Dependency (workflow)
A step in a workflow that cannot execute until a prior step completes successfully. Managing dependencies prevents race conditions e.g., a CRM contact must be created before a deal is linked to it.
Expert insight
An undocumented dependency between two workflows (workflow B silently relies on a field workflow A creates) turns into an outage the day someone edits workflow A without knowing workflow B depends on it. Explicitly documenting cross-workflow dependencies, or better, making the dependency visible through a shared subworkflow, prevents this class of failure.
In a real workflow
The invoicing workflow depends on the CRM workflow having created the customer first.
Common mistakes
- Hidden dependencies that break when one workflow changes.
- Circular dependencies between workflows.
Complexity level
Requires some familiarity with automation concepts.
Related terms
Workflow template
A pre-built automation that can be imported and customised. PURIST's Workflow Li…
Async / Asynchronous processing
When an automation queues a task and continues without waiting for it to complet…
Parallel execution
Running multiple automation branches simultaneously rather than sequentially. Ex…
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Go deeper
Guides that cover Dependency
Travel Agency Automation: Documents, Reminders, and Repeat Bookings (2026)
How travel agencies automate document delivery, passport/visa reminders, and post-trip follow-up to book 41% more repeat clients without adding coordinators.
The 9 best Zapier alternatives in 2026: ranked after 500 real deployments
Zapier's per-task pricing has become a serious constraint for scaling businesses but not all alternatives are created equal. Here is our honest ranking, based on pricing, reliability and how each tool behaves in production.
How a 12-person real estate agency could automate 80% of its admin in 8 weeks
An illustrative scenario: a 12-person estate agency in South West London was losing hours every day to manual listing updates, lead routing, and follow-up. Eight weeks and seven automations later, they reclaimed 34 hours a week and increased viewing-to-offer conversion by 22%.