Human-in-the-loop
Human in the Loop adds a mandatory human approval step to an automated workflow. Before an agent or orchestrator executes a sensitive action, a person can approve, decline, or comment on that action.
Why Add a Human Step?
Security & Compliance – stop unauthorized or risky actions.
Error Prevention – catch mistakes that automated logic might miss.
Accountability – every approved action has a human decision-maker.
Where HITL Fits in Buildspace
Agents
Calling external APIs, sending emails, writing to databases
Enable approval on individual tools (nodes) inside the agent. Each time that tool is invoked, execution pauses and waits for a human decision.
Orchestrators
Coordinating multiple agents or long chains
Add approval to a workflow step so the entire branch pauses until it is reviewed.
Configuring HITL on an Agent Node
Open the agent in Workflows → Editor.
Select the node (e.g., ReAct agent, API call, DB write).
Select the tool which you would like the agent to use and ensure the tool is selected.
In the Configuration panel, check Enable execution approval.
(Optional) Edit the Approval message—this is what the reviewer will see.
Save and redeploy your workflow.
Runtime Experience
To view the functionality of HITL:
Go to the chat tab in the header navigation bar.
Open the workflow where you enabled HITL and shubmit a prompt to your agent.
When the agent reaches the guarded step, the chat displays:
Node <name>: Approve or cancel execution. Send nothing for approval; provide feedback to cancel.The reviewer clicks Approve or Reject.
Execution continues (or stops) based on that choice.
Common Use Cases
Querying internal databases
Prevent data leaks or large accidental extractions
Sending outbound emails
Double-check message content and recipients
Triggering payments
Verify amount, payee, and authorization
Posting public updates
Ensure brand voice and accuracy before publishing
Best Practices
Limit scope: Enable HITL only on actions that truly need it to avoid approval fatigue.
Keep messages clear: The approval prompt should state what will run and why it needs review.
Audit everything: Store timestamps, approver IDs, and decisions for compliance.
Benefits Recap
Security guardrail for critical operations.
Human oversight without fully blocking automation benefits.
Immediate feedback loop to improve future agent behavior.
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