Always test before activating. Testing runs the flow logic and shows you the output without making real changes.
How to run a test
After building a flow with AVA, say:
"Test this automation."
AVA will ask whether you want to use a sample record or a specific real record.
Sample record: AVA generates a synthetic record that matches your trigger conditions and runs the flow against it. Good for verifying the logic when you do not have a suitable real record ready.
Real record: You specify a record (by name or ID) and AVA runs the flow against it. Good for verifying that your field mappings and data look correct with actual data.
What the test shows you
- The trigger that fired (and the conditions evaluated)
- Each action, in order, with its output
- For messaging actions (Slack, email): the exact message that would be sent
- For record creation actions: the record that would be created, with all field values
- For document generation: a preview of the generated document
No real messages are sent, no real records are created, no real changes are made during a test.
If the test fails
AVA will show you which step failed and why. Common causes:
- A field referenced in the flow does not exist on the source record
- A credential for a target platform is expired
- A condition was evaluated incorrectly
Tell AVA what looks wrong and she will fix the flow.
After a successful test
Tell AVA: "Activate this automation." She will confirm and the flow goes live.
Related: How to Build Your First Automation Flow · Troubleshooting Automation Failures