# How Automations Work

> ThatApp automations are flow-based: a trigger, optional conditions, and one or more actions. Build them through conversation with AVA across 181 connected platforms.
> Help → Automations → How Automations Work

URL: https://thatapp.io/help/automations/automations-overview
Category: Automations (iPaaS)

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ThatApp automations connect your platforms and make them act together automatically. Here is the fundamental structure.

**The anatomy of an automation**

Every automation has three parts:

*Trigger* — What event starts the flow. Examples:
- A record is created in Podio
- An opportunity stage changes in Salesforce
- A form is submitted in a connected platform
- A time condition is met (every Monday at 9am, on the 1st of every month)

*Conditions (optional)* — Rules that narrow when the trigger fires. Examples:
- Only if the deal value is over $10,000
- Only if the record is in a specific status
- Only if the assigned user is from a specific team

*Actions* — What happens when the trigger fires and conditions are met. Examples:
- Create a record in another platform
- Update a field on the triggering record
- Send a Slack message
- Generate and send a Print document
- Send an email
- Post to a webhook

A single automation can have multiple actions that fire in sequence.

**How to build them**

Through a conversation with AVA. See: How to Build an Automation With AVA.

**Where to see your automations**

Navigate to Automations in the main navigation. You will see all active and inactive flows, their last run status, and their run history.

**Billing**

Automations consume AI tokens when AVA processes triggers and conditions. Standard token billing applies at $30/million tokens.

**Related:** How to Build an Automation With AVA · All 181 Supported Platforms