Running Automations in Parallel
Many of our powers users and enterprise customers have expressed interest in running multiple automation batches simultaneously. This guide explains how to set up your account to enable this feature, with a focus on the associated billing and overage considerations.
For accounts with credit cards set up, parallel automation is the default setting. This guide explains how to manage this feature, with a focus on credit usage and billing considerations for running multiple automation batches simultaneously.
Prerequisites for Parallel Automations
To run multiple automations in parallel, whether with a single team member or across multiple team members, two key requirements must be met:
Overages Enabled: Your account must have overages enabled.
Credit Card on File: A valid credit card must be set up in your billing account.
Running Parallel Automations
It's important to note that parallel automations can be run in two ways:
Single Team Member: A single team member can run multiple automations in parallel.
Multiple Team Members: Different team members can run automations simultaneously.
Both approaches are possible and follow the same billing and overage rules. The choice depends on your team structure and workflow needs.
If you want to set up multiple team members for parallel automations:
Refer to our article on Adding Multiple Users to Your Account for instructions on how to add team members.
Once team members are added, they can run automations in parallel as long as the account meets the prerequisites mentioned above.
Important: Sequential Execution Without Overages or Credit Card
If you choose not to add a credit card or disabled overages as part of your enteprise contract:
You will be limited to running automations sequentially, one at a time, regardless of the number of team members.
If you attempt to run automations in parallel, the system will not allow it and will throw an error.
This restriction is in place to prevent unexpected credit depletion and ensure accurate billing.
Why These Requirements Are Necessary
The primary reason for these requirements is the challenge of credit enforcement during parallel execution:
Credit Sufficiency Uncertainty: When multiple automations run in parallel, it becomes difficult to accurately track and enforce credit usage in real-time. Here's why:
At the start of parallel executions, there might be sufficient credits in the account.
However, as automations progress, they may use operations (like background removal) that rapidly consume credits.
By the time all parallel automations finish, the account's credits could be exhausted.
Without overages enabled and a credit card on file, there's no mechanism to handle this potential credit deficit.
Preventing Unexpected Halts: Enabling overages ensures that automations don't stop mid-execution due to sudden credit depletion, which could lead to incomplete or failed tasks.
Billing Accuracy: A credit card on file allows for billing of any overages, ensuring that all used resources are properly accounted for and charged.
Resource Management: This policy helps in maintaining a balance between providing flexible automation capabilities and ensuring that our system resources are used responsibly.
For Customers Using Bank Transfers or ACH
If your enterprise prefers to pay via bank transfer or ACH:
By default, overages will be disabled on your account.
To run automations in parallel, you'll need to explicitly request that overages be enabled.
You'll also need to add a credit card to your account for overage billing.
Without these steps, you'll be restricted to sequential automation execution.
Managing Your Parallel Automation Settings
Enabling Overages: Contact our enterprise support team to enable overages on your account if they are disabled.
Adding a Credit Card: Log into your account settings to add a credit card for overage billing.
Monitoring Usage: We recommend regularly monitoring your credit usage when running parallel automations to avoid unexpected charges.
Alternative Options
If you prefer not to enable overages or add a credit card:
Automations will run sequentially rather than in parallel.
You can purchase larger credit packages upfront to accommodate your usage needs.
Be aware that attempts to run parallel automations will result in an error message.
Support and Assistance
Our support team is available to help you set up your account for parallel automations, discuss billing options, or answer any questions about this feature. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance.
Remember, enabling parallel automations can significantly enhance your workflow efficiency, but it's important to balance this with your budgeting and billing preferences. If you choose to stick with sequential execution, ensure your workflows are designed accordingly to avoid errors.