The special noun とおり represents something that is exactly how it is described.
When it is modified by a verb it means “exactly as described by [that verb].”
彼がやるとおり
exactly how he does it
When the particle に is added to the above phrase, it can modify other verbs.
彼がやるとおりにやってください。
Please do it how he does it.
The past tense is used when the action describing とおり has been completed.
思ったとおりにできました。
It came out just as I had expected.
とおり can also be used with nouns.
電車が時間表のとおりに出発しました。
The train set off according to the timetable.
and with この, その etc.
はい、そのとおりです。
Yes, that’s right.