Automations Library Overview

Overview

The Automations Library is where you can browse and run automations in Ressio using Mason.

Automations help you do common work faster, either by reading information (like generating a list or summary) or writing changes (like creating or updating items).

Table of Contents

1. Before you start (need to know)
2. Navigating the Automations Library
3. How to run an automation (step-by-step)
4. Common examples
5. Tips for success 

Before you start (need to know)

Read vs. Write matters

• Read automations pull information and return it to you.
• Write automations can create and update data.

You stay in control 

• Many write automations will ask for confirmation before they make changes

Access may be limited at launch

• For most builders, automations are read-only to edit at first (you can run them, but you may not be able to modify how they’re built yet).

[back-to-top]

Navigation 

1. Go to your Company Overview
2. Click on the Automations tab in the left-hand navigation panel
   
   

What you'll see in the Automations Library

In the library, you'll typically be able to:

• Browse Ressio-curated automations
• Enable/disable automations (so they do or don’t appear in pickers/menus)
• Run a sample (test run)
• Select Manage automations (to view details like estimated time savings)
• Review your available Read and Write capabilities

[back-to-top]

How to run an automation (step-by-step)

You can run automations anywhere you can access Mason.

Option A - Run from a Mason chat by @ mentioning

1. Open a Mason chat by clicking the "Ask Mason" in the top right hand corner (desktop) of you page or top right hand corner (mobile)
2. In the chat box type @ and select the automation you want to run from the list.
3. Follow the prompts (answer questions and confirm actions as needed).

Option B - Run from the automation by clicking the ⚡icon

1. Open Mason
2. Click the ⚡icon below the text box.
3. Browse or search for the automation you want.
4. Click the automation to run it.
5. Follow the prompts. 

What happens when an automation runs

As the automation runs, Mason may:

• Ask follow-up questions (example: Which project do you want to use?)
• Show progress while it works (including tool call activity)
• Provide a Stop button to cancel if something isn’t right
• Ask you to confirm before taking write actions (especially deletions or replacements)

This is a person-in-the-loop workflow: Mason does the work, and you approve key steps.

[back-to-top]

Common Examples

Example 1 - Build a schedule from a project estimate (Write)

This automation can create a full project schedule based on an existing estimate.

Typical flow:

1. Start the automation (for example, Build schedule from the project estimate).
2. When prompted, select the project you want to build the schedule from.
3. If a schedule already exists, Mason may ask if it can delete and rebuild schedule tasks.
4. Review the proposed changes (phases, tasks, durations, dependencies).
5. Confirm to proceed.
6. After it finishes, open the project’s Schedule to review the newly created phases/tasks.

Example 2 — List project team members (Read)

This automation returns a quick view of who is involved in a project.

Typical output may include:

• Internal team members (and roles)
• Vendors on the project
• Contact info (email/phone)

Tips for Success

• If Mason asks you to choose a project, pick the project by name when prompted.
• If the automation output looks off, click Stop and rerun it with clearer inputs.
• For write automations, slow down at confirmation steps—especially if you see words like delete, replace, or rebuild.

[back-to-top]

Need help?

If you still have unanswered questions or need further assistance, please contact our support team at support@ressiosoftware.com.