The Trigger Node initiates workflow execution by generating and emitting payloads at defined time intervals, either globally or per UID. It acts as a scheduled input mechanism, supporting use cases such as periodic polling, timed rule evaluation, or
What It Does
This node automatically emits a payload into the workflow at regular intervals. Each execution can optionally include a payload template, be formatted as JSON, and be repeated across selected UIDs with delay spacing between them.
Step-by-Step: How to Configure the Trigger Node
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Add the node
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Drag the Trigger Node from the Inputs section onto the canvas.
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Open the configuration panel
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Double-click the node to set up the interval, payload format, and filters.
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Define output payload (optional)
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You can leave the output blank or define a fixed structure.
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Connect downstream logic
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Any connected nodes will receive the trigger's output as their input.
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Configuration Fields
General Settings
Field | Requirement | Description |
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Node Name* | Required | Logical name of the node in the workflow. |
Trigger Interval* | Required | Time value that determines how often the trigger fires (e.g., 10 ). |
Interval Units* | Required | Select time units: Seconds , Minutes , Hours , Days , etc. |
Output Payload Format* | Required | Format of the output: currently JSON . |
Output Payload | Optional | The body of the payload to emit. This can be an empty object {} or any JSON key-value structure. |
Interval Between Each UID (ms)* | Optional | Adds a delay between payloads emitted per UID. Useful to avoid congestion. Default: 1000 ms. |
Activation Filters
Field | Description |
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Logical Operand | AND / OR for combining multiple filters. |
Select Data Source Filter | Apply the trigger only to selected UIDs or device label groups. This causes the trigger to emit one payload per matching UID. |
Output Example
Config:
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Output Payload:
jsonCopyEdit{ "event": "poll", "status": "pending" }
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UIDs:
device-01
,device-02
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Interval: every 10 minutes
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Interval between UIDs:
1000
ms
Resulting Output:
{ "uid": "device-01", "event": "poll", "status": "pending" }
(1 second delay)
{ "uid": "device-02", "event": "poll", "status": "pending" }
Best Practices
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Keep the payload size minimal unless sending fixed metadata.
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Use the UID filter for per-device periodic processing (e.g., polling sensors or APIs).
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Increase the inter-UID interval if your downstream system has rate limits.
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Combine with a Rule Builder or External API node for periodic decision logic.
Use Cases
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Schedule regular API calls or workflow evaluations
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Send synthetic payloads for testing or simulation
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Trigger alerts, checks, or conditional updates every hour/day
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Emit keep-alive messages or data snapshots at fixed times
FAQ
Q: Does this node require an input?
A: No. The Trigger Node is an input node — it emits data on its own based on schedule.
Q: Can I include dynamic values in the payload?
A: No — this node emits static payloads. For dynamic content, combine it with logic or scripting nodes downstream.
Q: Does it support cron expressions?
A: Not currently. Time is configured in terms of fixed units and intervals only.