Manual start of workflows

In Nintex Automation Cloud, workflows can be triggered manually, providing a flexible, user-controlled method for starting workflow instances on demand. This feature is valuable when you need to initiate a process outside of the regular automated triggers. Once the workflow is manually started, it appears on the Instances page for monitoring and tracking purposes. 

When Can You Use the Manual Start Option? 

Manual start is available for the following types of workflows in Nintex Automation Cloud: 

• Nintex Component Workflows 
• Workflows with SharePoint Online Start Events 
• Workflows with Nintex Form Start Events 

Business owners can manually start these workflows through the Workflow tracking page in My Nintex. This gives users the flexibility to start workflows as needed without relying solely on automatic triggers. 

Note: When starting a workflow manually, you will be prompted to provide values that simulate the event which typically triggers the workflow. These values do not create or modify actual records but can be used by subsequent actions in the workflow instance. 

Steps to Manually Start a Workflow 

Follow these steps to manually start a workflow in Nintex Automation Cloud: 

1. Navigate to the Workflows Page: 
   • Go to the Workflows page and locate the workflow you want to start. 
2. Select Manual Start: 
   • To the right of the workflow, click the ellipsis (...) and select Manual start from the options menu. 
      

     

      

3. Enter Required Values: 
   • The fields displayed will vary depending on the workflow’s start event type (SharePoint Online, Nintex Form, or Component Workflow). Input the requested information based on the start event. In most cases Item ID will be requested. 
4. Start the Workflow: 

After entering the values, click Start or Submit to initiate the workflow. 

Once the workflow is triggered, it will execute its actions as designed, and the instance can be monitored on the Instances page. 
 

Starting Workflows Based on Event Types 

1. Workflows with a SharePoint Online Start Event 

For workflows with a SharePoint Online start event, the manual start involves selecting an existing SharePoint list item to simulate the triggering event. 

Steps: 

• Enter the SharePoint Item ID: Input the ID of the SharePoint list item you want to use. 
• Retrieve the Item Details: Click Retrieve item to fetch and display the details of the selected list item in the Item preview section. 
• Review the Item Details: Confirm the details are correct. 
• Start the Workflow: Click Start to initiate the workflow using the selected SharePoint item as the trigger. The item’s details are passed into the workflow as a real event. 
   

  

   

2. Workflows with a Nintex Form Start Event 

For workflows triggered by a form, users can manually start the workflow by completing the form fields. 

Steps: 

• Fill in the Form Fields: The form linked to the workflow will be displayed. Input the necessary data into the form. 
• Submit the Form: Click Submit to trigger the workflow with the form data. The workflow will begin executing based on the provided information. 

3. Component Workflows 

Component workflows can also be started manually. These workflows may require specific input fields to be filled before initiating. 

Steps: 

• Provide Input for the Component Workflow: Fill in the required fields as prompted. 
• Start the Workflow: Click Start to begin the workflow instance. 

Monitoring Workflow Instances 

After initiating the workflow, you can view details about running and completed instances on the Instances page. This page provides valuable insights into the progress of the workflow, allowing you to track actions and outcomes in real time. 

Important Notes 

While manually starting a workflow offers flexibility, it's important to remember that the values you provide are used to simulate the start event. These values will not create or update any data but may be referenced by the workflow actions as it progresses.