fields:- You’ll see an error message
- Missing fields are highlighted
- The form scrolls to the first incomplete field
Uploading files
Many workflow steps require document uploads:Find the file upload field
Look for fields that accept file attachments. They typically show an upload button or drop zone.
Wait for upload
Larger files may take a moment to upload. Wait for the upload to complete before submitting the step.
Saving your work
Your progress is typically saved as you work: Auto-save - Most forms save your entries automatically as you complete fields. Draft state - If you leave without submitting, your work may be saved as a draft. Manual save - Some forms have a “Save draft” option to explicitly save without submitting.What happens after you submit
When you submit a step:- Record created - A record is created and linked to your workflow
- Step status updates - The step changes from “In progress” to “Succeeded” (or awaits review)
- Progress updates - Your overall workflow progress bar advances
- Next step available - If there are more steps, the next one becomes accessible
- Notification sent - You may receive an email confirming your submission
Steps requiring review
Some steps require review by your community before they’re marked complete:- Your submission is recorded and held for review
- The step may show “In progress” or “Pending review”
- You receive notification when the review is complete
- The step status changes to “Succeeded” or “Failed” based on the review
Viewing completed steps
After completing a step, you can return to view your submission:
This is helpful for:
- Reviewing what you submitted
- Referencing information for later steps
- Confirming uploaded documents
- Downloading copies of records
Step permissions
Your ability to interact with steps depends on your permissions: Create - You can create new submissions for this step. Update - You can edit existing submissions (if the step allows editing after submission). View - You can see the step and any submissions, but cannot create or edit. Some steps may only be visible to certain user groups. If you don’t see a step you expect, it may be assigned to a different group or role in your community.Troubleshooting
I can't find the action button to start a step
I can't find the action button to start a step
The form won't submit
The form won't submit
Solution: Check for required fields that haven’t been completed. Required fields are marked and must be filled in. Also check for errors—some fields have specific format requirements. File uploads must complete before you can submit.
I need to change something I already submitted
I need to change something I already submitted
Solution: Once submitted, steps may be locked for editing. If you need to make changes, contact your community. They can advise whether amendments are possible and what the process is.
My file upload failed
My file upload failed
Solution: Check the file size and format. There may be limits on file size (typically 50MB) and accepted formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF are common). Try compressing larger files or converting to an accepted format.
I accidentally submitted incomplete information
I accidentally submitted incomplete information
Solution: Contact your community as soon as possible. Explain what information was incomplete or incorrect. They can advise on next steps, which may include adding a new submission or correcting the existing one.
A step I need is marked 'Skipped'
A step I need is marked 'Skipped'
Solution: Steps are typically only skipped by community staff during their review process. If you believe a step should be available to you, contact your community for clarification.