Overview

After a Rule Set is created and activated, it can be managed through status controls, scope adjustments, and configuration updates.

This article explains how Rule Sets behave after activation, how editing works, how linking and unlinking campaigns or ad groups functions, and how to review activity history.

Understanding post-activation behavior is important to maintain controlled automation and avoid unexpected blocking or delays.

Explanation

Once a Rule Set is Active, it runs according to its configured schedule and execution mode.

From the Rule Set detail view, you can:

1. Enable or disable the Rule Set.

2. Edit rules and schedule settings.

3. Link or unlink campaigns or ad groups.

4. Modify recipient users (for Notify modes).

5. Review activity history.

Certain actions may temporarily trigger a processing state, during which some changes are restricted.

Status Control: Active vs Inactive

Rule Sets have two statuses:

1. Active

   • The Rule Set runs according to its schedule.

   • Actions are executed or notifications are created based on the selected notification type.

2. Inactive

   • The Rule Set does not run.

   • No actions or notifications are generated.

You can manually switch between Active and Inactive.

If the configuration was not acknowledged during setup, the Rule Set may be saved as Inactive even if Active was selected.

Editing a Rule Set

You can edit most Rule Set configurations after creation, including:

1. Schedule and frequency.

2. Data range and exclusion settings.

3. Conditions and actions within rules.

4. Recipient users (for Notify modes).

5. Linked campaigns or ad groups.
   

Goal Lock Behaviour

When editing or duplicating a Rule Set:

1. The selected Goal is typically locked.

2. You cannot convert a Rule Set from one Goal type to another.

If you require a different Goal, create a new Rule Set.

Processing State

After creating or updating a Rule Set, it may enter a processing state.

While processing:

1. Editing may be temporarily blocked.

2. Linking or unlinking campaigns/ad groups may be restricted.

3. Certain updates may not immediately reflect.

This processing period ensures changes are fully applied before the next execution.

Linking and Unlinking Campaigns or Ad Groups

Depending on the Rule Set type, you can manage scope by linking or unlinking:

1. Campaigns (for campaign-level Rule Sets).

2. Ad Groups (for ad-group-level Rule Sets).

From the Rule Set detail page, you can:

1. Link additional eligible campaigns or ad groups.

2. Unlink existing ones.

Eligibility Rules

1. Only enabled campaigns or ad groups can typically be selected.

2. Some Rule Set types apply only to Sponsored Products.

3. Search term Rule Sets require eligible Sponsored Products ad groups.

When you update selected profiles or linked items, a brief processing period may occur.

Activity History

Each Rule Set maintains an activity log.

The activity history typically includes:

1. Creation and updates.

2. Status changes (Active/Inactive).

3. Profile linking and unlinking.

4. Campaign or ad group linking and unlinking.

5. Per-item inclusion status changes.

6. Rule edits (condition or action changes).

7. Recipient user additions or removals.

8. Movement configuration changes (for Harvest Keywords Rule Sets).

Activity history helps track what changed and when, which is useful for auditing and troubleshooting.

Usage

Post-activation management is important when you need to:

1. Refine performance conditions.

2. Adjust schedule timing.

3. Expand or reduce campaign scope.

4. Temporarily pause automation.

5. Investigate unexpected behavior.

Careful management ensures that automation remains aligned with current performance goals.

Important Rules and Behaviour

1. A Rule Set may enter a processing state after edits or scope changes.

2. Editing may be temporarily blocked while processing is in progress.

3. Goal type cannot be changed after creation.

4. Only eligible campaigns or ad groups can be linked.

5. Status must be Active for the Rule Set to execute.

6. Linked item updates may require brief processing before becoming effective.

Frequent edits immediately before a scheduled run may delay changes from reflecting in the very next execution if processing is still in progress.

Prerequisites

1. Ads integration must be connected.

2. You must have access to the Ads Management module.

3. Selected profiles must be active.

4. Campaigns or ad groups must meet eligibility requirements for the selected Rule Set type.

Summary

Managing Rule Sets after activation involves controlling status, updating rules and schedules, adjusting scope, and reviewing activity history.

By understanding processing behavior, eligibility rules, and goal lock restrictions, you can safely modify automation while maintaining predictable and controlled performance management.