> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.varbase.vardot.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.varbase.vardot.com/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder.md).

# Varbase ECA (Visual Workflow Builder)

Varbase has adopted ECA (Event - Condition - Action) as its core visual workflow builder automation framework, replacing hard-coded event subscribers and custom hooks with configurable, maintainable ECA models. This transition improves modularity, simplifies maintenance, and enables future AI integrations while providing a no-code solution for orchestrating automated workflows throughout your Drupal site.

ECA models in Varbase are pre-configured workflow automatons that respond to specific events on your site, evaluate conditions, and execute actions—all without requiring custom code.

## What is ECA?

[**ECA**](https://www.drupal.org/project/eca) (Event - Condition - Action) is a powerful rules engine for Drupal that enables automated workflows through three core components:

* **Event**: Something that happens on your site (user login, content creation, form submission, etc.)
* **Condition**: Optional checks that determine whether actions should execute
* **Action**: Tasks performed when events occur and conditions are met (send emails, display messages, modify data, etc.)

ECA leverages existing Drupal core components and extends them through a flexible plugin system, making workflows visual, maintainable, and accessible to non-developers through the integrated BPMN.iO modeler.

<figure><img src="/files/UFKzgqQyvcEQrcGz3nd3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Why Varbase Uses ECA

The adoption of ECA in Varbase provides several key advantages:

* **Maintainability**: Replace hard-coded event subscribers with configurable models
* **Modularity**: Workflows are stored as configuration that can be imported, exported, and version controlled.
* **No-Code Solution**: Site builders can create and modify workflows without writing custom code.
* **Visual Editing**: BPMN.iO modeler provides intuitive diagram-based workflow design.
* **AI Integration Ready**: Foundation for future AI-powered automation features.
* **Performance**: Intelligent event subscription with negligible overhead.
* **Extensibility**: Plugin-based architecture allows easy integration with custom and contributed modules.

## Getting Started with ECA Models

#### Viewing ECA Models

Navigate to **Administration > Configuration > Workflow > ECA** to view all available ECA models on your site.

Each model appears with its name, description, status (enabled/disabled), and modeler type.

## Pre-Configured ECA Models in Varbase

{% content-ref url="/pages/Jcfgcp1Cc5y1MQUiPEqi" %}
[User Login Notification](/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder/user-login-notification.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/fVxUP2eKVr7nF7lqlhVh" %}
[User Recertification](/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder/user-recertification.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/3FShsnJJJJCa4KquSQNA" %}
[Admin Change Role Notification](/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder/admin-change-role-notification.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/89Q83PBMNrXeBt64tjlp" %}
[Redirect 403 to Login](/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder/redirect-403-to-login.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/7TtR9JAZBuPTi3yzF6C2" %}
[Draft Reminder](/10.1.x/developers/varbase-eca-visual-workflow-builder/draft-reminder.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}