how to use Make (formerly known as Integromat) for automation
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 2,342 Hits
Date 25-02-16 23:26
Content
Below is a detailed guide in English on how to use Make (formerly known as Integromat) for automation:
---
## **1. Introduction to Make Automation**
Make is a visual automation platform that allows you to connect apps and services to automate workflows without writing code. With Make, you can design complex scenarios using a drag-and-drop interface, set up triggers and actions, and let the platform handle data transfers and processing between your apps.
---
## **2. Getting Started**
### **a. Create an Account**
- **Visit the Website:** Go to [Make's website](https://www.make.com/) and sign up for an account.
- **Choose a Plan:** Start with the free plan to explore its features, and upgrade later if you need more operations or advanced features.
### **b. Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard**
- **Dashboard Overview:** Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard where you can create and manage your automation scenarios.
- **Navigation:** Explore sections like “Scenarios,” “History” (to check past executions), and “My Profile” (to manage account settings).
---
## **3. Building Your First Scenario**
### **a. Create a New Scenario**
- **Click ‘Create a New Scenario’:** This will open a blank canvas where you can start designing your workflow.
- **Add Modules:** Use the drag-and-drop interface to add modules. Modules are the building blocks that represent different apps or services (e.g., Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets).
### **b. Choose a Trigger**
- **Set a Trigger Module:** The trigger is the event that starts the scenario (e.g., receiving an email, a new entry in a spreadsheet).
- **Configure the Trigger:** Connect your account if needed, and define specific criteria (e.g., subject line, folder, or time interval).
### **c. Add Action Modules**
- **Define Actions:** After setting up a trigger, add one or more action modules to specify what should happen next. For example, you might want to send a message to Slack or create a record in a database.
- **Mapping Data:** Connect the data from the trigger module to the fields in your action modules. Make’s interface typically lets you drag data fields from one module to another.
---
## **4. Configuring Modules and Settings**
### **a. Connecting Accounts**
- **API Authentication:** When you add a module for a service, you may need to authenticate it using OAuth or API keys. Follow the provided instructions to link your accounts securely.
### **b. Setting Parameters**
- **Input Fields:** For each module, fill in required fields (e.g., email subject, message text, spreadsheet cell ranges).
- **Advanced Options:** Explore additional settings like filters, conditions, and error handling to fine-tune your scenario.
### **c. Adding Filters and Routers**
- **Filters:** Use filters to decide whether to pass data to the next module based on specific conditions (e.g., if an email contains a particular keyword).
- **Routers:** When you need to split your scenario into multiple paths, add a router to send data to different modules based on conditions.
---
## **5. Testing and Scheduling Your Scenario**
### **a. Test Run**
- **Manual Execution:** Run your scenario manually using the “Run once” button to see if the workflow works as intended.
- **Debugging:** If errors occur, check the scenario history and error logs to troubleshoot issues.
### **b. Scheduling**
- **Schedule Trigger:** Decide whether your scenario should run continuously, at set intervals, or based on a specific schedule.
- **Real-Time vs. Batch:** Choose between real-time processing (e.g., instantly responding to new emails) or batch processing at scheduled times.
---
## **6. Monitoring and Maintenance**
### **a. Monitoring Executions**
- **History and Logs:** Regularly check the execution history to monitor successful runs and catch any errors.
- **Notifications:** Set up alerts or notifications to inform you if a scenario fails or if any unusual activity occurs.
### **b. Updating Scenarios**
- **Modify and Optimize:** As your needs change, revisit your scenarios to update modules, refine conditions, or add new actions.
- **Version Control:** Keep track of changes and test new iterations to ensure the updated workflow meets your requirements.
---
## **7. Best Practices**
- **Keep It Simple:** Start with a simple scenario and gradually add complexity as you become more familiar with the platform.
- **Documentation:** Document your workflows so you can easily troubleshoot or explain them to team members.
- **Security:** Regularly update your connected apps and review permissions to maintain security.
- **Community and Support:** Utilize Make’s help center, tutorials, and community forums for additional support and ideas.
---
By following these steps, you can effectively set up and manage automation workflows using Make. Experiment with different modules and configurations to tailor scenarios to your specific needs. Happy automating!
---
## **1. Introduction to Make Automation**
Make is a visual automation platform that allows you to connect apps and services to automate workflows without writing code. With Make, you can design complex scenarios using a drag-and-drop interface, set up triggers and actions, and let the platform handle data transfers and processing between your apps.
---
## **2. Getting Started**
### **a. Create an Account**
- **Visit the Website:** Go to [Make's website](https://www.make.com/) and sign up for an account.
- **Choose a Plan:** Start with the free plan to explore its features, and upgrade later if you need more operations or advanced features.
### **b. Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard**
- **Dashboard Overview:** Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard where you can create and manage your automation scenarios.
- **Navigation:** Explore sections like “Scenarios,” “History” (to check past executions), and “My Profile” (to manage account settings).
---
## **3. Building Your First Scenario**
### **a. Create a New Scenario**
- **Click ‘Create a New Scenario’:** This will open a blank canvas where you can start designing your workflow.
- **Add Modules:** Use the drag-and-drop interface to add modules. Modules are the building blocks that represent different apps or services (e.g., Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets).
### **b. Choose a Trigger**
- **Set a Trigger Module:** The trigger is the event that starts the scenario (e.g., receiving an email, a new entry in a spreadsheet).
- **Configure the Trigger:** Connect your account if needed, and define specific criteria (e.g., subject line, folder, or time interval).
### **c. Add Action Modules**
- **Define Actions:** After setting up a trigger, add one or more action modules to specify what should happen next. For example, you might want to send a message to Slack or create a record in a database.
- **Mapping Data:** Connect the data from the trigger module to the fields in your action modules. Make’s interface typically lets you drag data fields from one module to another.
---
## **4. Configuring Modules and Settings**
### **a. Connecting Accounts**
- **API Authentication:** When you add a module for a service, you may need to authenticate it using OAuth or API keys. Follow the provided instructions to link your accounts securely.
### **b. Setting Parameters**
- **Input Fields:** For each module, fill in required fields (e.g., email subject, message text, spreadsheet cell ranges).
- **Advanced Options:** Explore additional settings like filters, conditions, and error handling to fine-tune your scenario.
### **c. Adding Filters and Routers**
- **Filters:** Use filters to decide whether to pass data to the next module based on specific conditions (e.g., if an email contains a particular keyword).
- **Routers:** When you need to split your scenario into multiple paths, add a router to send data to different modules based on conditions.
---
## **5. Testing and Scheduling Your Scenario**
### **a. Test Run**
- **Manual Execution:** Run your scenario manually using the “Run once” button to see if the workflow works as intended.
- **Debugging:** If errors occur, check the scenario history and error logs to troubleshoot issues.
### **b. Scheduling**
- **Schedule Trigger:** Decide whether your scenario should run continuously, at set intervals, or based on a specific schedule.
- **Real-Time vs. Batch:** Choose between real-time processing (e.g., instantly responding to new emails) or batch processing at scheduled times.
---
## **6. Monitoring and Maintenance**
### **a. Monitoring Executions**
- **History and Logs:** Regularly check the execution history to monitor successful runs and catch any errors.
- **Notifications:** Set up alerts or notifications to inform you if a scenario fails or if any unusual activity occurs.
### **b. Updating Scenarios**
- **Modify and Optimize:** As your needs change, revisit your scenarios to update modules, refine conditions, or add new actions.
- **Version Control:** Keep track of changes and test new iterations to ensure the updated workflow meets your requirements.
---
## **7. Best Practices**
- **Keep It Simple:** Start with a simple scenario and gradually add complexity as you become more familiar with the platform.
- **Documentation:** Document your workflows so you can easily troubleshoot or explain them to team members.
- **Security:** Regularly update your connected apps and review permissions to maintain security.
- **Community and Support:** Utilize Make’s help center, tutorials, and community forums for additional support and ideas.
---
By following these steps, you can effectively set up and manage automation workflows using Make. Experiment with different modules and configurations to tailor scenarios to your specific needs. Happy automating!