How do you detect infinite loops in workflows?

Infinite loops can rapidly damage reputation and recipient relationships. Detection methods:

Volume anomaly monitoring: Set alerts for automation volume exceeding normal thresholds. Dramatic spikes often indicate looping. Investigate immediately when alerts fire.

Per-recipient tracking: Monitor how many times individuals enter flows or receive messages. Multiple entries in short periods signal problems. Alert when recipients exceed reasonable limits.

Flow interaction mapping: Document how automations connect. Identify where exit from one could trigger entry to another. Trace potential circular paths.

Built-in safeguards: Implement maximum iteration limits: exit after N sends regardless. Add cooling-off periods: cannot re-enter for X days. Use unique event IDs to prevent duplicate processing.

Testing for loops: During QA, deliberately create conditions that could cause loops. Verify safeguards prevent runaway execution.

Loops emerge from interactions that seem fine individually. Only system-level view reveals the danger.