Tasks and Workflows Overview

OpenAssistant can handle one-time tasks, repeat work automatically, and run prebuilt workflows designed for common types of work.

You don't need to understand every option to get started. The main difference is when the work runs and how much you want to configure yourself.

Tasks are individual requests you give your assistant.

Use a task when you want OpenAssistant to do something once, such as:

You can create tasks from the OpenAssistant dashboard or simply ask your assistant through email, Slack, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Once a task starts, you can follow its progress in the dashboard. Your assistant may ask for clarification or approval before completing certain actions.

For more details, see Working with One-Off Tasks.

Recurring Workflows automatically repeat work for you.

Instead of asking your assistant to perform the same task over and over, you can create a workflow that runs automatically based on a schedule or supported trigger.

For example:

Each time a workflow runs, OpenAssistant creates and completes the work according to the instructions you've saved.

You can edit, pause, or disable recurring workflows at any time.

For setup instructions and more details, see Recurring Workflows.

System Workflows are prebuilt workflows provided by OpenAssistant.

They're designed for common tasks that many users want their assistant to handle automatically, so you don't have to build the workflow yourself.

System Workflows can include things like meeting preparation, agendas, reminders, and other recurring assistant behaviors.

You can choose which System Workflows you want to use and configure available settings to fit how you work.

For a complete list and configuration options, see System Workflows.

Use a Task when you want your assistant to do something once.

Use a Recurring Workflow when you want the same type of work to happen automatically on an ongoing basis.

Use a System Workflow when OpenAssistant already provides a prebuilt workflow for something you want automated.

You can use all three together. For example, you might enable System Workflows for your daily agenda and meeting preparation, create a Recurring Workflow for a weekly customer report, and give your assistant Tasks throughout the day as new work comes up.

Tasks and workflows use the connections and permissions you've granted to OpenAssistant. Depending on your autonomy settings, certain actions may require your approval before they're completed.

Tasks and workflow runs may also use credits based on the work required. You can review your usage and available credits from your OpenAssistant account.

For more information, see Autonomy and Approval Settings, Connections and Integrations, and Credits and Usage.