1. Apps
  2. Flows
  3. Getting Started with Flows

What are Flows?

Whether you are integrating apps with other services for automation or optimizing data flow across platforms, Knack Flows provides a smooth and efficient experience to kick off your automation process. 🚀

This article contains the following sections:

Note: Flows is currently available to early-access users. We will continue rolling out this feature to more Knack builders throughout the remainder of 2024. Stay tuned for updates as we expand availability!

To request early access to Flows, please reach out to our support team: Create Support Ticket

Overview

Flows serve as a centralized hub within Knack, housing all of your automation processes. By integrating the connector apps you utilize regularly, you can streamline and automate your workflows effectively.

flows

Before creating a Flow, it is essential to consider the following three key questions:

  • What specific data are you looking to retrieve from a connector app?
  • At what point in time do you need this data?
  • What specific action do you plan to execute in another connector app?

Please note that Flows is not compatible with your browser's Incognito mode.

What can you integrate and automate with Flows?

  • Data Transfer: Automatically move data between Knack apps or between Knack and other platforms. For example, when a record is created or updated in one Knack app, a corresponding record can be created or updated in another Knack app or connector app.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Sync data between Knack and CRM tools. For instance, if a new lead is added in Knack, the information can be automatically pushed to a CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce.
  • Task Management: Automatically create or update tasks in third-party project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana) when new records are added or updated in Knack.

  • Reporting and Analytics: Automatically generate and send reports based on data collected in Knack, or push this data to external tools for deeper analysis.

Tip:  For the full list of available connector apps, see our app here: Knack Flows Functionality

 

Will Flows be a good fit for your automation needs?

If your team needs real-time automation from Knack, such as triggering alerts or updates for critical service-request tickets, Flows can be an ideal solution. With its ability to instantly execute actions based on Knack data, Flows ensures that your team is notified and able to respond to urgent situations without delay.

Additionally, Flows offers a more affordable alternative for those looking to implement integrations and automations. By leveraging the included Transaction amounts, users can manage workflows at a lower cost compared to other automation platforms. If your organization hasn’t yet adopted services like Zapier or Make, Flows can help streamline your processes without the need for external tools.

When Flows Might Not Be the Best Fit

If your team anticipates needing to connect to more niche software in the future, platforms like Make or Zapier might be better suited, as they often already have the necessary connectors. While Flows offers robust integration options within the Knack ecosystem, it may not yet have connectors for some specialized third-party tools you might plan to use down the line.

For highly complex automations involving over 20 steps, multiple loops, or intricate branching logic, Flows may not be the most efficient option. While it handles straightforward and moderately complex workflows well, tools like Make or Zapier may offer more flexibility for building multi-layered automations at that level of complexity.