Test a workflow

Test a published agentic workflow to confirm it starts correctly, collects the right information, calls the right tools, and completes with the expected outcome.

Before you begin

Make sure you have:

• Published the workflow successfully.
• Attached the managed start tool to the AI assistant. See Publish a workflow and attach the start tool.
• Access to converse with that assistant as a test user.
• Any HRIS or integration tools used by the workflow already tested and set to Active.

Test a user-initiated workflow

1. Open a conversation with the AI assistant that has the start tool attached.
2. Enter a request that should match the Start action's Tool Description.

Example:

I'd like to request time off next week.

3. Confirm that the workflow starts. You should see activity such as the Start action's Agent Activity Text, for example, Starting your time off request….
4. If workflow steps are enabled, confirm that the expected milestones appear, for example, Gather details → Submit request → Complete.
5. Complete the conversation:

• Provide any information the Agent action requests.
• Confirm that the Run Tool or other integrations execute as designed.
• Check the final confirmation or outcome message.

6. Optionally open the workflow run in the designer to inspect action status and outputs. See Monitor workflow runs.

What success looks like

A successful test typically shows that the workflow:

1. Starts from the assistant.
2. Uses the correct workflow for the request.
3. Collects required inputs without asking for the same information twice.
4. Calls only the tools attached or selected in the workflow.
5. Completes, waits, or errors in a way that matches the design.
6. Leaves a workflow run you can inspect.

If the workflow doesn't start

If the assistant answers without starting the workflow:

1. Confirm that the workflow status is Live.
2. Confirm that the Start trigger is User-initiated.
3. Confirm that the managed start tool is attached to the assistant and that the assistant is saved (and active, if required).
4. Compare the test prompt with the Start Tool Description. Try a clearer request that matches the description.
5. Check that another live workflow isn't a better match for the same request.

If the workflow starts but fails later

1. Open the workflow run and identify the first failed or stuck action.
2. For an Agent action:

• Review the instructions and required output fields.
• Confirm that attached tools are Active and attached to that Agent action.

3. For a Run Tool action:

• Confirm that input mappings use the correct workflow variables.
• Confirm that the tool allows Run Tool use, rather than being restricted to individual user sign-in or case-only use.

4. Fix the draft, publish a new version, and retest with a new run.

What to do next

• Fix issues, republish, and retest.
• Monitor workflow runs

Related articles

• Publish a workflow and attach the start tool
• Understand workflow runs
• Build your first workflow