Workflows
Overview​
The Flows page is the central dashboard and command center within the Workflow module of the Exo-Chatbot platform. It serves as the primary interface for managing all the individual conversational paths, or "flows," that make up your chatbot's intelligence. A flow can be anything from a simple, single-answer FAQ to a complex, multi-step user journey.
From this page, you can create new flows, edit existing ones, organize them into categories, and get a high-level view of their status. The page is designed to give you a complete picture of your bot's conversational architecture and provide all the tools needed for its management.
The page features a main table listing all your flows and is surrounded by a suite of powerful tools accessible via buttons and tabs, including the Flow Builder, Database management, API integration, and more.
How to Use Workflow​
This guide explains the functionalities available on the Flows page, which acts as the starting point for most bot-building activities.
Navigating to the Flows Page​
- Log in to the Exo-Chatbot console.
- On the main navigation menu on the left, click on Workflow. You will land on the Flows tab by default.
The Flow Manager Dashboard​
The main part of the page is the Flow Manager, which contains the list of all your flows and the tools to manage them.
The Flows Table provides an at-a-glance summary of every flow in your bot:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The unique name of the flow, which is often used to trigger it |
| Category | The category the flow belongs to (e.g., "FAQ," "Service Request") |
| Last Edited On | The date and time the flow was last modified |
| Flow Type | Specifies how the flow was created (e.g., "Flow," "FAQ") |
| Status | A critical indicator of the flow's health |
| Actions | A menu (...) with options to Edit, Delete, or Duplicate the flow |
The Status column can show:
- Ready to Go -- The flow is complete and operational.
- Needs Attention -- The flow is incomplete or has an error that needs to be fixed.
Core Actions and Buttons​
- Create Flow -- The primary button that launches the Flow Builder, where you can design a new conversational journey from scratch.
- Configure Messages -- Allows you to set the global default messages for the bot, including the initial Welcome Message and the Failure Message (shown when the bot does not understand a query).
- Filter and Search -- Use the Filter dropdown to sort flows by Status or Category, and use the Search bar to find a specific flow by name.
- Import / Export -- These buttons allow you to export your bot's flows for backup or migration, and import them into another bot.
- Delete Flow -- Allows you to delete one or more selected flows in bulk.
Navigating to Other Workflow Tools​
The tabs at the top of the page provide direct access to other critical parts of the Workflow module:
- Database -- Create and manage tables for storing user data.
- APIs -- Integrate with external systems.
- Functions -- Write custom Python code.
- GenAI / Self Learning / Bot Testing -- Advanced AI capabilities and quality assurance.
The Main Navigation Panel​
The panel on the left side of the screen is your primary navigation hub for the entire platform:
- Workflow -- Contains all the tools for building your bot's conversational logic.
- Integrations -- Manage and configure connections to various channels like Web, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
- Campaign -- Create and manage outbound messaging campaigns.
- Analytics -- Access detailed reports and dashboards on your bot's performance and user interactions.
- Users -- Manage user accounts, roles, and permissions for the console.
- Settings -- Configure global settings for your bot, including its name, security options, and enabling major features.
- Message History -- View and search detailed conversation logs.
- Document -- Access API documentation and support guides.
- Collapse -- Minimize the navigation panel to expand your workspace.
Common Use Cases​
- Finding and Fixing Broken Flows -- Use the Filter to show only flows with the status "Needs Attention." Click the Edit button on each one to go into the Flow Builder and resolve the errors.
- Organizing a New Bot -- Create different categories like "Sales Queries" and "Support Issues," then assign each new flow to the appropriate category to keep the list organized.
- Creating a New Lead Generation Flow -- Click + Create Flow, which takes you to the Flow Builder to design a conversation that asks for the user's name, email, and phone number.
- Updating the Welcome Message -- Click Configure Messages and edit the text in the Welcome Message section.
Best Practices​
- Use Clear Naming Conventions -- Give your flows descriptive names (e.g.,
check_order_statusinstead offlow_123) so you can easily identify them in the list. - Categorize Everything -- As your bot grows, having dozens or hundreds of uncategorized flows becomes unmanageable. Use categories from the beginning.
- Regularly Monitor Flow Status -- Periodically check the Flows page for any flows that "Need Attention" and fix them promptly to ensure a good user experience.
- Use the "Duplicate" Action for Templates -- If you need to create several similar flows, build one complete flow and then use the Duplicate action to create copies that you can modify slightly.
Common Mistakes​
- Ignoring "Needs Attention" Status -- Letting flows with errors remain broken leads to dead ends and user frustration.
- Not Using Categories -- Having a single, long, uncategorized list of flows makes it very difficult to find and manage specific conversations as the bot scales.
- Poor Naming -- Using vague or temporary names for flows makes it hard for you or your teammates to understand what each flow does later on.
- Forgetting to Set a Welcome Message -- Not using the Configure Messages button results in a generic or missing greeting for users.