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Darwin Tools: Delay Tool

What is the Delay Tool and what does it do?

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Written by Support Team
Updated this week

The Delay Tool introduces a customizable pause in the operation of a Flow. It allows users to set a specific duration of time that must pass before the next step in the automation is executed.

What challenges does the Delay Tool address?

When building automated workflows, timing is often critical. However, not all processes happen simultaneously or at the same speed. The Delay Tool is designed to resolve common issues where precise timing between steps is essential:

  • Handling Dependencies: Certain tasks in a workflow may depend on the full completion of prior tasks. Without a built-in delay, subsequent actions could trigger prematurely, leading to failed processes or incomplete data transfers.

  • Managing Rate Limits: External APIs and CRMs often have rate limits that prevent too many requests within a short timeframe. The Delay Tool allows you to pause workflows, helping you stay within these limits and avoid service disruptions.

  • Spacing out Notifications: Sending follow-up messages or emails immediately can overwhelm recipients or appear robotic. By adding delays, you ensure communication feels more natural and user-friendly.

  • Improving Data Consistency: Delays give external systems enough time to update records across different platforms, ensuring that the next steps in the workflow act on the most up-to-date and consistent information.

How to Access and Configure the Delay Tool

To add a pause in your workflow, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Pause Point: Open the Flow where you want to utilize the Delay Tool and identify the specific steps that require a waiting period.

  2. Add the Tool: Click on the "+" (Plus) button underneath the step where the delay should begin.

  3. Select "Tool": Choose the Tool option from the menu, and then select Delay from the range of available utilities.

  4. Set the Duration:

    • Define the unit (seconds, minutes, hours, or days).

    • Enter the numerical value for the duration.

  5. Save and Run: Once configured, the Flow will wait for exactly that amount of time before proceeding to the next action.

💡 Use Case: Debt Collection Agents

If you are configuring a debt collection agent, you can use the Delay Tool to:

  1. Detect that a lead's payment is overdue.

  2. Send an initial reminder message via Darwin.

  3. Add a 24-hour Delay.

  4. Check if the status has changed; if not, trigger a second automated follow-up.

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