> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/field-operations/workflows/run-a-workflow-for-a-customer.md).

# Run a workflow for a customer

Use a manual workflow when your business has configured a repeatable set of actions that a staff member should start for one customer.

> **Where to find it:** Open a customer or property, then select the **Workflows** tab. You can also open **Automations**, then select **Workflows**. Both appear once Workflows is enabled for your business.

To make another published workflow apply to the record, select **Add workflow** below the workflow list.

## Before you start

* The workflow must be active and available for manual runs.
* The customer must be enrolled in that workflow.
* Your user account must have permission to perform the actions the workflow requests.

## Run the workflow

1. Find the workflow and select **Run**. If it has several manual steps, select **Run** for the step you need.
2. Confirm any additional information the workflow requires. From a customer page, you may need to choose one of that customer's properties. From a property page, the customer and property are already selected.
3. Enter an optional message when the workflow needs extra context.
4. Select **Preview** to see what the workflow would do without changing customer data.
5. Review the preview, then select **Run** to perform the actions.

When starting from **Automations → Workflows**, choose an enrolled customer before previewing the run.

Essential reports whether the workflow ran, decided that nothing needed to happen, paused for approval, or failed. If it fails, no permission is bypassed: the run uses your current business access and permissions.

A run **paused for approval** wants to take actions — such as emailing the customer — that need a human decision first. It creates an Approve / Decline task in the Workflows folder of the Tasks inbox; approved actions run within seconds of the approval. See [Respond to a workflow task](/field-operations/tasks/respond-to-a-workflow-task.md).

Some workflows create a task when they need a staff decision. Those tasks appear in the **Workflows** folder of the Tasks inbox. See [Respond to a workflow task](/field-operations/tasks/respond-to-a-workflow-task.md).


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