When building workflows in Lawcus, you may want your automation to run only under specific conditions or stop when certain criteria are met. That's where Entry Rules and Exit Rules come in.
These features help you create more efficient and personalized workflows by controlling when a workflow starts and when it should stop.
Entry Rules
An Entry Rule acts as a filter for your workflow. After a workflow trigger occurs, the Entry Rule determines whether the workflow should continue or stop before any actions are executed.
Think of it as a gatekeeper. Even if the workflow trigger is activated, the workflow will only proceed if the Entry Rule conditions are met.
Where to Find Entry Rules
Open your workflow.
Click on the
Triggerstep.Scroll down to the
Entry Rulesection.Configure the conditions that must be met for the workflow to proceed.
When to Use Entry Rules
Entry Rules are useful when you want a workflow to run only for specific records or situations.
For example, you may have a workflow triggered by a task completed, but you only want the workflow to run when a particular task is marked as completed. An Entry Rule allows you to apply that condition, preventing the workflow from running unnecessarily.
Exit Rules
An Exit Rule allows a workflow to stop after it has already started. During workflow execution, Lawcus checks the Exit Rule condition and, if it is met, the workflow ends without completing the remaining steps.
Exit Rules are especially useful for longer workflows that contain delays or waiting periods.
Where to Find Exit Rules
Open your workflow.
At the top of the workflow builder, click
Exit Rule.
Configure the conditions that should stop the workflow from continuing.
Important Note
Exit Rules work best when your workflow includes delays or pauses. When the workflow resumes after a delay, it can evaluate the Exit Rule and determine whether it should continue or stop.
Example: Lead Nurturing Workflow
A common use case for Exit Rules is a lead nurturing campaign.
Imagine you have a workflow that sends a series of follow-up emails over several weeks. During that time, a lead may indicate they are no longer interested.
You can move the lead to a Not Interested stage and create an Exit Rule that checks for that status. When the workflow reaches its next delay and resumes, it will evaluate the Exit Rule:
If the lead is marked as
Not Hired, the workflow stops.If the lead remains active, the workflow continues with the remaining follow-ups.
This helps prevent unnecessary communication and keeps your automations relevant.
Entry Rules vs. Exit Rules
Entry Rule | Exit Rule |
Checked before workflow actions begin | Checked during workflow execution |
Determines whether a workflow should start | Determines whether a workflow should continue |
Acts as a filter for workflow triggers | Acts as a stop condition for running workflows |
Helps target the right records | Helps prevent unnecessary future actions |
Best Practices
Use Entry Rules When:
You want to narrow down which records trigger a workflow.
You need additional conditions beyond the selected trigger.
You want to prevent unnecessary workflow executions.
Use Exit Rules When:
Your workflow contains delays or waiting periods.
Conditions may change while the workflow is running.
You want to stop future actions when specific criteria are met.
Important Note:
If you have multiple conditions in an Entry Rule or Exit Rule, the workflow behavior depends on whether the conditions are configured using AND or OR logic. With AND, all conditions must be met. With OR, only one condition needs to be met for the rule to apply.
Summary
Entry Rules and Exit Rules give you greater control over your Lawcus workflows. Entry Rules ensure workflows only start when the right conditions are met, while Exit Rules allow workflows to stop when circumstances change.
By using both features effectively, you can create smarter automations that are more efficient, targeted, and aligned with your firm's processes.