Workflow Action: Math Operation
The Math Operation workflow action in Stack is a powerful tool for automating calculations within your business workflows. Whether you're calculating lead scores, setting renewal reminders, or determining project deadlines, this feature simplifies manual processes, enhances accuracy, and boosts overall workflow efficiency. This guide will walk you through the Math Operation action, its key benefits, configuration steps, use cases, and frequently asked questions to help you get started with confidence.
Table of Contents
- What is Math Operation Workflow Action?
- Key Benefits of Math Operation Workflow Action
- Configuring Math Operation Workflow Action
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Math Operation Workflow Action?
The Math Operation workflow action allows you to perform calculations directly within a workflow. You can add, subtract, multiply, or divide numeric fields and update them automatically based on specific actions or triggers. For date fields, you can add or subtract days, months, or years, making it easy to automate time-sensitive processes like reminders or scheduling.
For example, a subscription-based service can use the Math Operation action to calculate renewal dates by adding a specific duration to the start date, ensuring customers receive timely reminders.
Key Benefits of Math Operation Workflow Action
Here are some of the key advantages of using this feature in your workflows:
- Automation & Efficiency: Eliminates manual calculations, reducing errors and saving time while streamlining repetitive tasks like lead scoring, commission calculations, and deadline management.
- Customization & Integration: Supports custom fields and values, allowing flexible configurations while seamlessly working with other workflow actions and triggers for advanced automation.
- Accuracy & Scalability: Ensures precise updates to numeric, monetary, and date fields while handling large data volumes without additional manual effort, maintaining consistent performance.
Configuring Math Operation Workflow Action
Let's learn how to set up the Math Operation action by choosing the right field, applying calculations, and updating values. Leverage dynamic fields, multiple operations, and custom values to keep your calculations accurate and automated.
Naming the Action
By default, the action is named "Math Operation," but you can rename it for clarity. Use a descriptive name to make workflows easier to follow. A clear name helps quickly identify the action, especially in complex workflows.
Selecting a Field
After naming the action, the next step is selecting the field where the calculation will be applied. Clicking the Select Field dropdown presents three options:
- Date Fields: Perform date-based calculations for scheduling, reminders, or age verification using system-generated date fields like Current Date and Date of Birth.
- Current Date: Represents the present date when the workflow runs. Useful for operations like calculating deadlines or scheduling future events.
- Date of Birth: Refers to a contact’s recorded birth date. Often used for age verification, birthday reminders, or calculating anniversaries.
- Custom Fields: These are fields specific to your CRM setup, such as Policy Expiry Date or Contract Start Date. Useful for setting up automated renewal reminders or contract extensions.
- Custom Values: Manually input a static value instead of selecting a stored field. Useful for applying fixed calculations, such as adding a specific number of days to a date field.
Operation Type
Once you’ve selected a field, define the type of calculation you want to apply:
- Date Fields: Add or subtract days, months, or years to set up automated reminders or scheduling adjustments.
- Numeric and Monetary Fields: Perform operations like Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, or Division to update values automatically.
Setting the Operation Value
After selecting the operation type, enter a numerical value for the calculation. You can input a static number manually or use the "+" and "-" icons to adjust the value as needed.
- Tag Icon: Select dynamic values from custom fields instead of entering static numbers manually. This ensures calculations adapt to real-time data changes.
- Delete Icon: Remove an operation if you no longer need it by clicking the trash bin icon. This feature helps keep calculations clean and accurate.
Adding Multiple Operations
To add multiple math operations within a single action, use the Add Operator option. This feature is useful for performing a sequence of calculations, such as first adding a value and then multiplying the result. By clicking Add Operator, you can refine calculations without needing separate workflow actions.
Update Field
The Update Field option determines where the result of the calculation will be stored. Ensure that the selected field matches the type of data being processed—numeric fields should be updated with numeric values, and date fields should store date-based calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I perform math operations on custom date fields?
Yes, you can perform addition or subtraction on custom date fields to automate time-sensitive tasks, such as reminders or scheduling.
Q. Are there any limitations on the range of values in math operations?
Numeric fields can store both positive and negative values, while monetary fields only accept values greater than or equal to zero. Negative values are not supported for date fields.
Q. Can I use Math Operation actions with If/Else conditions?
Absolutely! You can use the result of a Math Operation action in an If/Else condition to create dynamic workflows. For example, use calculated lead scores to route leads through different sales paths based on their engagement level.