Automations

The Automations module is the logic engine of Netsocs Synergy. It allows you to create custom rules and workflows to automate responses, integrate processes, and reduce manual operator intervention.

It uses a visual node-based editor, where you can build IFTTT-type logic sequences ("if this happens, then do that"), connecting functional blocks. With this tool you can create from simple notifications to complex workflows involving multiple systems.

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Fundamental Concepts

An automation consists of three main blocks:

1. Triggers: The event that initiates the automation.
   Example: an alarm from a sensor.

2. Conditions: One or more tests that must be met to continue.
   Example: the alarm occurs outside business hours.

3. Actions: The task that the system executes if conditions are met.
   Example: send an email and move a camera.

INFO
To better understand how automations work, also review:
- What is a Driver?
- What is a Device and an Object?
- Concepts: Domains and Object Types
- Automation Examples
- Using Automation Templates

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Detailed Guides

Explore module usage through the following guides:

• Automation Management
• The Visual Node Editor
• Building an Automation

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Automation Management

The module's main screen acts as a control center for all rules and workflows.

The Automation List

The main view shows a table with all automations:

Column	Description
Name	Descriptive name of the automation.
Last Activation	Last time the automation was triggered.
Toggle Switch	Allows quickly enabling or disabling an automation.

Create a New Automation

Click + Create Automation to start a new flow. This will take you to the Visual Node Editor.

Automation Actions

Each automation has a menu with available actions:

Action	Description
Edit	Modify the automation in the Visual Editor.
Executions	Shows execution history.
Run	Manually triggers the automation (testing).
Duplicate	Creates an exact copy as a template.
Enable / Disable	Enables or disables the automation.
Delete	Permanently deletes the automation.

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The Visual Node Editor

The editor is a visual canvas for building automation logic.

Interface Components

• Canvas: Area where nodes are placed and connected.
• + Button (Add Nodes): Opens the node library.
• Top Bar:
• Active / Inactive toggle.
• Export / Import buttons (save or load logic).
• Save button (save changes).
• Executions Tab: Execution history, useful for testing and debugging.

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Building an Automation

Add Nodes to Canvas

1. Click the + button.
2. Select a node from the categories: Triggers, Conditions, Actions.
3. Use the search bar to filter nodes.
4. Click on the desired node to add it to the canvas.

Node Types

Type	Purpose	Examples
Triggers	Initiate the automation.	Event, State Change, GPS Zone.
Conditions	Evaluate whether the automation should continue.	If, Time Range.
Actions	Execute tasks.	Send Email, Activate Relay, Move PTZ Camera.

Connect Nodes

1. Click on the output point of a node.
2. Drag to the input point of another node.
3. Release to establish the connection.

TIP
The typical logic flow is:
Trigger → Condition → Action.
Example: "When X happens, if condition Y is met, then do Z".