Keeping Make Automations Simple Without Losing Flexibility

Questions
1

:bullseye: What is your goal?

I want to build automation workflows in Make that remain simple, readable, and easy to maintain, even as they grow in size and complexity. My goal is to avoid messy scenario structures while still keeping flexibility for scaling and adding new logic over time.

:thinking: What is the problem & what have you tried?

The main challenge I’m facing is that as I add more modules, routers, filters, and conditional logic, the scenario becomes harder to follow. What starts as a clean workflow gradually turns into something that’s difficult to debug or update later.

So far, I’ve tried:

Naming modules clearly based on their function

Grouping related steps logically

Using routers to separate different logic paths

Keeping filters as simple as possible

These steps help, but when the workflow grows larger, it still feels overwhelming. I’m unsure whether it’s better to split workflows into smaller connected scenarios or keep everything within one structured scenario.

:clipboard: Error messages or input/output bundles

There are no specific error messages at the moment. The issue is more about structure, readability, and long-term maintainability rather than a technical error.

1 Like
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Building complex automations inherently builds complex scenario. One way to improve readability is to name filters. Another way is to use sub-scenario’s that can be called by a main orchestrator scenario.

But the main thing is; get used to complexity. Make yourself comfortable with big scenario’s and the more you work with them, the easier it will be to follow their logic.

Cheers,
Henk

1 Like
4

Hi @FunnelsFlex ,

This is actually a very common situation as scenarios grow in Make.

You’re already following good practices (clear naming, grouping, routers, simple filters), which is great

  • If parts of the workflow can run independently or feel too complex to debug → split them into smaller connected scenarios.
  • If everything is tightly connected and depends on the same flow → keep it in one structured scenario.

If debugging one issue forces you to scroll through unrelated logic, it’s usually time to split.

It’s not about right or wrong - it’s about long-term clarity and maintainability.

Best regards,
Msquare Automation
Platinum Partner of Make
@Msquare_Automation