> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.freyavoice.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Workflows

> Building complex call routing and processing logic with visual workflows

## What Are Workflows?

Workflows are visual, node-based systems that allow you to create sophisticated call routing and processing logic. They enable you to build applications that go beyond what a single agent can accomplish, combining multiple agents, conditional logic, function calls, and integrations.

## Workflow Components

### Nodes

Nodes are the building blocks of workflows. Each node represents a specific action or decision:

**Agent Nodes**: Connect to AI agents to handle conversations. You can use different agents for different parts of the workflow.

**Function Nodes**: Execute custom functions or API calls. These can fetch data, update systems, or trigger external actions.

**Condition Nodes**: Route calls based on conditions. Conditions can check time of day, caller information, conversation state, or any other data.

**Transfer Nodes**: Transfer calls to human agents or external systems. This enables human-in-the-loop scenarios.

**Wait Nodes**: Pause execution for a specified duration. Useful for delays or scheduled actions.

**Loop Nodes**: Repeat actions based on conditions. Enable iterative processing or retry logic.

### Connections

Connections define the flow between nodes:

**Sequential Flow**: Standard connections that execute nodes one after another.

**Conditional Flow**: Connections that branch based on node outputs or conditions.

**Parallel Flow**: Multiple paths that can execute simultaneously.

**Loop Flow**: Connections that create loops for iterative processing.

### Variables

Variables store and pass data between nodes:

**Input Variables**: Data that enters the workflow, such as caller information or initial context.

**Node Outputs**: Data produced by nodes that can be used by subsequent nodes.

**Global Variables**: Variables accessible throughout the workflow.

**Type Safety**: Variables have types (string, number, boolean, object) to ensure data integrity.

## Workflow Design Patterns

### Simple Routing

The simplest workflow pattern routes calls to a single agent:

```
Start → Agent Node → End
```

This is equivalent to using an agent directly but provides a foundation for expansion.

### Conditional Routing

Route calls based on conditions:

```
Start → Condition Node → [True Path] → Agent A
                      → [False Path] → Agent B
```

Common conditions include:

* Time of day (business hours)
* Caller ID or phone number
* Language preference
* Customer type or segment

### Multi-Agent Handoff

Pass calls between multiple agents:

```
Start → Agent A (Initial Greeting) → Condition → Agent B (Support)
                                              → Agent C (Sales)
```

Each agent handles a specific part of the conversation, with smooth handoffs between them.

### Human Escalation

Escalate to human agents when needed:

```
Start → Agent → Condition (Needs Human?) → Transfer to Human
                                      → Continue with Agent
```

The agent can detect when human intervention is needed and seamlessly transfer.

### Function Integration

Integrate with external systems:

```
Start → Function (Fetch Customer Data) → Agent (Uses Data) → Function (Update System) → End
```

Functions can fetch data before conversations, update systems during calls, or trigger actions after calls.

### Parallel Processing

Execute multiple operations simultaneously:

```
Start → [Function A] ┐
       [Function B] ├→ Agent (Uses Both Results)
       [Function C] ┘
```

Parallel execution improves performance when operations are independent.

## Building Workflows

### Planning Your Workflow

Before building, plan:

**Goal**: What should the workflow accomplish? Define clear success criteria.

**Flow**: Map out the logical flow of the conversation or process.

**Decisions**: Identify decision points and conditions.

**Integrations**: Determine what external systems need to be involved.

**Error Cases**: Plan how to handle errors and edge cases.

### Creating Nodes

**Add Nodes**: Add nodes from the node palette to your workflow canvas.

**Configure Nodes**: Set node properties including which agent to use, what function to call, or what condition to check.

**Name Nodes**: Use descriptive names that make the workflow self-documenting.

**Organize Visually**: Arrange nodes logically to show flow clearly.

### Connecting Nodes

**Create Connections**: Connect nodes by dragging from output to input.

**Set Conditions**: For conditional connections, define the conditions that determine which path to take.

**Test Connections**: Verify that connections work as expected.

**Handle Loops**: Be careful with loops to avoid infinite execution.

### Testing Workflows

**Simulation**: Test workflows in simulation before connecting to real phone numbers.

**Test All Paths**: Ensure all conditional paths are tested.

**Test Edge Cases**: Test error conditions and edge cases.

**Monitor Execution**: Watch workflow execution to identify issues.

## Advanced Workflow Features

### State Management

**Workflow State**: Workflows maintain state throughout execution.

**Variable Persistence**: Variables persist across nodes and can be accessed throughout the workflow.

**State Transitions**: Define how state changes as the workflow progresses.

### Error Handling

**Error Nodes**: Add error handling nodes to catch and handle failures.

**Fallback Paths**: Define fallback paths when primary operations fail.

**Error Logging**: Log errors with sufficient context for debugging.

**User Communication**: Communicate errors to users in helpful ways.

### Performance Optimization

**Minimize Nodes**: Each node adds processing time. Keep workflows efficient.

**Use Parallel Processing**: Execute independent operations in parallel.

**Cache Results**: Cache expensive function results when appropriate.

**Optimize Conditions**: Place most common conditions first.

## Workflow Best Practices

### Organization

**Keep Workflows Focused**: Each workflow should have a clear, single purpose.

**Use Descriptive Names**: Name workflows and nodes clearly.

**Document Complex Logic**: Add comments for complex routing logic.

**Version Control**: Keep versions of workflows for easy rollback.

### Error Handling

**Plan for Failures**: Always include error handling.

**Provide Fallbacks**: Design fallback paths for critical operations.

**Log Errors**: Ensure errors are logged with context.

**User-Friendly Messages**: Provide helpful error messages to users.

### Testing

**Test Thoroughly**: Test all paths and conditions.

**Use Simulation**: Always test in simulation first.

**Monitor Production**: Closely monitor workflows in production.

**Iterate Based on Data**: Improve workflows based on real usage data.

## Next Steps

<Card title="Phone Numbers" icon="phone" href="/guides/fundamentals/phone-numbers">
  Learn how to manage phone numbers and connect them to your agents and workflows.
</Card>
