Triggering flows using MetricBase data

Time-series data that is stored in the MetricBase database can trigger Workflow Studio flows. These triggers can log incidents, send emails, and create other alerts.

Overview of implementing triggers

A trigger definition is a set of conditions that automatically executes a Workflow Studio flow. When you create a trigger definition in MetricBase and associate it with a flow, the trigger definition transfers from your instance to the MetricBase server. After you activate the trigger and flow, MetricBase monitors time-series data in the MetricBase database. When time-series data matches the initial triggering condition, and then transitions from one condition to the next, a transition trigger is generated and added to the queue. The instance polls the queue, processes the transition trigger, and then executes the Workflow Studio flow.

For more information about time-series policies, see Create a time-series definition in MetricBase.

1. Define one or more triggers on an instance.

   • Create a MetricBase band trigger

     Triggers when a metric value falls within a range of values.

   • Create a MetricBase linear predictor trigger

     Triggers when a series of values trend toward and are expected to reach a specified value.

   • Create a MetricBase gap trigger

     Triggers when values are not received for a specified period.

   • Create a MetricBase model trigger

     Triggers when a trained model detects anomalous behavior.

2. Execute triggers conditionally

   Create a trigger condition to add additional requirements for a trigger to execute a flow. For example, data often fluctuates over time. Small fluctuations can cause unwanted, duplicate triggering events. A Condition Script can prevent that erroneous duplication.

3. Assign a trigger to a flow

   Associate the trigger with the flow it executes using Workflow Studio.

4. Test the trigger and workflow.

5. Activate the trigger.

Deleting triggers

If a trigger is associated with a flow, you can't delete it in MetricBase. To delete a trigger, you must first delete the flow in Workflow Studio and then you can delete the trigger in MetricBase.

Legacy triggers

Legacy triggers are deprecated. You can't create legacy triggers; you can only carry forward legacy triggers that exist.