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# What Is an Automation Trigger and How Does It Work?
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/what-is-an-automation-trigger/
- Published: 2026-09-17T22:32:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-17T22:32:49.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

An **automation trigger** is the event that causes an automation to run. Choosing the right one determines whether a process feels automatic or merely faster to operate manually.

## Why the trigger matters more than the action

The action is usually obvious. The trigger decides whether anyone still has to remember something.

- A button that still depends on someone pressing it
- A date-based rule that fires on records it should not
- A phase change that never happens because the phase is skipped
- Two triggers firing the same action twice

## Trigger types and when to use each

| Trigger              | Fires when                       | Use for                          |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Button**           | A person clicks it on the record | Judgement-based actions          |
| **Phase change**     | A card reaches a defined stage   | Consistent process notifications |
| **Date**             | A stored date passes             | Reminders and overdue chasing    |
| **Record condition** | A field meets a rule             | Threshold-based escalation       |

## How to configure one in Jestor

1. Create the automation in **Jestor**, from the automations area or the action bar.
2. Choose the trigger type that matches whether a decision is involved.
3. Add conditions so only the intended records qualify.
4. Configure the action, pulling values from fields so it applies per record.
5. Check the execution log after the first run to confirm behaviour.

## Why choose Jestor for automation design?

**Jestor** supports buttons and event triggers on the same automation library, so the same action can be manual on one process and automatic on another without rebuilding it.

Duplicating an automation is available for variants, and duplicates are always created switched off — a deliberate safeguard against the same action firing twice.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which trigger should I use for reminders?

A date-based one, tied to a real date field. See [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com).

### Can one automation serve every record?

Yes, when values are pulled from fields rather than hardcoded.

### Why is my duplicated automation not running?

Duplicates are created switched off.

## Video Tutorial: Step by Step

Check out other practical tutorials on the Jestor YouTube channel.

## Get to know Jestor

With **Jestor**, you can automate workflows, connect teams, and build internal systems your way — all without code and powered by **AI**. Discover Jestor at [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) and see how to take your company's operations to a new level of efficiency and control.