Celonis manual sensor
Use the manual sensor to trigger a Celonis Skill manually via a unique execution URL. This is particularly useful for testing automations or for processes that require a human-initiated trigger from outside the Celonis interface.
The benefits of using the Celonis manual sensor include:
On-Demand Execution: You can trigger the Skill exactly when you need it by visiting a unique URL. This prevents unnecessary automated runs.
Human-in-the-Loop Validation: It acts as a gateway, ensuring a human has reviewed the context before the automation logic starts.
External Integration: Since the sensor generates a static Execution URL, you can embed this trigger in external tools, emails, or bookmarks without needing to navigate through the Celonis IBC.
Interactive Inputs: You can configure the sensor to prompt the user for data (text or dropdowns) at the moment of execution, allowing for dynamic automation based on real-time human input.
Simplified Testing: It is the most efficient way to test a Skill's logic during development without waiting for specific data events to trigger a Smart Sensor.
The choice to use the manual or smart sensor depends on the following factors:
Factor | Manual sensor | Smart sensor |
|---|---|---|
Trigger source | Human action (URL click/Run button). | Data event (PQL query match). |
Input data | Provided by the user at runtime. | Pulled automatically from the Data Model. |
Control | High; user decides exactly when to run. | Automatic; runs whenever conditions are met. |
Primary use case | Ad-hoc tasks, testing, or human approvals. | Continuous monitoring and high-volume automation. |
Visibility | Requires the user to have the URL. | Runs in the background. |
To configure the Celonis manual sensor:
Add the Sensor: In your Skill workflow, select the Manual Sensor as the starting trigger.
Retrieve Execution URL: Locate the Execution URL (GET) field in the sensor settings. Copy this URL to your clipboard or bookmark it for future use.
Configure Custom Inputs (Optional): If your automation requires specific data to run, define Custom Inputs:
Text: Creates a free-text field for the user to fill in before execution.
Dropdown: Creates a selection menu. You must define a Name (the label the user sees) and a Value (the data passed to the automation).
Define Required Parameters: Review the Parameters section.
Note
Any parameters marked as mandatory in subsequent Actions within your Skill will be automatically required here to start the Skill.
Save and Deploy: Save your Skill changes to activate the execution URL.
Your Manual Sensor is now active. When you paste the Execution URL into a browser, a landing page will appear. If you configured inputs, you will be prompted to enter them before clicking Run to execute the Skill.