# About process flows

## Introduction

**Process flows** are our next-generation tool for building powerful data flows between connector [instances](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/connectors-and-instances/working-with-instances) in an intuitive, visual way. This is where you define if, when, what, and how data is synced.

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<summary><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2Fg5w015bgMfnpgYUjg949%2Fquestion%20icon.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=26912677-7fb3-42aa-8b19-946b2934e13f" alt="" data-size="line"> <strong>Hang on - we use Patchworks services - isn't that the same thing?</strong></summary>

If you registered for a Patchworks account before July 2023, you'll be familiar with using [services](https://app.gitbook.com/s/5mpqoXPMbUuPa8JpCLWe/working-with-services) to sync data between systems.&#x20;

Process flows include all the functionality of services and much more. You can continue to use services but if you'd like to try [process flows](#process-flows), please contact your Customer Success Manager, or reach out to <customersuccess@wearepatchworks.com>

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A **process flow** is built by adding automated [shapes](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes) onto a [canvas](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas). Every [shape](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes) is automated to perform a specific task, based on information that you provide - you simply drop a shape onto the [canvas](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas) and then define your required settings and relationships.&#x20;

Process flows can be defined to run on automated schedules however, for testing and troubleshooting purposes, you can also run a flow manually for instant feedback on each step, and real-time logs - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FLp3CUFo7JignZgspW69Q%2Fprocess%20flow%20example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7915e554-b74b-4012-91be-768305005556" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

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<summary><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FpLMO12yvTCxi9PorCt53%2Ficons8-film.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=e59864bc-2d97-4f98-966c-a083c18e60db" alt="" data-size="line"> Show me</summary>

![](https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FCmNyo63C18GOqovnXr2e%2Fsample%20process%20flow%20running.gif?alt=media\&token=ca7ff37e-8a47-4553-b35f-46d88c82aa88)

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## In this section

* [Connectors & instances](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/connectors-and-instances/connectors-and-instances-introduction). How to install connectors and add instances, ready for use when you build process flows.
* [Building process flows](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows). How to add a new process flow, then work with the canvas and shapes to build your required data flows. &#x20;
* [Managing process flows](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/managing-process-flows). How to manage existing process flows.
* [Error reporting & exception handling](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/error-reporting-and-exception-handling). Process flows include a transparent logging feature, so you can monitor/troubleshoot progress both in real-time and retrospectively, via run logs.