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, it is possible to build from the simplest flows, e.g. sending a discount voucher to all those who have not purchased for more than 180 days, to more evolved and specific ones, such as sending dedicated promotions to contacts who have not purchased for 180 days, but have purchased at least once a product in a specific category.
Whichever way you set your automation flow design, the limits you define in the general settings, e.g. how many times each contact can initiate a session, still apply.
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 the contact can come from any database or whether you want to let in only those that belong to 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: as the last option of the node then decide whether only contacts already subscribed or also contacts in other statuses enter the flow.
When do they enter?
Define the frequency with which the filter will be applied, choosing from the execution options:
- Hourly: indicates every how many hours the filter should be run. For example, every 2 hours.
- Daily: indicates every how many days the filter should be run. For example, every 10 days.
- Weekly: Choose the days of the week. 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.
- 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 of each two-month period. 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: indica il giorno preciso di ogni anno. For example 25 December to send Christmas greetings each year.
- Once: set the date on which the flow will be executed. For example 9 February 2025 sends 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 activity.
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 I send SMS I do not want to disturb my contacts from 10pm to 9am.
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 the Easter day of 2026.
A use case
Let us set up a campaign to send weekly promotional newsletters to selected customers. Suppose you want to send these newsletters every Wednesday, but only to contacts who have made at least one purchase in the previous month and who belong to the 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, thus ensuring that your communications are not sent on days that are inconvenient for contacts.
The automated flow managed by the ‘Periodic Filter’ will ensure that only contacts meeting the desired criteria receive communications, optimising the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.