How to use automations

Automations let Computer handle ongoing work without a new request each time. Instead of asking for the same report every Monday or checking for customer emails throughout the day, you can give Computer a standing assignment. It runs on a schedule or when a specified event occurs, using its instructions and prior work to pick up where it left off.

This is especially helpful for work that depends on what happened before, like tracking project updates, comparing competitor pricing, or preparing customer replies.

Computer can use connected tools, files, and projects alongside the automation’s history. That means each run can build on earlier findings instead of recreating the same context or repeating work.

To get started, describe the job in Computer’s omnibar or open automations and select New Automation. Be clear about the outcome, which tools and sources Computer should use, and where the work should go. For example, you might ask it to check competitor pricing every Monday, compare it with the previous week, update a spreadsheet, and summarise what changed.

Next, choose what starts the work. Use a schedule for regular assignments, like a daily news briefing, or an event from a supported connector, like a new Gmail message or a Slack message in a selected channel.

Connect the required account and add conditions to keep the automation focused, such as only reviewing emails from a particular customer. The schedule or event determines when Computer runs. The assignment tells it what to do.

You can also specify when Computer should act and when it should ask for review, within the connected tools’ permissions. For example, have it prepare an update for approval before sharing it in Slack.

Open an automation to review its instructions, status, run history, and outputs. As the work changes, you can edit the assignment, pause it, or run it immediately.

Watching for a trigger does not use credits; credits are used when Computer carries out the assignment.

Key takeaways

• Automations give Computer an ongoing assignment: Computer can handle recurring reports, customer reply drafts, and project updates without waiting for a new request each time.
• A schedule or event starts the work: Choose a time for regular work or an event from a supported connector. Add conditions to narrow which events start a run.
• Clear instructions define the job: Name the outcome, the tools and sources Computer should use, and where the result should go. Specify which actions need human review.
• Each run can build on prior work: Automations retain the job’s history, helping Computer compare changes, follow up on outstanding items, and avoid repeating work.
• Automations can change as the work changes: Review instructions, status, and past runs in automations. Edit the assignment, pause it, or run it immediately without waiting for the next scheduled time or event.