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How automated sequence step sending works

2 min read

Overview

In Revenue Grid, automated sequence steps such as email and SMS sending follow a sequence or step schedule. These schedules define when messages can start sending, but the actual send time may vary depending on message volume and system-wide sending limits.

This article explains how automated steps are scheduled, processed, and sent, including why some messages may be sent outside the scheduled time.

How automated steps are processed for sending

1. Step execution and scheduling

When an automated step (e.g., an email or SMS) is due for sending, the system follows these steps:

  • Schedule check: The system verifies whether the step falls within the configured sequence or step schedule.
  • If allowed: The step proceeds to the sending queue for processing.
  • If not allowed: The step is postponed until the next available time within the schedule.

Example

A sequence schedule allows sending from 9 AM to 5 PM.

  • If an email step is due at 6 PM, it will be postponed to 9 AM the next day.

2. Message volume and sending limits

Once an automated step enters the sending queue, it is processed based on system-wide sending limits set by the admin.

  • If the daily sending limit is not reached, emails and SMS messages are sent one by one with a 1–2 minute delay per message to prevent spam generation.
  • If the limit is reached, the remaining messages are postponed to the next available sending window, as defined by the schedule.

Example

Your sequence schedule allows sending from 9 AM to 5 PM, and an email step is due at 4 PM. The step will be queued at 4 PM and:

  • If the system has not reached the daily sending limit, emails will be sent one by one, with a 1–2 minute delay per message.
  • If the system reaches the sending limit before all emails are sent, the remaining emails will be postponed to 9 AM the next day.

3. When emails and SMS are sent outside the schedule

Once an automated step enters the sending queue, it will be sent as soon as possible, even if it falls outside the sequence or step schedule.

  • The sequence or step schedule controls when steps become eligible for sending, but once a step enters the queue, it is processed independently.
  • If message volume is high, some emails or SMS messages may be delayed and sent later than expected—even after the scheduled hours.

Example

A sequence schedule allows sending from 9 AM to 5 PM. A step with 100 emails enters the sending queue at 4 PM.

  • Since emails are sent one by one with a 1–2 minute delay per message, the sending process may continue until 6 PM—outside the schedule.

Key takeaways

  • The sequence schedule controls when steps are eligible for sending, but not the exact time messages are sent.
  • Once in the queue, emails and SMS messages are sent as soon as possible, even outside the schedule.
  • If the system reaches its sending limit, messages are postponed to the next available schedule window.

For more details on how to set up a sending schedule at user level:

For details on how to manage sending schedule at admin level, see Admin level settings.