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

# Start integration workflow action

> The Start Integration Workflow action initiates a configured workflow to enable data processing, transformation, or other tasks across connected systems.

<Info>
  The Start Integration Workflow action is available on **Send Message Task**, **Task**, and **User Task** nodes within BPMN processes.
</Info>

## Overview

The Start Integration Workflow action allows a BPMN process to trigger an integration workflow, send input data, and receive the workflow output into process data through a Receive Message Task. This enables processes to delegate data fetching, transformations, and external system integrations to lightweight workflows without creating subprocesses.

<Tip>
  For triggering workflows from **UI Flows** (without a BPMN process), see the [Start Workflow action](../ui-flows#configuring-the-start-workflow-action).
</Tip>

***

## How it works

When a Start Integration Workflow action is triggered:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Input data is sent">
    The input data mapped in the action configuration is sent as start variables to the workflow.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Workflow executes">
    The integration workflow runs with the provided inputs, executing its configured nodes (REST calls, data transformations, AI operations, etc.).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Output is captured">
    Workflow output data is captured in the process instance upon completion, at the location configured on the Receive Message Task's Data Stream.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Process continues">
    The BPMN process continues to the next node after the workflow completes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  The process waits for the workflow to complete before continuing. To receive output data, you must add a **Receive Message Task** node after the Send Message Task that triggers the workflow.
</Warning>

***

## Configuration

### Selecting a workflow

The workflow search field (**Search workflow by name**) displays:

* All workflows within the current app version
* Any workflows referenced in the app (e.g., via the Library)

### Input mapping

Map process variables to workflow input parameters:

```json theme={"dark"}
{
  "customerId": "${processInstanceData.customer.id}",
  "requestType": "credit_check"
}
```

### Receiving output

To capture workflow output in your process:

1. Add a **Receive Message Task** node after the node with the Start Integration Workflow action
2. In its **Data Stream** configuration, set the source to **Workflow** and select the workflow
3. Choose where the output lands: map each End node's output with **Output Mapping** (the default), or turn on **Legacy Mapping** and set a single **Key Name**
4. Subsequent nodes can access the output data at the mapped keys

***

## When to use

| Scenario                                       | Recommended Action         |
| ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Call external APIs and return data             | Start Integration Workflow |
| Run data transformations                       | Start Integration Workflow |
| Execute AI operations (extraction, generation) | Start Integration Workflow |
| Multi-step user journeys                       | Use subprocesses instead   |
| Processes requiring state management           | Use subprocesses instead   |

***

## Related resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Passing data between nodes" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left" href="../process/passing-data-between-nodes">
    How node outputs land in process variables and how downstream nodes read them
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integration Designer" icon="plug" href="../../platform-deep-dive/integrations/integration-designer">
    Build and configure integration workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="UI Flows - Start Workflow" icon="play" href="../ui-flows#configuring-the-start-workflow-action">
    Trigger workflows from UI Flows without BPMN processes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Message Events" icon="envelope" href="../node/message-events/message-events">
    Learn about Send and Receive Message Task nodes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Actions Overview" icon="bolt" href="./actions">
    Explore all available action types
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


## Related topics

- [BPMN integration](/5.9/ai-platform/using-agents/bpmn-integration.md)
- [Workflow data model](/5.9/docs/platform-deep-dive/integrations/workflow-data-models.md)
- [Chat-driven workflows](/5.9/ai-platform/chat-driven-workflows.md)
- [Tutorial: Build a credit card application](/5.9/docs/getting-started/building-your-first-proc.md)
- [Tutorial: Build your first workflow](/5.9/docs/getting-started/building-your-first-workflow.md)