1. Overview
  2. How To
  3. How to Use Flow Builder in Assistable to Build Smarter AI Assistants

How to Use Flow Builder in Assistable to Build Smarter AI Assistants

1. Purpose

Flow Builder is designed to make your AI assistants deterministic, low-latency, and reliable.
Instead of dumping everything into one big prompt (which causes hallucinations and slow responses), Flow Builder breaks the assistant’s logic into step-by-step nodes that control both the conversation flow and the tools used.

 

2.  Core Principles

  • Determinism → Each step (node) has a single task; the AI cannot skip or improvise.

  • Minimal prompts → Only the essential instructions are given per step.

  • Tools per node → Tools are not global; they’re enabled only where needed, reducing latency.

  • Base prompt + dynamic tasking → Identity and personality remain constant, while task instructions change with each step.

  • Voice & Chat support → Works seamlessly across both interaction types.

 

3. Setup Process

Step 1: Create Assistant

  1. Go to Leadindicator → Add New AI Assistant.

  2. Choose “Add Flow Builder”.

 

  1. Give the assistant a name & identity (e.g., “Haley – Friendly Scheduler”).

Step 2: Define Base Prompt

  • Base prompt = AI’s identity + guidelines.

Example:

 You are Haley, a polite, helpful scheduling assistant. 

Always stay concise, professional, and user-friendly.

  • This base prompt applies across all nodes (global personality).

Step 3: Build Flows with Nodes

  1. Open Flow Builder → Start Node.

  2. Add Nodes (states) for each task.

    • Example for Appointment Booking:

      • Node 1: Ask if user wants an appointment.

      • Node 2: If yes → Ask availability.

      • Node 3: If no → Thank them for their time.

  3. Connect nodes with conditions:

    • “If Yes → Go to Node 2.”

    • “If No → Go to Node 3.”

Step 4: Assign Tools per Node

  • Attach tools only where needed.

    • Example:

      • Node 2 (availability check) → Calendar tool.

      • Node 3 (thank you) → No tools needed.

  • This keeps latency low and prevents misuse.

Step 5: Add Branching Logic

  • For advanced qualification flows:

    • Example:

      • Ask if user is an Enterprise customer.

      • If Yes → Route to Sales Rep Appointment.

      • If No → Send self-signup link.

  • You can branch into sales, support, onboarding, or multiple departments.

Step 6: Test the Flow

  • Use the built-in simulator:

    • Run a conversation.

    • Verify the AI follows the exact nodes, no skipping.

    • Check tool calls at each step.

 

4. Best Practices

  • Keep each node laser-focused (one question, one action).

  • Use short, precise prompts (avoid long task instructions).

  • Only load 1–2 tools per node to minimize latency.

  • Add qualification filters so only the right users get access (e.g., only qualified leads can book with sales).

  • Use Flow Builder for structured tasks (appointments, support routing, lead qualification). For open chat, prompts alone may be fine.

 

5. Example Flow: Appointment Booking

Base Prompt (global):
 “You are Haley, a professional, polite scheduling assistant.”

Nodes:

  1. Start → Ask: “Would you like to book an appointment?”

    • Yes → Go to Node 2.

    • No → Go to Node 3.

  2. Ask availability → Connect calendar tool → Confirm booking.

  3. Thank user → Close conversation.

Advanced Version:

  • If Enterprise → Sales rep booking.

  • If Not Enterprise → Signup link.

 

6. Benefits of Flow Builder

  • Zero hallucinations → AI cannot invent responses outside nodes.

  • High precision → Ensures only qualified leads/customers reach key actions.

  • Low latency → Only a few instructions + tools processed per step.

  • Scalable → From simple 3-step bots to multi-department enterprise flows.

 

In Short:
 Flow Builder = AI conversations turned into controlled workflows. Think of it as Zapier for AI dialogue — small, deterministic steps, each with its own rules and tools.

 

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