All Automations can be sent immediately after or a set number of days after an event occurs.
RCM now allows you to create automations that are sent a set number of days before an event is supposed to occur; this function is only available for the Booking Hired and Booking Returned events.
In the example shown in the image below, for every booking that fits the conditions of this automation, an event will be scheduled 2 days before the bookings Pickup Date.