> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Run event workflow from Schedule
> Open the linked workflow from a scheduled appointment to complete photos, checklists, vehicle status, and operational steps.
## What you will accomplish
You will open a scheduled appointment’s **workflow** from [Schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/schedule) and finish the on-site work your facility tracks there—photos, checklists, vehicle condition, notes, and status updates.
When you finish, the calendar and [Progress view](/docs/schedule/track-work-in-progress-view) show the same event with an honest status (**In Progress** or **Done**).
## When to use Open Event
* The visit is **today** (or underway) and a technician should run the job in the app—not only look at the calendar block.
* Your event type requires **photos**, **checklists**, or **vehicle status** fields during the visit.
* Front desk scheduled the appointment and the floor team needs the full workflow screen.
**Open Event is not for every calendar block**
**Calendar Block** and some simple events may not show **Open Event**. **Needs Approval** bookings show **Approve** or **Decline** first—see [Approve or decline a customer booking request](/docs/schedule/approve-or-decline-customer-booking-requests). **All day** visits that use a workflow still show **Open Event**—look for them in the **ALL DAY** row. See [Create an all-day event](/docs/schedule/create-an-all-day-event).
## Before you start
* Sign in to the staff dashboard (not the customer portal).
* The event already exists on [Schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/schedule) with the correct vehicle, customer, and time (or **All day** if there is no clock time).
* You know which bay or team member is doing the work (assign the event first if that helps your shop).
* If photos are required, use a phone or tablet with a good camera when possible.
## Open the workflow from Schedule
Go to [Schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/schedule) from the left sidebar.
**Expected result:** You see the calendar (or the view you used last—Table, Whiteboard, or Progress).
Click the colored event block for the visit you are running.
Use the **Search** box or **Assigned to me** if the calendar is busy. See [Find and filter scheduled work](/docs/schedule/find-and-filter-scheduled-work).
**Expected result:** A detail panel opens on the right (or over the calendar on smaller screens). You see the date, time, customer, vehicle, notes, and action buttons.
Near the top of the panel, look for **Open Event** next to actions such as **Edit Event** or status controls.
**Why this matters:** **Open Event** is the door to the workflow. **Edit Event** only changes the plan (time, assignee, notes)—it does not replace the workflow screen.
**Expected result:** You see **Open Event** on event types that use workflows (many service and intake types do).
Click **Open Event**.
**Expected result:** The app opens the workflow page (the address bar includes `/dashboard/session/`). You leave the calendar view and land on the job screen for this visit.
*After you click an event, look for the blue **Open Event** button near the top of the panel. **Edit Event** only changes the plan—it does not replace the workflow screen.*
## Work through the workflow page
Each facility configures different steps. Most workflow pages include some mix of the sections below. The page address includes `/dashboard/session/`—that is normal.
You can switch between two layouts on many workflow screens:
**Standard view** shows sections such as **STATUS**, **ACTIVITY**, **All Photos**, and **Vehicle Status** on one scrollable page.
**Walkthrough view** shows one step at a time—helpful on a phone when a technician should not skip ahead of required photos or checklists.
Near the top of the workflow page, look for **Walkthrough view** or **Standard view** (wording may vary).
**Expected result:** Tapping **Walkthrough view** changes the layout to a step-by-step flow.
Choose **Walkthrough view** when:
* A new hire is learning your intake process.
* Photo rules must be completed in order.
* The screen is small and scrolling is awkward.
**Why this matters:** Walkthrough view reduces skipped steps during busy arrivals.
Managers reviewing a visit often prefer **Standard view** because every section is visible at once.
**Expected result:** You can move between views without losing saved photos or notes.
***Walkthrough view** guides staff through one section at a time. Use it on phones or when photo rules must be completed in order.*
*The workflow page is where technicians complete the visit. The page title shows the event type (for example **Dealer Service**) and how many photos have been captured.*
At the top, read the event title and notes. On the right, check the **vehicle card** (year, make, model, and owner).
**Why this matters:** Starting the wrong workflow is a common mistake when two similar cars are in the building.
Look for the **STATUS** section with **To Do**, **In Progress**, and **Done**. The current step is highlighted (you may see a **NOW** badge on **In Progress**).
**Expected result:** [Progress view](/docs/schedule/track-work-in-progress-view) and the calendar stay aligned with the floor when status changes.
Scroll to **All Photos**. Click **+ Add Photos** to capture condition shots from your phone or tablet camera.
**Why this matters:** Photos taken here stay tied to this visit. They are easier to find later than photos saved only on a personal camera roll.
**Expected result:** The photo count at the top of the page increases (for example **3 photos**).
Some event types show checklist items or extra steps in the **ACTIVITY** area. Follow each prompt and save as you go.
**Note:** Not every event type has checklists. If you do not see any, your admin may not have required them for that service.
Under **Vehicle Status**, enter **Odometer Reading**, tap a **Fuel Level** button (**E**, **¼**, **½**, **¾**, or **F**), and use **Record** for tire pressure when asked.
**Expected result:** The customer record and workflow history reflect what your team observed today.
Click **+ Add** in the **ACTIVITY** section for anything the office or next shift must know (delays, damage found, parts ordered).
**Expected result:** The next teammate does not need a verbal handoff to understand what happened.
## Use walkthrough for step-by-step photos
Some event types use **photo rules**—a guided list of shots your team should capture (front, rear, interior, damage areas, and similar). You can start walkthrough two ways:
* Click **Continue in walkthrough** on the main workflow page (under **All Photos**).
* Click **Walkthrough view** near the top of the workflow page to switch the whole screen to one step at a time.
On the workflow page (after you click **Open Event**), scroll to **All Photos** or look near the top for **Walkthrough view**.
If you see **Continue in walkthrough**, your facility wants photos taken in a guided order.
**Why this matters:** Walkthrough mode shows one photo step at a time so technicians do not skip required angles.
Click **Continue in walkthrough** or **Walkthrough view**.
**Expected result:** The app opens a step-by-step photo screen. The address bar may include `/dashboard/walkthrough/`. You see one location or angle at a time with clear instructions and a **Next** button.
Follow each prompt. Use your phone or tablet camera when possible. Tap **Next** to move forward.
**Expected result:** The photo count on the main workflow page increases as you finish steps.
When walkthrough is complete, use the browser **Back** button or open [Schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/schedule) and click the same event again.
**Expected result:** **All Photos** shows the images you captured. You can add extra photos with **+ Add Photos** if your team allows it.
*Walkthrough mode shows one photo step at a time. Use **Continue in walkthrough** or **Walkthrough view** when your event type requires guided photos.*
**No walkthrough button?**
Your event type may not use photo rules, or the visit may already have enough photos. You can still use **+ Add Photos** on the main workflow page. Admins configure photo rules in [Settings → Events & schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/events).
*Use **STATUS** to show where work stands, **ACTIVITY** for notes, and **All Photos** to document the vehicle during the visit.*
## Mark the visit complete
Before you finish, confirm required photos are taken and vehicle readings look correct. If your event type requires a checklist, scroll through **ACTIVITY** and confirm each step is done.
**Why this matters:** Marking complete too early can skip customer notifications or leave billing out of sync.
Near the top-right of the workflow page, click the blue **Mark as Complete** button.
**Expected result:** Status moves to **Done** or **Complete**. The event appears in the **Done** column on [Progress view](/docs/schedule/track-work-in-progress-view).
Click **Schedule** in the sidebar, or use the browser **Back** button.
**Expected result:** The same event still appears on the calendar, now with an updated status.
*Click **Mark as Complete** only when the work is truly finished. Use **Continue in walkthrough** when your event type requires guided photos.*
**Phones and tablets**
Technicians often open **Open Event** on a phone. **Walkthrough view** keeps buttons large and the next task obvious. Managers can still use **Standard view** on a desktop when they need every section on one screen.
## What success looks like
* The correct vehicle and customer were opened from the calendar.
* Required photos and checklist steps were completed (or intentionally skipped only when your policy allows).
* Status on the workflow page matches reality (**In Progress** while working, **Done** when finished).
* Managers can trust [Progress view](/docs/schedule/track-work-in-progress-view) without asking the floor for verbal updates.
## Troubleshooting
**I do not see Open Event**
The event type may not use a workflow, or the visit is still **Needs Approval**. Approve the booking first, or ask an admin to review the event type in [Settings → Events & schedule](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/events). See [Configure event types](/docs/events/configure-event-types).
**Open Event says there is no session yet**
Wait a moment and try again. If the message stays, save the event from **Edit Event** once (even a small note change) or recreate the appointment. Ask an admin if the problem continues.
**I only need to change the time**
Use **Edit Event** on the detail panel instead of **Open Event**. Follow [Update, assign, or reschedule an event](/docs/schedule/update-assign-or-reschedule-an-event).
## What to do next
* Track the rest of today’s jobs in [Track work in the Progress view](/docs/schedule/track-work-in-progress-view).
* Change the plan (time, assignee, notes) in [Update, assign, or reschedule an event](/docs/schedule/update-assign-or-reschedule-an-event).
* Return to [Schedule overview](/docs/schedule/overview).
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