> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.bravegen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.bravegen.com/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes.md).

# Processes

Data Collection Processes in BraveGen Carbon

A **Process** determines how a particular type of data is collected — its Process Type, and behaviour like quarantine and collision handling. You set a process up once and it spawns [Tasks](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/tasks.md) on an ongoing basis. See [Data Collection](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection.md) for how processes and tasks fit together, and how entities and sources are created from incoming data.

## Process Type

When you create a process you choose a **Process Type**, which determines how it collects data.

**File Upload** is available today — collect data from spreadsheet files (`.CSV`, `.XLS`, `.XLSX`) or Utility Invoices, then map the columns with a Data Map. See [File Upload](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes/file-upload.md). Selecting the **Utility Invoice** type walks you through the same file upload flow, but prompts you to specify the retailer so BraveGen can transpose the invoice into a table ready for mapping.

[**Manual Data Entry**](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes/manual-data-entry.md), [**Smart Form**](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes/smart-forms-planned.md), and **Reminder** are additional process types on the roadmap and not yet available when creating a process. 

{% hint style="info" %}
A Manual Data entry is different from the existing Manual Adjustments feature, which lets you add or correct values directly on a source's activity without going through a process. See [Manual Adjustments](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/manual-adjustments.md).
{% endhint %}

## Automation

Automatic task creation is available on any process, and how it works is fully configurable.

A process is configured with a **Repeat Every** frequency, set when it's created and editable on its details tab. A repeating process automatically creates a new task each period, and can be configured to email a data request and reminders to the process's Data Supplier. Set 'Repeat Every' to `never - create tasks ad hoc` to create tasks manually instead, either from the tasks view or by emailing the process's collection address.

Email Attachments sent to a process's collection address are the primary automated data channel available today. SFTP, API, and MCP integrations are on the roadmap but not yet available.

See [Automation](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes/automation.md) for full detail on repeating vs ad-hoc collection and customising request emails.

## Quarantine and collision handling

Whether a task is held in [Quarantine](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/tasks/quarantine.md) for approval, and how [colliding data](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/tasks/resolving-collisions.md) is resolved (Append, Overwrite, or Keep), are both set on the process rather than on individual tasks. Changing either setting later only affects tasks created after the change — it won't reprocess tasks already in progress.

## Collection roles

Every process assigns three collection roles, which determine who is notified at each stage.

### Process Owners

Notified about any errors, issues or overdue tasks associated with the process. Must have a BraveGen account, with the [Administrator or Editor role](/carbon/configuration/user-management/user-roles.md).

### Data Approver

Notified when the task data is quarantined or in task review and ready for review and approval. Must have a BraveGen account, with the [Administrator or Editor role](/carbon/configuration/user-management/user-roles.md).

### Data Supplier

Responsible for supplying the data to the task. Receives request and reminder emails. Email address only, no BraveGen account required.