External-Facing (or Customer-Facing) Steps
Apr 2, 2024
External-facing steps allow anyone isn't an employee (ex: customers, vendors, partners, etc.) to participate in your Flow with just email. No apps to download and no login required!
Do I have to login? We've all been there... answering THAT question. Thankfully, with Pipeline, the answer is NO! You can happily tell your executives and colleagues that they can complete a step in your flow from their phone or browser just by getting an email! The next business partner that simply needs to upload a file or fill out a form can do so in just one click.
When a step is marked "external-facing" it means that it can either be completed from within Pipeline or it can be completed externally via an email link.
People without access to Pipeline can still participate in a flow and take action!
Setting Up External Steps
- When editing your flow, enable the External-Facing Step toggle on the step you want to be actionable, without logging in.
- Make your External-Facing Step even better by embedding videos, adding templates and photos. Keep reading to the end!
An External Step in Action
- The user will get an email that they can open into a browser on their computer or phone
- Once the user clicks the 'Mark Complete' button the form will open up in a browser
- In the browser the external user will be able open any attached files, complete all forms, add notes, and complete the step
The following video shows what completing a step in an External-Facing Step looks like
NOTE: You can pre-fill out the step form and save. Then when the external user opens the form, they can update info or simply complete the step.
Create a wizard using back-to-back external steps
When someone owns multiple external steps back-to-back, Pipeline will give them the option to immediately move on to the next step, just like a wizard!
How it works
- Once the first step is completed, the external user will see the Go to Next step button
- When the button is clicked the next step will open
External Step In-App View
If an external-facing step is assigned to a user in Pipeline:
- The step can still be completed outside of Pipeline
- The user can also login to Pipeline to complete the step, the step will look the same as all other steps
Next Steps
Learn how to add and customize forms in your flows.
If keeping all your customers, vendors, or partners on the same page feels like herding cats, see how the Pipeline tracking portal can take that completely off your plate.
Want to see how external users like customers, vendors, or suppliers can complete an intake form from Pipeline? It's simple, easy, and no login required!