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Introducing Flows: No-code Automation & AI Agents

Introducing No-Code Automation Flows: create AI chatbots and connect 400+ third-party apps to automate any task on WhatsApp.

Flows is only available in Business and Enterprise plans.

Ready to Use Templates

AI Agent Chatbot with Memory storage

Create a customizable and versatile AI agent chatbot that has memory capacities and remembers previous conversations with customers. Train the AI agent with custom instructions and knowledge base to provide accurate and business-specific responses to customers on WhatsApp.

Use this template to create a WhatsApp automation: AI WhatsApp Agent: Data Training & Smart Customer Support

Create your Custom Business AI Agent that speaks, sees, listens and replies to your customers.

🚀 What this workflow does

  1. Receives any inbound WhatsApp message via a PulpoChat Trigger
  2. Detects the medium – text, voice note, image or document (PDF)
  3. Processes accordingly
    • Text → straight to the AI brain
    • Voice notes → download ➜ Whisper transcription
    • Images → download ➜ GPT-4o Vision analysis
    • PDFs only → download ➜ text extraction
  4. Feeds the cleaned input + short-term memory buffer (20 turns) to an OpenAI Chat Agent (GPT-4o-mini by default)
  5. Sends the answer back through PulpoChat:
    • If the user sent audio, the bot replies in audio (OpenAI TTS ➜ saves mp3 to Google Drive ➜ returns the public link).
    • Otherwise, returns plain text.
  6. Gracefully rejects anything that isn’t text, image, audio or a PDF (“Sorry, you can only send …”)

Result: a polite, context-aware concierge that can read your contract, describe your cat photo, or summarize a 3-minute rant into a single line—without ever leaving WhatsApp.

🧩 Key components

Node Purpose
PulpoChat Trigger / PulpoChat Receive & send WhatsApp messages
Switch → “Input type” Routes to Text / Audio / Image / Document branches
HTTP Request Securely downloads media from PulpoChat
OpenAI Whisper Turns voice notes into text
GPT-4o Vision Describes images in detail
Extract From File Converts PDFs to text
LangChain Agent Central brain with custom system prompt
Memory Buffer Window Keeps the last 20 turns per chat
OpenAI TTS (“Generate Audio Response”) Converts answers to speech (voice “nova”)
Google Drive (Upload + Delete) Stores the mp3, grabs a share link, cleans up

(Sticky notes in the canvas label the four media lanes so future-you won’t get lost.)

🛠️ Prerequisites

  • PulpoChat device + API key
  • OpenAI API key (chat, whisper, TTS, vision)
  • Google Drive OAuth credentials (for audio replies)

💡 Ideas & extensions

  • Pipe extracted conversation data into HubSpot or Airtable.
  • Replace GPT-4o with your on-prem model ➜ just swap the Chat node.
  • Add a Sentiment node to auto-escalate angry customers.
  • Expand document branch to Word, PowerPoint or spreadsheets.

⚖️ Limits & best-practice nudges

  • Only PDFs are accepted for now; other file types trigger a polite rejection.
  • The workflow rate-limits itself by design (single execution per message), but you may want extra guards if you point it at a large audience.
  • Delete Google Drive files after sending (already included) to keep storage costs clean.
  • Remember WhatsApp’s 24-hour customer-initiated window.

🏁 Ready, set, automate!

Import → Hit Active. Your WhatsApp number just became a futuristic, multimodal AI agent. Enjoy the peace and quiet while it handles the chatter. 😉

Use this template to create a WhatsApp automation: WhatsApp Appointments AI Agent with Google Calendar integration

AI Agent with Supabase Datastore

Create a customizable AI agent connected to your Supabase account

Easily create a customizable and full-featured AI agent bot on your WhatsApp number using this workflow template.

WhatsApp + Hubspot Automation (CRM)

Use this template to create a WhatsApp automation: WhatsApp + Hubspot Automation (CRM)

WhatsApp + Slack Automation

Use this template to create a WhatsApp automation: WhatsApp + Slack Automation

Use this template to create a WhatsApp automation: WhatsApp Bot that understands Text, Audio, Images and PDFs

Introduction to Flows

A Flow is basically a “logical path” or flowchart you design to automate tasks within your WhatsApp Business account (or personal account, depending on your setup). Think of it as a set of visual instructions (if–then–do this–if not–do that) that runs automatically whenever a relevant event occurs: an incoming message, a form submission, or a new CRM record.

In the context of Flows, these automations are called “workflows” and consist of nodes (individual tasks) connected in sequence. Each node performs a specific action: receive a message, parse a JSON payload, query your database, send a WhatsApp text, and so on. The beauty is you don’t need to write (almost) any code: you drag and drop nodes, configure parameters, and you’re good to go.

“Think of a Flow like a robot that never sleeps: when it gets a message saying ‘Hello,’ it already knows who to greet, who to tag as a VIP customer, and even sends a satisfaction survey. While you’re sipping coffee, your Flow is working its magic.”

How it works

  1. Trigger (Starting Point):

    • The WhatsApp Flow starts when a message arrives at your number (for example, a customer asks “What time do you open today?”).
    • Flows listens—via a connector (webhook)—to events from your WhatsApp account.
  2. Data Processing:

    • The message content (text, media, metadata) goes into the “Parse WhatsApp” node to identify who sent it, what they said, and when.
    • Optionally, an intermediate node can validate the customer’s number, look up their history in your CRM, or segment by tags (e.g., “repeat customer,” “new lead”).
  3. Decision Logic:

    • Based on keywords (e.g., “price,” “support,” “hours”), the Flow directs the message to different subprocesses.
      • If the message contains “price,” it pulls up the catalog.
      • If it’s “support,” it forwards to a chatbot or notifies an agent.
      • If it’s something else, it triggers a generic response.
  4. Response Actions:

    • “Send WhatsApp Message” nodes: you craft templates (text, variables, buttons) and configure automatic sending.
    • Integration nodes (API, databases, Google Sheets, CRMs): for example, assign a support ticket in your system or update an order status.
  5. Closure and Logging:

    • After sending a response, another node can log the interaction (timestamp, topic, interaction number) into your spreadsheet or CRM.
    • Optionally, it can trigger an internal notification flow (Slack, email) so your team stays informed.

Key features

  1. No-Code (Low-Code), Highly Customizable

    • Design your Flow with drag-and-drop: no need to be a programming ninja.
    • Modify or expand your Flow in minutes when an internal process changes.
  2. Instant, 24/7 Responsiveness

    • Flows work while you sleep: they answer queries, collect data, and provide information without delay.
    • No more “hangry” customers frustrated by waiting a full day for a reply.
  3. Scalability and Consistency

    • Handle hundreds or thousands of chats simultaneously with the same “brand voice” and approved templates.
    • Eliminate human errors (missing a link, sending the wrong payment URL, etc.).
  4. Native Integrations with Hundreds of Services

    • Connect your Flow to CRMs (HubSpot, Salesforce), databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), Google Sheets, MailChimp, Stripe, and more.
    • Centralize information: whenever someone requests an invoice via WhatsApp, the record is created directly in your ERP without manual intervention.
  5. Data Insights for Future Planning

    • Log every interaction; then export metrics (response time, number of inquiries, conversion rate) to make data-driven decisions.
    • Identify demand spikes and plan campaigns ahead: “Heads up! May usually has a spike in return requests after Mother’s Day.”

WhatsApp Use Cases

4.1. Automated Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

  • Scenario: Many repetitive questions about pricing, hours, store location, or shipping terms.
  • How the Flow Works:
    1. Trigger: a message containing the word “price” arrives.
    2. Search node: looks up the current product price from your database or an internal JSON.
    3. Send Message node: replies with the price, an image of the product, and a direct purchase link.
  • Direct Benefit: Customers get instant answers without your team getting bogged down responding to the same question 50 times a day.

4.2. Order Tracking and Shipping Notifications

  • Scenario: A customer asks “Where is my order?”
  • How the Flow Works:
    1. Trigger: receives a message like “track #12345.”
    2. HTTP Request node: queries your logistics or carrier API using the tracking number.
    3. Decision node:
      • If the package is “in transit,” send the latest location.
      • If it’s delivered, reply “Your order was delivered on June 1, 2025, at 2:30 PM.”
    4. Log node: stores the interaction in your CRM for history.
  • Direct Benefit: Keeps customers happy (and your support team with fewer tickets).

4.3. Real-Time Lead Welcome and Qualification

  • Scenario: A user messages for the first time: “Hi, I want info on your services.”
  • How the Flow Works:
    1. Trigger: incoming message with no prior history.
    2. Send Message: sends a corporate greeting, brief introduction, and a link to a short form (Google Forms or Typeform).
    3. Wait for Response node: waits for the lead to provide details (budget, industry, interest).
    4. Decision node:
      • If the lead qualifies as “hot” (e.g., budget > $X), notify a sales rep.
      • If not, thank them and save their info for newsletters.
  • Direct Benefit: The system automatically filters valuable leads and assigns them without losing them in your inbox.

4.4. Surveys and Feedback Collection

  • Scenario: After a purchase or support interaction, you want to ask “How was your experience?”
  • How the Flow Works:
    1. Trigger: your ERP marks an order as “delivered.”
    2. Delay node: waits 24 or 48 hours (so the customer has time to receive the product).
    3. Send Message: sends a quick survey: “On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate our service?” with reply buttons.
    4. Decision node:
      • If the rating is ≤ 2, notify the support team for immediate follow-up.
      • If the rating is ≥ 4, send a link to leave a review on Google or Facebook.
    5. Log node: stores responses in your feedback database.
  • Direct Benefit: You catch unhappy customers before they post a negative review and encourage positive testimonials.

Quick Start Guide

5.1. Creating Your First Flow

  1. Go to the Flows dashboard in your WhatsApp app.
  2. Click on “New Flow”. Give it a clear name (e.g., “Auto FAQ”).
  3. Choose a Trigger:
    • “Incoming Message”
    • “Message with Keyword”
    • “API Event (Webhook)”

5.2. Must-Have WhatsApp Nodes

  • Send WhatsApp Message: send text, emojis, buttons, images, or documents.
  • Receive WhatsApp Message / Webhook: starting point.
  • HTTP Request: connect to external APIs (e.g., your CRM, inventory system, shipping service).
  • Function / Function Item: if you need a bit of JavaScript for custom logic (e.g., format a date or parse a complex JSON).
  • IF / Switch: create logical branches. You can set conditions based on message content, time of day, or customer data.
  • Set / Merge: prepare variables to send or merge existing information.

5.3. Testing and Deployment

  1. Test Mode: Most Flows include a “Test” button that simulates an incoming message—see how your Flow would react.
  2. Debugging: Review the logs (each node shows if it executed successfully, how long it took, and what data it sent/received).
  3. Activation: Once tested, click “Activate Flow.” From that moment on, it will run in real-time, 24/7.

Best Practices and Tips

  • Keep Your Nodes Organized: Give them descriptive names (“Check Inventory,” “Send Confirmation,” “Verify Lead”).
  • Document Inside the Flow: Add brief notes on key nodes so your team understands the logic.
  • Avoid Overly Complex Flows: If it exceeds 15–20 nodes, consider splitting it into sub-Workflows or use the “Call Workflow” node to modularize.
  • Craft Careful Text Templates: Use variables ({{firstName}}, {{orderId}}, {{trackingUrl}}) to personalize messages. No one likes a generic text that starts “Hello [Customer]!”
  • Mind WhatsApp Business Limits: Some nodes use Meta-approved templates, while others send session messages. Make sure not to exceed the 24-hour messaging window.
  • Always Test with a Sandbox Number Before Going Live: Avoid mistakes in production.

Integrations

Currently Flows supports more than 400 third-party app integrations.

Here is a summary of the most popular integrations supported:

AI & Machine Learning

  • OpenAI - GPT models, ChatGPT, DALL-E for multimodal AI agents
  • Gemini - Google Gemini API for AI multimodal agents
  • Anthropic - Claude AI for advanced conversational AI
  • Hugging Face - Access to thousands of AI models and datasets
  • Pinecone - Vector database for AI-powered search and recommendations

CRM & Sales

  • HubSpot - Complete CRM, marketing automation, and sales pipeline management
  • Salesforce - Enterprise CRM and customer relationship management
  • Pipedrive - Sales-focused CRM with pipeline visualization
  • Zoho CRM - Comprehensive customer relationship management suite
  • Monday.com - Project management and CRM workflows

Communication & Messaging

  • Slack - Team communication and notifications
  • Discord - Community and team chat integration
  • Telegram - Messaging automation and bot integration
  • Microsoft Teams - Enterprise communication platform

E-commerce & Payments

  • Shopify - E-commerce store management and order processing
  • WooCommerce - WordPress e-commerce integration
  • Stripe - Payment processing and subscription management
  • PayPal - Payment gateway and transaction processing
  • Square - Point of sale and payment solutions

Productivity & Documents

  • Google Sheets - Spreadsheet automation and data management
  • Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheet processing and analysis
  • Google Drive - File storage and document management
  • Notion - All-in-one workspace and database management
  • Airtable - Database and project management hybrid

Marketing & Analytics

  • Mailchimp - Email marketing and audience management
  • Google Analytics - Web analytics and tracking
  • Facebook/Meta Ads - Social media advertising automation
  • Typeform - Form creation and response processing
  • Calendly - Appointment scheduling and calendar integration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need programming skills to use Flows? A. For basic automations, no: most nodes are visual and self-configurable. If you want extra customization, you can use the “Function” node for small JavaScript snippets, but it’s not mandatory.


Q2. Do Flows run 24/7, or are they limited to business hours? A. They run continuously: as soon as a message arrives, the Flow triggers. If you want to limit it to business hours, add an “IF” node that checks the time before executing actions, or use a “Cron” node to only send messages during desired time windows.


Q3. Can I connect multiple external tools? A. Absolutely. Flows integrates with over 200 services (CRMs, databases, Google Sheets, Stripe, Slack, etc.). Just add an “HTTP Request” node, configure the URL and headers, and you’re connected. Welcome to integration heaven!


Q4. How do I measure the performance of my Flows? A. Each node provides basic metrics: execution time, how many times it ran, and whether it returned an error. For deeper analytics (WhatsApp conversion rates, average response time, customer satisfaction), combine your Flows with external analytics tools or export your logs to a dashboard (e.g., Data Studio, Grafana, or your favorite BI tool).


Q5. What happens if I need to modify a Flow in production? A. Flows lets you clone and version Flows. Ideally, copy the active Flow, make changes in the copy, test in a sandbox, and then replace the old version once validated. This way you avoid interruptions in your customer conversations.


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