Skip wait steps

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How do I skip wait steps when testing an automation?

Introduction

The ability to skip wait steps in ActiveCampaign is an invaluable feature for users testing their automations. When creating complex workflows, it can take considerable time for automations to execute, particularly when they include delays represented by Wait actions or transitions to other steps with Jump To actions. Skipping these actions helps streamline the testing process, enabling users to identify and resolve issues without the lengthy wait period.

How to access this feature

To utilize the skip wait steps functionality, users need to manually add a test contact to their automation. This allows them to view and manipulate the steps of the automation in real-time.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these detailed steps to skip wait steps while testing your automation:

1. **Add a Test Contact**: Begin by manually adding a test contact to the automation you wish to test. This is crucial, as the test contact will serve as the subject in your automation testing.

2. **Access the Automation**: Navigate to the contact's record and locate the automation that you just added them to.

3. **Open the Automation View**: Click the View button. A modal window will open, redirecting you to the contact's path within the automation.

4. **Skip the Action**: Identify the Wait or Jump To action that you want to skip. Click the Skip this action hyperlink next to the action. This will allow the contact to move past the defined waiting period or jump to another section of the automation.

5. **Confirm Action Skipped**: You will see an "X" next to the action that was skipped, indicating that the contact has bypassed it successfully.

Configuration options and settings

When using the skip wait steps feature, the main options available include: - Wait Actions: Typical actions within an automation that include a delay before proceeding. - Jump To Actions: Actions that redirect a contact to a different step in the automation.

These actions can be easily manipulated, allowing users to ensure an efficient testing experience.

Best practices and tips

- **Use a Dedicated Test Contact**: Always use a dedicated test contact when conducting tests. This prevents any unintended changes to live contacts. - **Regular Testing**: Regularly test automations with added contacts to ensure all flows are functioning as expected before launching them to your entire list. - **Document Your Automations**: Keep track of the changes and tests performed on your automations for future reference and for better understanding.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while attempting to skip wait steps, consider the following: - Ensure you are using a valid test contact added to the automation. - Check that the automation is active and that you have the necessary permissions to make changes. - If the Skip this action hyperlink does not appear, confirm that you are viewing the correct step within the automation.

Related features

For more information, consider reviewing other features that related to automation testing, such as: - Automations - Testing

FAQ

Q1: Can I skip multiple wait steps in one go? A1: Each wait step must be skipped individually, so you will need to click on the Skip this action link for each one.

Q2: Is there any limit to the number of test contacts I can add? A2: There is no official limit, but it is best to keep a manageable number of test contacts for clarity.

Q3: What happens if I skip a critical wait step? A3: Skipping critical steps may lead to unwanted results. It's essential to understand the entire workflow before skipping any steps.

Q4: Will the skipped actions be recorded? A4: Yes, you will see an "X" next to any action that was skipped, indicating it was not executed.

Q5: Do I need a specific plan to use the skip wait steps feature? A5: This feature is available for all plan types: Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

Q6: Can I revert the action if I skip it accidentally? A6: No, once an action is skipped, you cannot revert it. You will need to manually check the automation to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Q7: Is there a way to test the automation without skipping wait steps? A7: Yes, you can observe the automation functioning live, but this may take a longer time due to waiting periods.

Keep these insights in mind to streamline your automation testing experience in ActiveCampaign effectively! ```