Creating Custom Workflows

​

Overview

Custom workflows in Assembly allow you to create structured templates for AI-assisted tasks. When users start a new session with your workflow, Assembly’s AI assistant guides them through your defined process, maintaining context and providing consistent guidance throughout the interaction.

​

Workflow Structure

Every custom workflow consists of these essential components:

​

Creating a Workflow

​

Step 1: Planning Your Workflow

Before creating a workflow, gather these key details:

1. Purpose and Scope

   • Clear objective of the workflow
   • Target users and use cases
   • Expected outcomes

2. Required Resources

   • Necessary documentation
   • Code repositories
   • Reference materials
   • Example outputs

3. Process Steps

   • Key stages and checkpoints
   • Decision points
   • Validation criteria

​

Step 2: Documenting the Workflow

Navigate to the Assembly Workflows tab (https://app.factory.ai/workflows/create) and include:

1. Workflow Name and Description

   • Choose a clear, descriptive name
   • Write a concise (~10 words) description
   • Highlight key benefits or use cases

2. Suggested Inputs

   ### Suggested Inputs
   
   Required:
   
   - [Input 1]: Description and format
   - [Input 2]: Description and format
   
   Optional:
   
   - [Input 3]: Additional helpful resources
   

3. Process Guidelines

   ### Process Guidelines
   
   1. Stage 1: [Name]
   
      - Step-by-step instructions
      - Decision criteria
      - Expected outcomes
   
   2. Stage 2: [Name]
      - Detailed steps
      - Validation points
   

4. Output Requirements

   ### Output Requirements
   
   Deliverables:
   
   1. [Output 1]
   
      - Format specifications
      - Quality criteria
      - Validation checklist
   
   2. [Output 2]
      - Technical requirements
      - Review guidelines
   

​

Step 3: Adding Context

​

Step 4: Creating the Start Message

Craft a welcoming start message:

👋 Welcome to [Workflow Name]!

This workflow will help you [brief description of purpose].

To get started, please provide:

- [Required Input 1]
- [Required Input 2]

Optional but helpful:

- [Optional Input 1]
- [Optional Input 2]

Ready to begin? Let me know when you have these ready! ✨

​

Best Practices

​

1. Clarity and Structure

• Use clear, consistent terminology
• Break complex processes into manageable steps
• Include examples where helpful
• Define clear success criteria

​

2. Flexibility and Adaptability

• Allow for variations in process
• Include optional steps or alternatives
• Provide decision-making guidance
• Enable customization within guidelines

​

3. Context Management

• Start with essential context
• Include relevant documentation
• Link to external resources
• Maintain context boundaries

​

4. User Experience

• Write clear instructions
• Use engaging language
• Include progress indicators
• Provide helpful examples

​

Testing Your Workflow

Before publishing:

1. Dry Run

   • Test the workflow yourself
   • Follow each step
   • Verify outputs
   • Check context loading

2. Peer Review

   • Share with team members
   • Gather feedback
   • Test edge cases
   • Verify clarity

3. Refinement

   • Incorporate feedback
   • Clarify instructions
   • Add missing context
   • Optimize steps

​

Next Steps

After creating your workflow:

1. Share with your team
2. Gather usage feedback
3. Iterate and improve
4. Document learnings