Use "On workflow run" to run a workflow after another workflow you own finishes. This lets workflows pass updates along in order, such as loading data first and then creating a report.
For example, when a restaurant places an order, one workflow generates a purchase order. A second workflow follows the first and emails that purchase order to the owner for approval.
"On workflow run" is a smart trigger. You need a plan that includes smart triggers to use it.
When to chain workflows
Choose the setup that matches how you organize your process.
Your setup | Recommended approach |
The steps belong to one process with one owner and need different timings. | Keep the steps in one workflow with several triggers. See Use more than one trigger in a workflow. |
The workflows need to stay separate because of different owners, teams, or access, or because one workflow feeds several others. | Chain the workflows with "On workflow run", subject to the ownership requirements below. |
You can only select a workflow you own as the workflow that triggers the next run. Only the owner of the workflow that runs second can change its "On workflow run" trigger. If different people own the workflows, those ownership requirements still apply.
Set up the trigger
In the Sheetgo web app, start with the workflow that should run second. For the restaurant example, this is the workflow that emails the purchase order for approval.
Open the workflow and select the Triggers icon in the workflow sidebar. You can also select "Triggers" at the top of the Automations panel, next to "Run all".
Turn on the switch at the top ("Auto-Run" or "Run automatically") if it's off. You can't edit the fields while the switch is off.
Select the "+" button ("New trigger"), or use an existing trigger.
Under NAME, enter a name that helps you identify the trigger. The default names are "Trigger 1", "Trigger 2", and so on. You can rename a trigger at any time.
Under TRIGGER OPTIONS, change the default "Based on a schedule" to "On workflow run".
In "Select a workflow", choose the workflow that should run first. For the restaurant example, choose the workflow that generates the purchase order.
Under AUTOMATIONS, choose which automations should run in this workflow.
Review the "Consumption" estimate, then select "Save changes".
"Save changes" stays disabled until the trigger is complete. A trigger saved with the switch off is dormant.
You can also open the same settings from the workspace. Select the trigger summary on the workflow's card, such as "Weekdays at 10AM" or "Manual trigger". The settings open in a dialog. The switch reads "Auto-Run" or "Run automatically", depending on where you open it.
If you can't select a workflow
"Select a workflow" only lists workflows you own. If you don't own another workflow, you'll see "You do not own any other workflow."
Sheetgo flags a selection as a circular reference if it would make a workflow trigger itself, either directly or through other workflows. Choose a workflow that doesn't create that loop.
If the trigger switches itself off
The trigger disables itself when the workflow it follows is no longer usable. The message explains whether that workflow is inaccessible, archived, or has had its ownership transferred to another user.
In "Select a workflow", unavailable workflows can have the label "Deleted" or "Ownership transferred".
To restore the trigger, turn on the switch so you can edit the fields, choose another workflow, and select "Save changes".
Check consumption and failure notifications
The "Consumption" estimate shows automation credits per workflow run. Monthly consumption may be affected by users who have access to the workflow.
To manage notifications for the workflow's automatic runs, select the bell icon at the top of the Triggers panel. It opens "Failure notification settings".