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Getting Started with Defense Catalyst

What Defense Catalyst Does

Defense Catalyst is an AI-powered workflow automation platform designed for defense technology and mission-critical operations. It connects your apps, automates repetitive tasks, and streamlines complex processes—all without requiring you to write code. With 280+ integrations and a visual flow builder, you can create powerful automations that save time and reduce errors.

Whether you’re automating data transfers, orchestrating multi-step processes, or integrating defense systems, Defense Catalyst provides the security, reliability, and flexibility you need.

Key Concepts

Understanding these core concepts will help you get the most out of Defense Catalyst:

🏢 Workspace

Your team’s automation environment where all flows, connections, and data live. Each workspace is isolated and secure, with its own users, permissions, and configurations.

What you can do:

🔄 Flow

A workflow that automates a task or process. Flows consist of a trigger (what starts the flow) and one or more actions (what the flow does). Flows can be simple (two steps) or complex (dozens of steps with branching logic).

Example flows:

⚡ Trigger

The event that starts your flow. Every flow has exactly one trigger that determines when and how the flow executes.

Types of triggers:

🎯 Action

A task that your flow performs. Actions do the actual work—sending messages, creating records, transforming data, calling APIs, and more. Flows can have multiple actions that run in sequence.

Common actions:

🔌 Connection

Saved credentials for an app or service. Connections store your authentication information securely so you can reuse them across multiple flows without re-entering credentials.

Authentication types:

▶️ Run

A single execution of your flow. Every time your flow triggers, it creates a run that tracks the execution from start to finish. Runs show you what happened, what data was processed, and whether it succeeded or failed.

Run information includes:

📦 Step

An individual trigger or action within a flow. Each step has a name, configuration, and produces output data that can be used by subsequent steps.

Step properties:

Your First Steps

Now that you understand the basics, here’s how to get started:

1. Understand Your Workspace

When you log into Defense Catalyst, you’re in your workspace. This is your team’s automation hub where you’ll:

Take a moment to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the navigation.

2. Build Your First Workflow

The best way to learn is by doing. Follow our flagship tutorial to create your first automation:

→ Build Your First Workflow Tutorial

This hands-on guide walks you through creating a complete workflow from scratch, teaching you:

Time required: 10-15 minutes

3. Explore Integrations

Defense Catalyst supports 280+ integrations with popular apps and services. Browse the directory to see what you can connect:

→ Integrations Directory

Popular integrations:

4. Learn About Runs and Logs

Understanding how to monitor and debug your workflows is crucial. Learn how to:

→ Runs, Logs & Debugging Guide

Next Steps

Once you’ve completed your first workflow, explore these topics to level up:

Deepen Your Knowledge

Core Concepts →
Deep dive into triggers, actions, data mapping, and more

Troubleshooting Hub →
Learn how to diagnose and fix common issues

Security & Privacy →
Understand how Defense Catalyst protects your data

Build More Workflows

Start with these common automation patterns:

Data Synchronization

Notifications & Alerts

Process Automation

Scheduled Tasks

Get Help

Need assistance?

Tips for Success

Start Simple

Begin with basic two-step workflows (trigger + action) before building complex multi-step flows. This helps you understand the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed.

Test Thoroughly

Always test your workflows with real data before publishing. Use the test feature to verify each step works as expected.

Use Descriptive Names

Name your flows and steps clearly so you (and your team) can understand what they do at a glance. “Send Slack Alert on Error” is better than “Flow 1”.

Monitor Regularly

Check your run history periodically to ensure workflows are executing successfully. Catch and fix issues early.

Leverage AI Copilot

Defense Catalyst includes an AI-powered assistant that can help you build workflows, troubleshoot errors, and optimize your automations. Look for the Copilot panel in the flow builder.

Keep Connections Updated

If an app changes its API or you rotate credentials, update your connections promptly to avoid workflow failures.

Document Your Workflows

Add descriptions to your flows explaining what they do, why they exist, and any special considerations. Your future self (and teammates) will thank you.

Defense Catalyst Advantages

Defense Catalyst is built specifically for defense technology and DoD operations:

Security First

DoD Compliance

Mission-Critical Reliability

Defense-Specific Features

Ready to build your first workflow? → Start the Tutorial

Have questions? → Contact Support