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How to Use the Loop Action?

What is the "Loop" Action

The Loop Action is a core component in automation workflows that allows you to perform the same operation sequentially on a set of data records. When you need to process multiple records (such as multiple contacts, tasks, or work orders), the Loop Action can automatically iterate through these records, executing a series of predefined actions for each record, greatly improving work efficiency.

Use Cases

  • Batch Data Processing: Such as automatically distributing all new leads to sales representatives
  • Regular Report Generation: Creating personalized work reports for each team member
  • Batch Notification Sending: Sending personalized messages to customers or team members who meet specific criteria
  • Bulk Data Updates: Applying the same update rules to each record after retrieving multiple records

How to Use

Basic Configuration

Loop Data Source Selection

Select array data from upstream steps: Choose a variable containing the database to be processed in the loop, such as the output results from a "Get Records" action

Child Actions Configuration

Add Child Executors: Add the operations that need to be performed for each item within the loop body

Advanced Configuration

Execution Mode Selection

  • Sequential Execution: Process each item in the array in strict order, executing the next item only after completing the current one
  • Parallel Processing (uncheck sequential execution): Process multiple data items simultaneously, improving efficiency but without guaranteeing processing order

Application Scenarios: Choose sequential execution when processing order is important (such as sales round-robin assignment); choose parallel processing when efficiency is more important and the processing of data items is independent of each other

Error Handling Strategy

  • Abort Loop on Failure: Immediately terminate the entire loop when any child executor fails, with no further iterations executed
  • Continue Loop on Failure (uncheck abort option): Continue processing subsequent items even if an iteration fails

Application Scenarios: Choose the abort option when each item must be processed successfully; choose the continue option when partial failures are allowed

Loop Input and Output

Input Data Requirements

Data Type: Usually array / list type

Common Input Sources:

  • Output from the Get Records action (multiple records)
  • Output from the Get Members List action (members list)
  • Dynamic input array from Manually Run
  • Array data returned from Webhook Received

Variable References in Loops

Loop Item: Within the loop, child actions can reference the currently processed item through special variables

Variable Acquisition Method:

  1. For first-time configuration, you must first click "Run test" in the Loop Action editing interface
  1. This will generate a structure example of the loop item
  1. In child actions, you can see and select specific fields under "Loop Item" through the variable selector

Loop Output Results

Output of Each Iteration: Each loop iteration produces its own output result

Overall Output: After the Loop Action completes, it outputs a collection of all iteration results

Downstream References: Actions after the loop can reference the aggregate results of the entire loop, but typically need to use other actions to process these results

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I reference the item currently being processed in the loop?

A: First click "Run test" to get the loop item structure, then in the child action, select the appropriate field under "Loop Item" via the variable selector.

Q2: Will the Loop Action have performance issues when processing large amounts of data?

A: When the data volume is very large (over 1000 records), consider using filtering conditions to reduce the processing quantity, or consider processing data in batches to improve performance.

Q3: Can variables outside the loop be accessed in child actions?

A: Yes. Child actions can access not only the current loop item but also all available variables outside the loop.

Q4: How do I track the running status of a Loop Action?

A: You can view detailed logs through the automation run history, including each execution status, processed data, and possible errors.

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