How can you detect automation loops or duplicates?

Automation loops and duplicates can quickly damage reputation and recipient experience. Detection methods include:

Volume monitoring: Sudden spikes in automation volume suggest something is looping. Set alerts for volume exceeding normal thresholds.

Per-recipient tracking: Monitor how many times individuals enter flows. Multiple entries in short periods indicate problems.

Send frequency analysis: Recipients receiving many emails in short windows suggests overlapping or looping automations.

Flow interaction mapping: Document how automations connect. Review whether exit from one flow could trigger entry to another that leads back.

Prevention measures:

Entry limits ("can only enter this flow once per 30 days"). Loop breakers ("exit after 5 sends regardless of conditions"). Deduplication logic ("if already received similar message, skip").

Loops are insidious because each step seems logical. Detection requires watching the whole system, not just individual flows.