Choose the right retry scope
Open the run details and locate the first failed step, its inputs, and the error. A later step may have failed after earlier steps completed successfully, so restarting the entire workflow can repeat work that already happened. If the platform supports retrying one step, use that option only after confirming its required inputs are still available.
Some operations are not safe to repeat automatically. Sending an email, charging an account, or creating a new record can produce a second effect even if the first attempt timed out before its result appeared. Check the destination system for the outcome before retrying such an action.
Make repeated attempts safer
Where possible, use a stable request identifier or a lookup before creating a record so a retry can recognize work that already exists. Keep external actions near the end of a workflow and validate their inputs earlier. This reduces the chance that a later formatting or lookup error forces the same action to run again.
After the retry, inspect the new run separately and confirm both the failed step and any downstream outputs. Record the original run identifier and what was retried. If the same failure returns, address its cause rather than starting repeated runs that may create duplicates or obscure the useful error.