---
title: "Processes"
url: "https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/processes"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-03-10T12:57:05.215Z"
---

# Processes

You manage processes in three separate steps: DEVELOPMENT, TEST, and PRODUCTION. This lets you build, test, and put your automations into use safely.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/6c092a53-5949-464f-8db0-681a2ac36a6c)

### Development Stage

The DEVELOPMENT stage is where you build and change your processes.

1.  **Create a new process:** When you make a new process, it automatically saves in the DEVELOPMENT stage.
2.  **Edit existing processes:** You can only make changes to a process when it's in the DEVELOPMENT stage.
3.  **Find production processes:** If a process is in the PRODUCTION stage and you need to change it, find its version in the DEVELOPMENT stage. Change it there, then release it to TEST.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/57cb45b4-3515-46d4-ab92-3a1f830334d2)

### Test Stage

The TEST stage is for running processes without someone watching them. This stage uses a virtual machine with test applications and test data.

1.  **Publish to Test:** After building a process, release it to the TEST stage. You can do this by pressing `Ctrl+P` or using the publish option.
2.  **Run unattended tests:** The process runs by itself on a virtual machine. This helps you check if it works right before putting it into production.
3.  **No editing:** You can't change processes directly in the TEST stage. You can only see the steps and versions.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4517fe7e-e477-4ee0-b756-1597ea9ff844)

### Production Stage

The PRODUCTION stage is for processes that are live and running.

1.  **Publish to Production:** After testing is done, release the process from the TEST stage to the PRODUCTION stage.
2.  **Live execution:** Processes here run your actual business tasks.
3.  **No editing:** You can't change processes directly in the PRODUCTION stage. You can only see the steps and versions.

## Using Global Variables with Processes

When a process uses different applications or settings across stages, use global variables. This means you won't have to change process steps by hand.

For example, you might use a test application in the DEVELOPMENT and TEST stages. In PRODUCTION, you would use the real application. By using a global variable, the right application value is automatically used for each stage.

-   Learn more about [Global variables](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/global-variables).

## Running Processes with a Scheduler

To run processes in the TEST or PRODUCTION stage, you need to set up a scheduler.

-   For details on setting up automated runs, see [Scheduler](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/scheduler).

## Related Articles

-   [Demo process](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/demo-process)
-   [Record process](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/record-process)

## Need Help?

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