A workflow is just a repeatable rule for getting something done: when a certain thing happens, take a certain action. You already run dozens of them in your head. When an invoice goes overdue, you send a reminder. When a boater arrives, you give them the gate code. When an insurance certificate is about to expire, you ask for a new one. A marina workflow is simply that rule written down so a system can run it for you, every time, without depending on anyone to remember.
This guide explains what a marina workflow is, the three parts every workflow has, and ten workflows worth automating, so the rules in your head stop getting dropped when the docks get busy.
- A workflow is a repeatable rule: when a trigger happens, optionally check a condition, then take an action.
- You already run these rules manually; automating them means they happen even when you are too busy.
- Triggers are either scheduled (run on a timer) or event-based (fire the moment something happens).
- The ten most valuable marina workflows cluster around billing, reservations, and compliance.
- Writing a rule down once and letting the system run it is the whole idea behind automation.
#The anatomy of a workflow
Every workflow has the same three parts. A trigger is the thing that starts it (an invoice becomes overdue). A condition is an optional filter (only if the balance is over 500 dollars). An action is what happens (send a reminder email). String those together and you have a rule the system can run. We break this pattern down with marina examples in trigger-action automation for marinas.
#Scheduled vs event-based
Triggers come in two flavors. A scheduled trigger runs on a timer and checks for matching records, like "any invoice three days overdue" or "any insurance certificate expiring in 30 days." An event-based trigger fires the instant something happens, like "a reservation was just booked" or "a payment just failed." Knowing which kind you need is most of designing a workflow, and the workflow automation guide covers how to choose.
#10 marina workflows worth automating
- 1Overdue invoice reminder: when an invoice is a few days past due, email the customer.
- 2Late fee: when an invoice is two weeks overdue, add a fee and send a notice.
- 3Due-soon heads-up: a few days before an invoice is due, send a gentle reminder.
- 4Payment receipt: when a payment succeeds, send a thank-you receipt.
- 5Failed-payment recovery: when a card fails, ask the customer to update it and alert staff.
- 6Reservation confirmation: when a booking is made, confirm it with the dates.
- 7Pre-arrival welcome: a day or two before arrival, send what-to-expect details.
- 8No-show follow-up: when an arrival passes with no check-in, flag it and reach out.
- 9Renewal nudge: a month before a lease renews, invite the customer to renew.
- 10Insurance expiring alert: a month before a certificate expires, request an updated one.
#From rules in your head to rules that run
The point of writing these down is that a rule in your head only runs when you have time to think about it. A rule in a system runs whether or not you remember, the same way for every customer. That consistency is what makes a small marina feel organized and a busy one stay on top of its receivables. A ready-made set to start from is in our marina workflow templates.
Marine OS is building a workflow layer so operators can write these rules down once and let the system run them, on top of the billing, bookings, and records it already handles. It is in early access, and operator-defined automation is part of the direction we are building toward.
Let your marina run its own workflows
Marine OS is building marina management software where the repetitive rules you run by hand happen automatically. It is in early access with a 7-day free trial, no credit card required.
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#Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Go deeper with the marina workflow automation guide and the templates worth running.
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