Workflows

Automation Runs and Recovery in Velveteen

Updated August 16, 2026

The short answer

Every automation run shows its current state, steps, waits, approvals, redacted outputs, and safe recovery options. Transient failures retry automatically; uncertain provider outcomes pause for reconciliation and alert the automation owner.

Runs are durable and leased so overlapping cron invocations cannot duplicate a step. When something needs attention, the run stays honest about whether an external effect is unknown.

Recover without duplicating effects

Retry

Retry a failed or blocked step with the same effect key after the cause is fixed.

Restart

Start a distinct run only when the automation's re-entry policy permits it.

Cancel

Cancel eligible queued or waiting work without falsifying an in-flight provider result.

Approve

An authorized collaborator approves a snapshot-matched high-impact step; material changes invalidate the approval.

Frequently asked questions

Can I retry a completed run?+

No. Terminal runs remain immutable. Use the automation's re-entry policy and a new event or an explicit restart when allowed.

What does unknown outcome mean?+

Velveteen cannot yet prove whether a provider effect completed. The run remains visible for reconciliation and is never marked successful by guesswork.

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