> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.oncanary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an automation

> Configure a meter trigger, optional conditions, ordered actions, and cooldowns.

Create an automation after the source meter and every target record are ready. New automations begin evaluating readings as active workflows.

## 1. Define the automation

1. Open **Automations**.
2. Select **New Automation**.
3. Enter a specific name and description.

Use a name that identifies both the signal and response, such as “High compressor temperature — inspection”.

## 2. Configure the meter trigger

1. Choose the meter.
2. Add a comparison operator and threshold.
3. Add up to nine more clauses when several values should trigger the same workflow.
4. Choose the reading pattern.

All trigger clauses use **OR** logic. A single matching clause satisfies the trigger.

Value operators include above, below, equal, and between. Change operators include increases by and decreases by. Change operators require the single-reading pattern. Value operators can use a single reading, X of the last Y readings, or a sustained duration.

## 3. Add optional conditions

Conditions can limit execution by a time window, an asset's status, or another meter value. Review the displayed AND/OR condition logic on the automation before activation.

## 4. Add actions

Add between one and five actions in the order Canary should run them:

* **Create work order:** choose the template or work details, asset behavior, assignee, and optional planned parts.
* **Change asset status:** choose the asset and target status.
* **Send email:** add a valid recipient and message configuration.

Dependencies must stay active. For example, a planned part or assigned team referenced by the automation can block that record's archive operation.

## 5. Set action cooldowns

Each action has its own cooldown. The default is five minutes; the maximum is seven days. Use cooldowns to prevent repeated notifications or work orders while the underlying condition persists.

## 6. Review and create

Confirm the meter, trigger clauses, frequency, conditions, action order, target records, and cooldowns. Select **Create Automation**.

Ask Canary can also prepare an active automation. It shows the exact proposed write and waits for explicit approval before saving it.

## Related pages

* [Review executions](/help/automations/review-executions)
* [Record meter readings](/help/meters/readings)
* [Features and recovery](/help/admin/features-and-recovery)