> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.seminode.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Inbox Automations

> Define rules that automatically action inbox quotes when your conditions are met.

## Overview

Automation rules let your team process incoming quotes **automatically** — no manual trigger required. You define the conditions and the action; the platform evaluates every new quote against your rules and acts on the matches.

Rules are managed in **[Settings → Automations <Icon icon="arrow-up-right" />](https://app.seminode.com/settings/automations)**, or via the <Icon icon="bot" /> **Automations** button in the [Inbox](/tools/inbox) toolbar.

***

## Managing Rules

Each rule has a **name**, a **type** (auto-basket or auto-compare), an **enabled** toggle, and a **priority** — lower numbers run first, so you can layer specific rules ahead of broad ones. Create, edit, enable/disable, or delete rules at any time.

<Note>
  The rule builder is **schema-driven** — the available fields, operators, statuses, and actions come from the platform, so new options can appear without any change on your side.
</Note>

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## Rule Types

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Auto-Basket">
    Automatically basket and action quotes based on their status and a margin threshold.

    **Configure:**

    1. **Inbox statuses** the rule applies to (e.g. *not actioned*, *assigned*, *unassigned* — one or many)
    2. A **margin condition** — a field (e.g. margin), an operator (e.g. `<=`), and a value (e.g. `$500`)
    3. The **action** to take on matches:
       * **Action type** — reject, accept, counter, or send message
       * **Rejection reason** — from your configured reasons (when the action is reject)
       * **Comment / message** — free text sent with the action

    When a quote arrives in a thread matching the status filter, the platform evaluates the condition. If it's met, the quote is basketed with your configured action, reason, and comment.

    <Note>
      **Example** — *"If a thread is **not actioned** or **assigned** and quote margin is **≤ \$500**, **reject** with reason **Price Too Low** and comment **This price is too low**."*
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Auto-Compare">
    Compare a new quote's unit price against the latest existing quote for a group of parts, then branch on whether the improvement clears a threshold.

    **Configure:**

    1. **Grouping keys** — the fields used to group quotes for comparison (e.g. internal number + site code)
    2. **Inbox status** and **approval status** filters to narrow which quotes the rule applies to (*All* is valid)
    3. An **improvement threshold** as a percentage — how much lower the new unit price must be versus the latest quote in the group
    4. **Two branches** — one for when the threshold **is** met, one for when it **isn't**. Each branch sets:
       * **Action type** — counter, reject, accept, or send message
       * **Thread status** — a custom status to apply to the thread
       * **Message template** — supports [variables](#template-variables)
       * **Target price** — optional, for counter actions

    When a new quote arrives, the platform finds the latest existing quote in the same group, computes the improvement, and runs the matching branch.

    <Note>
      **Example** — *"For quotes grouped by **internal number + site code**: if the new quote is **not ≥ 20% better**, **counter** and set thread status **Improved Offer**; if it **is ≥ 20% better**, **counter** at the new target price and set thread status **Validating with Supplier**."*
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

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## Template Variables

Messages in auto-compare rules support variables that the platform fills in before sending:

| Variable             | Value                      |
| -------------------- | -------------------------- |
| `{{unit_price}}`     | The new quote's unit price |
| `{{margin}}`         | Absolute margin            |
| `{{margin_percent}}` | Margin as a percentage     |
| `{{partner_name}}`   | The partner on the thread  |

***

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Inbox" icon="messages-square" href="/tools/inbox">
    Where automated actions are basketed and sent.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Approvals" icon="clipboard-check" href="/tools/approvals">
    Route automated responses through approval when required.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>