What is a Flow?

Definition

A Flow is a configured workflow in Simplify that defines how files are processed in the system. Each flow has a name, description, and optional custom email addresses for error notifications, and can be enabled or disabled to control whether it is active.

Account Level

Key Characteristics

• A flow must contain more than one step — including its Trigger — before it can be enabled.
• Trading partners can be assigned to a flow so the system automatically applies any partner-specific maps or configurations.
• When a trading partner is added to a flow, the system automatically pulls in that partner's customized map (if one exists) instead of the default system map.
• Example: a flow with a Trigger of EDI 850 v4010 and an Action of Simplify Purchase Order XML will automatically apply the partner's map once the partner is assigned.

Where to Find It

Flows require a Customer account. From the Reseller account, go to Manage Users → click ··· → Login as User to impersonate a Customer:

Manage Users — Login as User to access a Customer account

Once logged in as a Customer, navigate to My Flows → Flows:

Flows list — Customer account (Stop Impersonation banner visible)

Use the filter bar to search and filter flows:

Flows — Filter by name

Flows — Filter by Enabled / Disabled status

Flows — Filter by Test Mode

How to Create a Flow

Step 1 — Click + Add Flow to create a new flow:

Flows — + Add Flow button

Step 2 — Enter a Name and optional Description. Note: you must set up partners first if the flow is partner-specific:

Add Flow dialog — Name field (required)

Add Flow dialog — Go to Partners page link

Add Flow dialog — filled Name + Save button

Step 3 — After saving, the Flow Configuration page opens. The flow is disabled by default. Click + Add Trigger to start:

Flow Configuration — new empty flow, Enabled toggle OFF

Flow Configuration — + Add Trigger button

Step 4 — Configure the Trigger step: select Action, Document Type, and Connection, then click Next:

Step Configuration — Select Action, Document Type, Connection

Step Configuration — Next button

Step 5 — Setup Condition (optional). Click Next to skip or add conditions first:

Step Configuration — Condition Setup, + Add Condition

Step Configuration — Condition Setup, Next button

Step 6 — Partner Setup: link trading partners to this step (optional). Click Next to continue:

Step Configuration — Partner Setup, Go to Partners page link

Step Configuration — Partner Required checkbox

Step Configuration — Filter partner names

Step Configuration — + Add Partner button

Step Configuration — Partner Setup, Next button

Step 7 — Acknowledgment Setup. Click Finish to complete the Trigger:

Step Configuration — Acknowledgment Setup, Finish button

Step 8 — The Trigger is now added. Click the + icon on the Trigger node to add an Action step:

Flow Configuration — Trigger added, + button to add Action

Step 9 — Configure the Action step (same wizard: Action → Condition → Partners → Finish):

Action Step Configuration — Select Action, Document Type, Connection

Action Step Configuration — Next button

Step 10 — Once both steps are configured, enable the flow using the Enabled toggle:

Flow Configuration — complete flow (Trigger → Built-in Steps → Action), Enabled ON

Back on the Flows list, click ··· to Edit, Config, Delete, or Clone a flow:

Flows list — flow enabled, actions menu (Edit / Config / Delete / Clone)

Related Articles

For more details, refer to the following articles in the Knowledge Center:

• Flow Configuration
• Flow Steps Documentation
• Create a new Flow
• How to set up basic flow