---
title: Pipeline automations
slug: pipeline-automations
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-09-16T08:57:52.305Z
---

Pipeline automations control how contacts enter a pipeline, move between stages, and trigger follow-up work from stage lifecycle events.

Use this guide for pipeline-only behavior. For general-purpose automations such as assigning conversations, sending templates, AI handoff, custom API payloads, or multi-step visual flows, see [Create an Automation Rule](#).

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/LSvaQ8v7MiAYpp8V288yP/qjEGUNdvgBmgkY_zZYFKH_pipeline-automations-v1.jpg)

## Where to work

Open a pipeline, then select the **Automations** tab.

Rules are grouped by the job they perform.

| Group                 | Meaning                                                                           |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Enrollment**        | Rules that add contacts to this pipeline.                                         |
| **Stage transitions** | Rules that move existing pipeline items to another stage.                         |
| **Stage lifecycle**   | Automations that run when an item enters, exits, or drops off from a stage.       |
| **Other**             | Related rules that do not fit the standard pipeline enrollment or movement shape. |

## Create a pipeline rule

1. Open a pipeline.
2. Select the **Automations** tab.
3. Select **New rule**.
4. Choose an action.
5. Choose when the rule should run.
6. Save the rule.

The pipeline rule modal is designed for the two most common pipeline actions: enrolling contacts and moving pipeline items.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/LSvaQ8v7MiAYpp8V288yP/stExGsZt-CSU14_SZ8ig3_pipeline-rule-modal.jpg)

## Enrollment rules

Enrollment rules add a contact to the pipeline.

You can choose a starting stage. If you leave it blank, Peach uses the pipeline default.

You can also choose guard pipelines. When a contact has an in-progress item in a guard pipeline, Peach skips enrollment into this pipeline.

Use this for examples such as:

- Enroll a new lead when they message the business.
- Enroll a customer when an integration event says they submitted a form.
- Enroll a contact when an API event arrives.

## Stage transition rules

Stage transition rules move an existing item to a destination stage.

The first stage cannot be used as the destination for this rule type.

Use this for examples such as:

- Move a lead when a template is delivered.
- Move a ticket when a customer replies.
- Move an onboarding customer when another system confirms a task is complete.

## Stage lifecycle automations

Stage lifecycle automations run when an item enters, exits, or drops off from a stage.

Configure these from the stage settings drawer. Choose existing automations for:

- Enter stage
- Exit stage
- Drop off from stage

Create or edit the underlying automation from the full Automation Rules area when it needs custom behavior.

## Complex pipeline rules

For anything beyond the quick pipeline modal, choose **Need a complex rule? Open full editor**.

Use the full editor when the pipeline automation needs:

- Multiple steps
- Template sending
- AI handoff
- Custom API payload mapping
- Advanced triggers
- A visual flow