Zendesk automation that reduces manual work

Routing recurring tickets, looking up data, answering follow-up questions: many of these tasks can be automated in Zendesk. We work with you to identify the right workflows and implement them using rules, Action Flows, AI or custom solutions.

So your team has more time for cases that need personal support.

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One request, one workflow

Customer request

“Where is my order #1842?”

Zendesk

Order #1842 identified

The order number from the ticket is passed to the online store.

Online store → Zendesk

#1842: Parcel in transit

The shipping status is included directly in the reply.

In the same ticket

Reply sent

“Your parcel is on its way. You can track your delivery here.”

The Grover team

How automation takes work off Grover’s hands

  • 32 % of messaging requests are verifiably resolved without a human handover (Verified Resolutions).
  • One example of automation: When an outbound call goes unanswered, a custom solution enriches the customer data, creates a Zendesk ticket and automatically sends a follow-up email.
  • First response time fell from 7 days → 1.5 hours across the entire new support setup. Zendesk, AI, Knots and custom scripts work together to make this possible.
Read the Grover customer story

Which type of Zendesk automation fits your needs?

A Zendesk workflow can be a simple rule or a sequence of steps across multiple systems. We always start with your process and your needs: what triggers the workflow, what information does it need, and when should a person take over? The right automation options depend on the workflow and your Zendesk plan.

Zendesk triggers

Respond when a ticket is created or updated. For example, a request submitted through a specific form is assigned directly to the right team.

Time-based automations

Respond to elapsed time and are checked hourly. For example, a ticket left unaddressed for too long triggers a reminder or escalation.

Action Builder and Action Flows

Connect multiple steps in Zendesk and external systems. For example, look up data, update a record and trigger a follow-up action.

AI and custom solutions

Interpret content, answer suitable routine questions or add missing functionality. We assess what Zendesk already covers and where apps or custom code are needed.

Automate beyond Zendesk with Action Builder and Action Flows

Zendesk Action Builder lets you create visual Action Flows: an event or schedule starts a workflow that retrieves data, makes decisions and performs actions. This connects steps in Zendesk with steps in integrated systems.

One possible workflow: ticket with an order number → retrieve the order status from the online store → perform the appropriate follow-up action → record the result in the ticket. We check which steps are available for your systems.

We handle process design, data mapping, testing and operation. If a suitable connection or action is missing, we add it using Custom Actions, apps or custom code.

Actions in Zendesk

Update tickets, users, organisations or other records as needed. We make sure the necessary data is available and the workflow follows your rules.

Steps in external systems

Use order, CRM or telephony data in your workflow. We assess existing connections and build the right extension if your requirements go further.

Plan for errors and exceptions

A process also needs a path for missing data, unavailable systems and unclear results. We include feedback, monitoring and human handovers in the design.

Route tickets based on their content

At The Quality Group, ticket content is analysed using NLP to identify requests and guide how they are handled. Order data can be added and chats summarised, so the team does not have to sort every request manually first.

From the request to the right team

Customer request

“I would like to return my order #1842 .”

Zendesk

Return request identified

The ticket content is analysed to identify the topic and the responsible team.

Online store → Zendesk

Order data for #1842 added

The order provides the context needed to handle the request.

In the same ticket

Assigned to the returns team

The responsible team receives the request with the relevant order data.

From question to answer

Customer request

“How do returns work?”

Zendesk

Returns question identified

The agent classifies the request and checks the context.

Knowledge base → Zendesk

Returns process retrieved

Approved information provides the basis for the answer.

In the same ticket

Reply sent

“You can register your return through our returns portal.”

Answer routine questions automatically

Where is my order? How do returns work? For recurring requests bots and AI Agents can provide appropriate answers or start a defined workflow. At The Quality Group, a status bot helps with delivery enquiries.

For complex or unclear cases, we include a handover to your team in the workflow.

Order processes without duplicate data entry

A cancellation request arrives in Zendesk, while the order is stored in SAP. Instead of transferring information manually, a suitable integration can trigger the next step in the process.

Together, we define which checks are needed and which cases require approval. This turns a ticket into a traceable business process.

From the ticket to the next step

Customer request

“Please cancel my order #1842.”

Zendesk → SAP

Order #1842 checked

The integration checks the details and the current order status.

Team approval

Cancellation approved

A responsible team member confirms the request if the workflow requires approval.

In the same ticket

Cancellation initiated in SAP

The result is recorded in ticket #4824.

The right signature in the ticket

Team reply

A reply for the German brand

The ticket is handled by the “Service DE” team.

Zendesk

Brand and language identified

The ticket context determines the appropriate sender details.

Dynamic signature

Sign-off and contact details added

The appropriate template is inserted into the reply.

In the reply

The correct signature is included

“Kind regards, your service team”

Add the right signature for each ticket

Multiple brands, languages or teams need different signatures. Dynamic signatures automatically add the appropriate sign-off and sender details.

A small automation with a noticeable benefit: less copying, fewer mix-ups and consistent replies.

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With Zendesk, we deliver tailored customer service projects – from adapting the platform to your internal processes and systems to automation, custom apps and integrations with your backend systems. Talk to us about how we can improve your customer service too! Contact us

How we get started with your Zendesk automation

  1. 1

    Identify recurring work

    We review your tickets and workflows together. Where does your team regularly sort, copy, look up information or follow up?
  2. 2

    Choose the right approach

    We use existing Zendesk features when they can reliably do the job. For workflows spanning multiple systems, we add Action Flows, apps or custom solutions.
  3. 3

    Roll out with confidence

    We test standard cases, exceptions and human handovers. Then we document the solution and train your team.
  4. 4

    Measure the impact

    Together, we define how you will measure the improvement — for example, fewer manual steps, shorter response times or a lower error rate.

Where AI adds value to your Zendesk workflows

Intelligent Triage

Identifies topic, language, sentiment and relevant details in tickets. Classification is included with Zendesk Suite or Support Professional and above, even without Copilot. Copilot is still required to use these fields in workflows.

AI Agents and Copilot

AI Agents handle suitable customer requests independently. Copilot supports your team with context, suggestions and approved actions. The right option depends on whether you want to automate a process or help people handle it more effectively.

Custom Agents

Can support defined workflows in the background. Agent Builder is currently in an early access phase, so we check its availability and suitability for your use case.

Results from real projects

What Zendesk automation changes in day-to-day work

Less manual work, shorter waits and processes that scale: these customer stories show results from their respective overall projects with Leafworks.

Peak Financial Group’s Zendesk project Peak Financial Group
75–100 hours saved per week

More time for the work that matters

Leafworks stabilised the existing setup with Knots, restructured rules and integrated telephony. The error rate fell from 10–12% to 2%.

Explore the Peak project
The Grover team Grover
5 weeks to a live setup

AI and workflows working together

Three departments, eleven support addresses and four languages were brought together in one Zendesk environment. AI, Knots and custom scripts handle suitable tasks.

Read the Grover story
Globetrotter store Globetrotter Ausrüstung
50 % shorter response time

Response time halved in three months

Email, forms, a chatbot and live chat were brought together. In the new setup, first response time fell from more than eight hours to around four.

Explore the Globetrotter project

Looking for more examples? Visit our customer page for more Zendesk projects across different industries and company sizes.

View all customer projects

Which task would you like Zendesk to take off your hands?

Show us where your team is losing time today. Together, we identify which workflows can be automated, which data and systems are needed, and where personal support remains essential.

What you get from Leafworks

  • Selection and prioritisation of worthwhile use cases
  • Configuration of rules, Action Flows and suitable AI features
  • Apps, integrations and custom extensions
  • Testing, documentation and training for your team
  • Support and optimisation after rollout
Your process determines the solution. If it extends beyond Zendesk, we bring in the right tools from your service setup.
Bild_ Maik Isernhinke

Maik Isernhinke

CRM expert

Frequently asked questions about Zendesk automation

Zendesk triggers respond when a ticket is created or updated. Time-based automations are checked hourly and run when a defined period has elapsed. Action Flows connect multiple steps in Zendesk and external systems. An Action Flow often complements existing ticket rules.
Costs depend on your Zendesk plan, any add-ons, usage and implementation effort. In Action Flows, external or custom actions may consume Action Credits; many native Zendesk actions do not. Before implementation, we check the included allowances and clarify setup, ongoing operation and any additional costs with you.
Clear conditions and structured data can often be handled with rules and Action Flows. AI can help interpret requests written in natural language or answer suitable routine questions. If a feature needed for your process is missing, we extend Zendesk with apps, Knots or custom code. Your process determines the solution.
Frequent tasks with a clear goal and reliable data are a good starting point — for example, routing tickets, adding order information or triggering reminders. We start with a clearly defined workflow whose benefits and exceptions can be assessed.
Yes, provided the necessary data and functions are available through a suitable interface. We assess existing Zendesk integrations and add missing connections using apps or custom code where needed. We also define which data may be read or changed.
We plan for these cases as part of the workflow: missing data or unavailable systems trigger a defined response or handover to the team. Before launch, we test typical requests, exceptions and approvals. This makes it clear what was completed automatically and where someone needs to take over.
AI Agents handle suitable customer requests independently. Copilot supports your team with context, suggestions and actions while they handle requests. The key question is whether a workflow should be completed independently or managed by a person.
This depends on the scope of the workflow, the systems involved and the quality of the data. A single rule can be implemented faster than a process with multiple integrations and approvals. After reviewing your use case together, we clarify the effort, requirements and a realistic timeline.

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