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Use a start link to start your workflow

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Written by Yuliia Biletska
Updated over 2 months ago

The Start link is a convenient way to initiate workflows and share documents. With this feature, you can distribute a link via email, messaging platforms, or other communication methods. It allows for flexible configurations, including input parameters and dynamic step assignments, to streamline your workflow processes.

Enable and use the Start link

1.Click on the workflow name to open it.

2.Go to the Start link option and toggle the switch to enable the functionality.

3.Copy the link and share it with signers who need to fill out the documents.

Scenarios for using the Start link

Direct access to fill out documents

You can publish the Start link on your website or internal resources (like Confluence), enabling users to click the link and instantly fill out the required documents. This method ensures that all necessary data is collected directly, and pre-configured settings (such as recipient emails or variable values for automated emails) are applied seamlessly.

Gathering additional details before document completion

  • Sometimes, you need to collect extra information before users can proceed. For instance, during an employee application process, you may need a reference contact's email, which is not part of the application form. The Start link can be configured to gather such details beforehand, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

  • If your workflow includes input parameters, a prompt will appear for signers to provide the necessary details before moving forward.

Note: This process does not apply to the Signer from document fields or Contacts Signer types

Describing the actions related to the Workflow initiator signer role and Signer TBD is crucial for effectively utilizing the Start link feature. By understanding these roles and processes, you can ensure that workflows are executed smoothly with clear responsibilities.

  • The Workflow initiator signer role clarifies who triggers the workflow, which aids in accountability and simplifies the process for the initial signer;

  • The Signer TBD role feature allows for flexibility and responsiveness within the workflow, ensuring that signers can be designated dynamically based on the situation.

These functionalities help in maintaining a well-structured workflow while optimizing efficiency and effectiveness in document handling and signatory processes.

Executing workflows using the Start link offers two distinct approaches depending on your requirements: without input parameters for pre-configured data or with input parameters for dynamic data collection(learn more about parameters in this article). Below are practical examples to demonstrate these scenarios:

Workflow initiator signer: with and without input parameters

A Workflow Initiator is a user who triggers the workflow execution. This option is available for the first Signer step, simplifying the assignment process for initial signers.

Without input parameters

With input parameters

The Legal team needs to approve contracts before sharing them with external parties. The approver who starts the workflow automatically becomes the signer for the initial review.

  1. Configuration:

    • Create a workflow in airSlate for contract approval.

    • Assign the first Fill and Sign step to the Workflow Initiator.

    • No input parameters are needed since all required details are pre-configured.

  2. Execution:

    • The approver clicks the Start link shared via an internal resource (e.g., Confluence);

    • They review the contract, complete the approval form, and sign it;

    • Once completed, the workflow proceeds to the next step, such as sending the approved contract to external stakeholders.

The HR team is onboarding new employees and requires the new hire’s name and email to pre-fill onboarding documents.

  1. Configuration:

    • Create a workflow for onboarding documents.

    • Enable input parameters to collect the new hire’s name and email.

    • Assign the first Fill and Sign step to the Workflow Initiator.

  2. Execution:

    • The HR representative clicks the Start link and is prompted to enter the new hire’s details.

    • The system pre-fills the documents with the provided information.

    • The HR representative reviews and signs the documents, completing the first step.

    • The workflow then continues to the next step, such as sending documents to the new hire for their signature.

Specify at execution

The Specify at execution option enables dynamic recipient assignment during workflow execution, allowing for flexible configurations to fit various use cases. Here’s how it works in scenarios with and without input parameters:

Without input parameters

With input parameters

A sales team wants to assign contracts to the respective clients dynamically. Each client needs to review and sign their contract, but their information is provided externally.

  1. Configuration:

    • Create a workflow for client contracts.

    • Set the first Fill and Sign step with the Signer TBD option, allowing dynamic assignment.

    • No input parameters are needed since signer details are provided later.

  2. Execution:

    • A sales representative clicks the Start link.

    • They upload the client-specific contract, and the system assigns the client as the signer dynamically.

    • The client receives the contract, reviews it, and completes the signing step.

During an employee application process, HR needs to send a reference check form to a reference contact whose email is not included in the application form.

  1. Configuration:

    • Create a workflow for employee applications.

    • Enable input parameters to collect the reference’s email.

    • Set the first Fill and Sign step with the Signer TBD option.

  2. Execution:

    • An HR representative clicks the Start link and is prompted to enter the reference’s email.

    • The system dynamically assigns the reference as the signer for the next step.

    • The reference receives the form, completes their portion, and submits it.

    • The workflow proceeds to the subsequent steps, such as sending the application results to the candidate.

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