Automations
Background tasks that keep your workbook data fresh.
Overview
Automations are background tasks that run inside your workbook. They keep data computed, updated, and fresh — even when you’re not looking.
There are two types: Python automations that reactively recalculate when inputs change, and background agents that run on a schedule to fetch and update data.
Triggers
| Trigger | Type | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Reactive | Python | A cell or table the automation depends on changes. It re-runs instantly. |
| Scheduled | Agent | A cron schedule fires — daily, hourly, weekly. The prompt runs automatically. |
| Manual | Both | You click Run in the automation panel. It executes immediately. |
The automations panel
Open it by clicking Automations in the workbook header. The list shows every automation with its type, filename, description, status, and color.
Monitoring
Every automation run is recorded with:
- Success or failure — green check or red X
- Duration — how long it took
- Trigger type — reactive, schedule, or manual
- Timestamp — when it ran
Next
Python Automations
Reactive calculations that re-run when inputs change.
Background Agents
Scheduled tasks that run an AI agent on a prompt.
Recalculation Engine
How dependencies are tracked and cascading updates work.