Time-series data that is stored in the MetricBase database can trigger Workflow Studio flows. These triggers can log incidents, send emails, and create other alerts.

A trigger definition is a set of conditions that automatically executes a Workflow Studio flow. When you create a trigger definition in MetricBase and associate it with a flow, the trigger definition transfers from your instance to the MetricBase server. After you activate the trigger and flow, MetricBase monitors time-series data in the MetricBase database. When time-series data matches the initial triggering condition, and then transitions from one condition to the next, a transition trigger is generated and added to the queue. The instance polls the queue, processes the transition trigger, and then executes the Workflow Studio flow.

Figure 1. Trigger workflow
Trigger workflow

For more information about time-series policies, see Create a time-series definition in MetricBase.

High-level overview of implementing triggers

  1. Define one or more triggers on an instance.
    Band trigger
    Triggers when a metric value falls within a range of values.
    Linear predictor trigger
    Triggers when a series of values trend toward and are expected to reach a specified value.
    Gap trigger
    Triggers when values are not received for a specified period.
    Model trigger
    Triggers when a trained model detects anomalous behavior.
  2. Create a trigger condition to add additional requirements for a trigger to execute a flow.

    For example, data often fluctuates over time. Small fluctuations can cause unwanted, duplicate triggering events. A Condition Script can prevent that erroneous duplication.

  3. Associate the trigger with the flow it executes using Workflow Studio.
  4. Test the trigger and workflow.
  5. Activate the trigger.

Deleting triggers

If a trigger is associated with a flow, you can't delete it in MetricBase. To delete a trigger, you must first delete the flow in Workflow Studio and then you can delete the trigger in MetricBase.

Legacy triggers

Legacy triggers are deprecated. You can't create legacy triggers; you can only carry forward legacy triggers that exist.