The ‘Periodic filter’ node automatically starts the automated flow whenever the data of a contact matches the specific criteria set in the filter. This allows contacts to be monitored and managed dynamically, ensuring that only those with the desired characteristics are involved in the automation workflow.
With this node, you can build anything from simple automated flows, such as sending a discount voucher to contacts who have not made a purchase in more than 180 days, to more advanced scenarios, such as sending targeted promotions to contacts who have not purchased for 180 days but have previously bought products from a specific category.
Regardless of how you design your automated flow, the limits defined in the general settings still apply.
For example, you can control how many times a contact is allowed to start a session.
Who enters the node?
Define the contacts for which the automated flow will be started. For example: contacts who have purchased in the last 30 days.
- Database: you can choose whether contacts can come from any database or only from a specific database.
- Filter: you can set up detailed filters using a variety of fields, including biographical information, contact details, data collected through apps and connectors, and statistical data.
- Only if subscribed: choose whether only subscribed contacts can enter the automated flow or whether contacts in other statuses are also allowed to enter.
Working with a data table? In this case, the Data periodic filter node might be a better fit. It applies the same periodic filtering logic to records stored in data tables rather than to contacts. Learn how it works.
When does the node run?
Define the frequency with which the filter will be applied, choosing from the execution options:
- Hourly: specifies how often the filter runs, in hours. For example, every 2 hours.
- Daily: specifies how often the filter runs, in days. For example, every 10 days.
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Weekly: specifies how often the filter runs, in weeks. For example: every Monday and Thursday.
- Every X weeks: indicates every how many weeks to run the filter and on which days of the week. For example: every 2 weeks on Mondays.
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Monthly: define the monthly frequency in two different ways.
You may indicate a specific day of the month on which to run the filter, e.g. the first day of each month or every two months. You can alternatively indicate a day of the week by specifying which one, e.g. the first Monday of the month or the last Friday of the month every two months. - Annual: specify a specific day of the year. For example, December 25 to send Christmas greetings every year.
- Once: set the date on which the flow will be executed. For example, on February 9, 2025, send a message to all football fans reminding them to watch the Super Bowl.
- On demand by scheduled task: this is not a true periodicity, but the node can be triggered by a scheduled task.
Non-disturbance hours and days
When choosing the time periodicity you have the option of indicating a ‘do not disturb’ time slot, in which the node does not start, to ensure that flows do not trigger at inappropriate times.
For example, if you send SMS messages, you may want to avoid triggering automated flows between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM.
If you have chosen daily or weekly frequency, you have the option of excluding days from the execution cycle, indicating them as follows (also combined):
- a specific day of the month: e.g. 01 skips the first day of each month
- a specific day of the year: e.g. 01/01 skips the first day of each year
- a specific date: e.g. 04/05/2026 skips Easter Sunday in 2026.
A use case
Imagine you want to send a promotional newsletter every Wednesday, but only to contacts who made at least one purchase in the previous month and are part of your premium customer database.
You can configure the node in this way:
- Choose the specific database of premium customers.
- Set up a filter that selects contacts who have made a purchase in the last 30 days.
- Choose a weekly frequency, every Wednesday.
- Exclude Christmas Day and other holidays, helping you avoid sending communications on days that may not be appropriate for your contacts.
The Periodic filter node ensures that only contacts matching your criteria enter the automated flow, helping you make your communications more relevant and effective.