Use DBOS.start_workflow to run workflows in the background. This returns a handle to monitor or retrieve results. You can retrieve a workflow handle later using
This skill enables marketers to initiate workflows asynchronously using `DBOS.start_workflow`, allowing long-running tasks to execute in the background without blocking the main process. It returns a workflow handle that you can use to monitor progress, retrieve results, or resume interaction with the workflow later by its ID. This approach avoids unreliable threading patterns and ensures workflows run within the DBOS environment correctly.
Start Workflows in Background is designed for growth leads managing complex campaign automation that involves multi-step data processing or API calls. SEO specialists running periodic audits or large-scale content analysis can offload these heavy workflows without slowing down their reporting tools. Agency strategists coordinating multiple client campaigns benefit from this skill to parallelize tasks and improve throughput while maintaining centralized control.
First, define your workflow function with the `@DBOS.workflow()` decorator to encapsulate the long-running task. Next, use `DBOS.start_workflow` to launch the workflow asynchronously, immediately receiving a handle object. Then, periodically check the workflow’s status or call `get_result()` on the handle to obtain outputs once the task completes. Finally, save the workflow ID from the handle if you need to retrieve or monitor the workflow later from a different process or session.
Can I use Python threads to run DBOS workflows in the background? No, threading is unsupported and can cause unpredictable behavior; always use `start_workflow`. How do I track the progress of a background workflow? Use the workflow handle’s `get_status()` method to check its current state. Is it possible to retrieve results if the workflow was started earlier? Yes, you can retrieve the handle later by workflow ID using `DBOS.retrieve_workflow()` and then call `get_result()`.
Attach this skill to any Metaflow task that dispatches external or resource-heavy workflows requiring asynchronous execution. When invoked, it starts the workflow in the background and returns a handle to your Metaflow step, enabling you to poll or fetch results without blocking. This ensures your flow remains responsive and can manage long-running marketing processes more efficiently. For detailed guidance, refer to the workflow start and monitoring sections in the documentation.
For broader context, see our roundup of claude skills for marketing, and read how to create Claude skills for related setup guidance.