An automation state is a user-defined variable that can be used to modulate event rule triggers.
For example, if you wanted to use Z-Command for home security, you could create and event that would sound a siren (e.g. Nexia Home Intelligence WA105DBZ-1 Z-Wave Sounder/Strobe
The above setup will work, except that you will quickly realize something is missing. The alarm will sound every single time you enter your living room (if that’s where the motion sensor is located). You need a way to control when the system is armed. This is where states come in.
You can create a new state and name it home_security. specify armed for status 1, and disarmed for status 2.
Next, you will modify your automation rule so that the alarm will only sound when home_security state is armed and motion is detected. You can then set home_security state to armed when you leave the house and to disarmed when you return.
To change the status of an automation state, click the status text.