Workflows
Workflows allow you to automate actions on your devices based on conditions, measurements, or events.
A workflow is a graphical scenario composed of connected blocks.
Workflows can be configured:
- Directly on a device
- Within a template so they can be applied to multiple devices
They can be used to:
- Automatically execute commands
- Analyze metrics reported by drivers
- Introduce logical conditions
- Add delays and timing controls
- Send email notifications
- Automate maintenance or operational tasks
Workflows can be executed manually or triggered by a task (scheduled or on demand).
How Workflows Work
A workflow executes as a sequence of steps.
Each block receives data, processes it, and passes the result to the next block.
Depending on the results, the workflow can:
- Continue execution
- Follow a different path
- Execute a command
- Send a notification
- Stop execution
Available Blocks
Retrieve a Measurement
This block retrieves the value of a metric reported by a driver.
Examples:
- People presence
- Audio volume
- Temperature
- Power status
The retrieved value can then be used by the next block.
Compare a Measurement
This block evaluates a measurement that was previously retrieved.
For example, it can verify whether:
- A value is equal to another value
- A value is greater than or less than a threshold
- A boolean value is true or false
Depending on the result, the workflow can follow different paths.
Send a Command
This block executes a command available in one of the device drivers.
Examples:
- Reboot a device
- Put a display into standby mode
- Change the volume
- Switch video source
The available commands depend on the selected driver.
Wait for a Measurement
This block waits for a new value to be reported by a metric.
It is useful when the workflow must wait for a change in the device state before continuing.
Generic Blocks
Start
Entry point of the workflow.
Every workflow must start with this block.
Wait
Pauses workflow execution for a specified period of time.
Examples:
- Wait 30 seconds before executing another action
- Wait 10 minutes before performing a verification
Debug
Displays the data received or generated by the various workflow blocks.
This block is particularly useful when designing and troubleshooting workflows.
It can display:
- Retrieved metrics
- Comparison results
- Data exchanged between blocks
Error Handler
The Error Handler block monitors errors returned by the different blocks within a workflow.
When a block generates an error in its payload (command execution failure, unreachable device, invalid data, communication error, etc.), the Error Handler detects the error and immediately stops the workflow execution.
This block is particularly useful for:
- Preventing actions from being executed when prerequisites are not met
- Stopping a workflow when a critical error occurs
- Securing automated processes
- Simplifying workflow troubleshooting and debugging
Notification
Send an Email
This block sends an email from the workflow.
You can:
- Send messages to one or more recipients
- Define a custom subject
- Customize the email content
This feature is particularly useful for automatically informing operations teams.
Example: Reboot a Device When the Room Is Empty
In the example below, the goal is to automatically reboot a Cisco device when no presence is detected in the room.
The workflow operates as follows:
- The workflow starts.
- A measurement is retrieved from the Cisco driver.
- The People Presence metric is analyzed.
- If the returned value is No, it means that no presence has been detected in the room.
- The workflow sends the Reboot command to the device.
- An email notification is sent to inform users that an automatic reboot has been performed.
If the returned value indicates that someone is present in the room, no action is executed and the reboot does not occur.
This type of workflow makes it possible to automate many operational tasks while reducing manual intervention.
Tasks and Scheduling
Like presets, workflows can be executed:
- Manually from the interface
- Automatically through one or more scheduled tasks
Associating a workflow with a task allows it to be executed automatically at specific times.
This feature is particularly useful for:
- Running recurring actions
- Automating maintenance operations
- Triggering scenarios at fixed times
- Executing workflows across multiple devices simultaneously
To make a workflow executable by a task, simply associate it with one or more tasks during its configuration.
Creating a Task
To create a task:
- Go to Configuration → Tasks
- Click the ➕ Add button
You can then configure:
- The task type (Workflow)
- The task name
- The execution days
- The execution time
A single task can trigger:
- Multiple workflows
- Across multiple devices
This makes it possible to centrally schedule identical actions on a large scale.
Time Zone Management
When executing a task, Zebrix Control automatically uses the time zone configured on the site associated with the device.
It is also possible to use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Example
A task named Nightly Reboot is scheduled:
- Every Sunday
- At 03:00 AM
This task is associated with several workflows across different devices.
At the scheduled time, Zebrix Control automatically executes all associated workflows without any manual intervention.





