ActiveCampaign Forum

Editing an Active Automation-What Happens to Those In It?

#1

I am just getting started with AC and setting my first automations. I am sure that I am going to have some tweaking to do along the way. Can I edit an automation that is already active that has people going through it? If I edit a step that is after where a contact currently is in the automation, will they follow the subsequent edited steps? Please let me know if these rules are documented somewhere.

I tried running a quick test, but my test contact in the automation just kind of stalled out and never actually seems to have completed the automation.

#2

I am replying to myself here. In that the automation did finish for my contact, it just took longer than expected (wait 5 mins more like wait 15 mins). And, the contact in progress got the subsequent modified step. All great!

2 Likes
#3

Glad it all worked out. Thanks for letting us know it was resolved.

1 Like
#4

@Brian

I actully like to know this as well. I started 1 automation, but would like to extend it with more follow-up e-mails. What happens to the contact that have allready ended the flow, when add a “wait” conditions and a new email to the automation?

Another solution could be to de-active the campaign, but I don´t what happens to the lead that are start or going throught the automation once that happens. Are they put on “pause” and contintue through the funnel with a delay once it is re-activated?

#6

The automation helps to work smoothly and instantly for you or for https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/papersowl.com, but sometimes not run on time and provide unexpected results. You should have to set the rules f the document somewhere in the automation process. After that, run a first test just to make sure that the automation works fine.

#7

Welcome nadanchaudary3. Thanks for posting. It is correct that you want to thoroughly test. If you are editing the automation and moving or copying pieces than AC will alert and ask if you want to leave the people at the same step in the automation or move them. Some things to consider as you work;

  • Define Tags
    * Build Custom Fields
    * Rough Out Logic
    * Test Start Trigger
    * Review flows
    * Test thoroughly
    * Use Wait Actions
    * Use Send a Notification Email
    * Protect Entry into the Automation
    * Document with Notes
    If the automation is somewhat complex it is advantageous to build it out in a schematic using something like Lucid Chart. If you jump right into the automation without considering all the design factors it can get out of control fast. Remember to always keep your data healthy (normalized) by defining the data entry items (data attributes) and using dropdowns to make sure the field does not have random data that the automation conditional cannot key off.