> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.speckle.systems/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Frequently Asked Questions

> Frequently asked questions about Speckle Automate covering pricing, performance, supported languages, installation, comparisons with other platforms, function creation, and automation workflows.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How much does Speckle Automate cost? Is it included in enterprise plans?">
    Speckle Automate is available and is an Enterprise-only offering. Enterprise plans include
    custom automation support by Speckle engineers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Speckle Automate faster than desktop workflows?">
    * **It depends on your perspective.** Automate may not always run faster for individual tasks,
      but it excels in the bigger picture: - **Reduced learning curve**: Instead of training every
      team member on specific software, reusable Automate Functions make workflows accessible to
      everyone. - **Hardware independence**: Automate uses cloud infrastructure, freeing local
      machines for other tasks. - **Continuous automation**: Automations trigger automatically on new
      model uploads, eliminating manual steps and enabling results to be ready while you focus on
      other work. - By streamlining collaboration and task automation, Automate can significantly
      reduce overall workflow time and effort.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What programming languages and SDKs are supported by Speckle Automate?">
    * **Fully supported SDKs:** Python and C#. - **Under development:** JavaScript/TypeScript and
      Jupyter Notebooks. - Any language or software executable via **command-line instructions** can
      run in Automate, though using Speckle SDKs is recommended for seamless data interaction. - For
      technical flexibility, Automate supports extending functionality with custom libraries, such as
      C++ or Rust, though support may vary.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Speckle Automate part of the Speckle Server? How do I install or access it?">
    Automate is a **separate service** relying on an available Speckle Server. Automate is not
    open-source or self-installable. It is fully integrated into the Speckle web application and
    runs on Speckle-hosted infrastructure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What do I need to get started with Speckle Automate?">
    An Enterprise workspace and at least one Function repository connected through GitHub or another
    VCS.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does Speckle Automate compare to Hypar, Viktor, or ShapeDiver?">
    * **Purpose**: Automate automates complex, time-consuming tasks triggered on new model uploads,
      not real-time parametric modelling like Hypar or ShapeDiver. - **Integration**: Automate builds
      on Speckle's Connectors, enabling seamless data exchange with tools like SketchUp, Rhino,
      Blender, and PowerBI. - **Flexibility**: Automate supports any language or software while
      retaining Speckle's collaborative and open-source ethos.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Who can create Functions in Speckle Automate?">
    Function creation is available to Enterprise workspaces only. Only Enterprise workspaces can
    build and publish custom Automations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do Automations work on personal vs workspace projects?">
    * For **personal projects**, Automations are fully configurable by the automation author. - For
      **workspace projects**, Automations are configurable by project owners.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Who can view automation results in Speckle Automate?">
    * **Any project viewer** can see results directly in the Speckle web application. - **Workspace
      admins and project owners** can access the full history of prior automation runs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where can I get help or support for Speckle Automate?">
    * Visit our [**Community Forum**](https://speckle.community/invites/Fbk5j1wbRW) to get
      assistance or share feedback about Automate.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How would clash detection work in Speckle Automate?">
    * While a **public function for clash detection** is not yet available, here's how it could
      theoretically operate: - Automate would run clash detection **in the background**, analysing
      multiple models from various tools (e.g., Blender, Revit, SketchUp) without manual intervention.
      Results would be viewable directly in the web application, shared via links, or embedded in
      platforms like SharePoint or Notion. - Results could also be retrieved into other tools via
      Speckle Connectors (e.g., PowerBI or Excel). - Automate's API would enable integration with
      external workflows, allowing custom reporting and visualisation. - This functionality would save
      time by automating repetitive tasks and simplifying collaboration across teams and platforms.
      *Note: Clash detection is a theoretical use case until a public function is available.*
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>
