Understanding Smart Follow-up Sequences

🟢Beginner
10 min read
Automation
Sequences
Basics

Learn how our intelligent automated sequences work and when they trigger.

Smart Automation Sequences are the heart of PayChase AI's intelligent collection system. Unlike traditional static email sequences, our AI-powered workflows adapt in real-time based on client behavior, payment patterns, and relationship dynamics.

What Are Smart Automation Sequences?

Smart Automation Sequences are intelligent follow-up workflows that automatically send personalized emails to clients with outstanding invoices. Our system uses advanced AI to analyze client behavior and adapt the sequence timing, tone, and content for maximum effectiveness.

Key Features

  • 6-Step Intelligent Workflow: From gentle reminders to firm collection notices
  • Behavior-Driven Adaptation: Sequences adapt based on client payment history and response patterns
  • Auto-Pause Functionality: Automatically stops when payments are received or clients respond
  • Smart Scheduling: Timing adapts based on client relationship scores and risk profiles
  • Tone Escalation: Intelligent progression from friendly to professional to firm

How Sequences Trigger

Sequences can be triggered in several ways:

Automatic Triggers

  • Invoice Due Date: Sequences start automatically when invoices become overdue
  • Manual Start: You can manually start a sequence for any unpaid invoice
  • Bulk Operations: Start sequences for multiple invoices at once

Smart Timing

  • Sequences respect business hours and timezones
  • Weekend and holiday scheduling is automatically avoided
  • High-value clients receive extended delays between steps
  • Critical risk clients get accelerated follow-ups

The 6-Step Sequence Flow

Each sequence follows a carefully designed 6-step progression:

1

Gentle Reminder (Day 1)

Tone: Friendly and helpful

Purpose: Polite reminder with payment details

Timing: 24-72 hours after due date (varies by relationship score)

2

Professional Follow-up (Day 3-5)

Tone: Professional but warm

Purpose: Include payment options and support

Timing: Extended for high-value clients

3

Payment Request (Day 7-10)

Tone: Professional and direct

Purpose: Clear payment request with urgency

Timing: Shortened for high-risk clients

4

Formal Notice (Day 14-17)

Tone: Firm but respectful

Purpose: Formal payment demand

Timing: Account for past payment patterns

5

Final Notice (Day 21-25)

Tone: Firm and urgent

Purpose: Last opportunity before escalation

Timing: Business relationship consideration

6

Collection Notice (Day 30+)

Tone: Formal collection language

Purpose: Final notice before external collection

Timing: Legal compliance considerations

Client Behavior Analysis

Our AI continuously analyzes client behavior to optimize sequence effectiveness:

Payment History Analysis

  • • Average payment days calculation
  • • Late payment frequency tracking
  • • Payment amount patterns
  • • Seasonal payment trends

Response Pattern Analysis

  • • Email open and click rates
  • • Response frequency and timing
  • • Communication preferences
  • • Historical engagement patterns

Risk Profile Classification

  • • Low Risk: Reliable clients with good payment history
  • • Medium Risk: Standard clients with average behavior
  • • High Risk: Clients with some payment delays
  • • Critical Risk: High-risk clients requiring immediate attention

Relationship Scoring (1-10 scale)

  • • Payment history weight: 40%
  • • Response patterns weight: 25%
  • • Invoice value and frequency: 20%
  • • Communication quality: 15%

Pro Tips

  • Monitor sequence performance through the analytics dashboard
  • Adjust relationship scores manually for VIP clients
  • Use custom pause reasons to track why sequences stop
  • Review and optimize sequences monthly based on payment rates

Next Steps

  • Learn about Client Behavior Analysis
  • Set up Smart Scheduling preferences
  • Configure Escalation Logic rules