---
title: Workflow Steps
slug: workflow-steps
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-10-29T21:35:17.976Z
---



Workflows define the steps a connector follows to import, compare, and process data. Each workflow is stored as XML in a parameter on the connector resource.

The root element must be \<workflow>.

# Common Workflow Steps

| Step                | Description                                                |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| clearImport         | Deletes all rows from the import table before a full load. |
| import              | Loads data into the import table from the source system.   |
| processImport       | Compares import and data tables to detect changes.         |
| process             | Processes detected changes through a change handler.       |
| execute             | Runs a script.                                             |
| run                 | Executes another workflow.                                 |
| notify              | Sends a notification email or message.                     |
| publish / unpublish | Changes the publication state of provisioning objects.     |

# Example Workflow

:::BlockQuote
\<workflow>
&#x20; \<clearImport />
&#x20; \<import>
&#x20;   \<provider>Innovation.Activate.Library\Innovation.Activate.Connectors.ImportText\</provider>
&#x20;   \<fileName>C:\Imports\departments.csv\</fileName>
&#x20;   \<header>true\</header>
&#x20; \</import>
&#x20; \<processImport>
&#x20;   \<maxChanges>1000\</maxChanges>
&#x20; \</processImport>
&#x20; \<process>
&#x20;   \<provider>Innovation.Activate.Library\Innovation.Activate.Connectors.RoleChangeHandler\</provider>
&#x20; \</process>
\</workflow>
:::

# Best Practices

- Always include **clearImport** before full imports to avoid stale data.&#x20;
- Use **processImport** limits (maxChanges, maxDelete, maxCreate) to protect against bulk errors.&#x20;
- Separate logical processes into multiple workflows where appropriate.&#x20;
- Include **notify** steps for monitoring failures or large change counts.&#x20;