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Introduction to Integrations

Integrations are the heart of the Vectense Platform, enabling seamless integration of various systems, services, and data sources into automated workflows. They extend the platform with specific functionalities and create the bridge between the workflow engine and the external world.

What are Integrations?​

Integrations are pre-built components that can perform specific tasks in workflows. They are divided into two main categories:

  • Triggers: Start workflows based on external events
  • Actions: Execute specific tasks within workflows

Each integration has a configurable interface that allows users to adapt it to their specific requirements without requiring programming knowledge.

Triggers - Workflow Initiators​

Triggers monitor external systems or events and automatically start workflows when certain conditions are met. They form the entry point for event-driven automation.

Available Trigger Integrations​

How Triggers Work​

Triggers are activated when a workflow starts and run continuously in the background. They:

  1. Monitor their configured data sources or events
  2. Detect relevant changes or events
  3. Start new workflow instances with the detected data
  4. Pass event data to subsequent workflow steps

Actions - Workflow Operations​

Actions perform concrete tasks within workflows. They can process data, call external systems, generate reports, or execute complex business logic.

Available Action Integrations​

AI and Data Processing​

External System Integration​

Data and Files​

Additional Integrations​

Additional action integrations are available for spreadsheet processing, advanced database operations, and checkpoint management.

How Actions Work​

Actions are executed sequentially within a workflow. They:

  1. Receive configuration and input data
  2. Execute their specific task
  3. Store results in workflow memory
  4. Pass control to the next workflow step

Integration Architecture​

Configuration Schema​

Each integration defines a structured configuration schema with:

  • Input Parameters: User-configurable settings
  • Memory References: Links to workflow variables
  • Validation: Automatic configuration verification
  • Security: Encrypted storage of sensitive data

Memory System​

The workflow memory system enables data exchange between integrations:

  • Input Variables: Load data from previous steps
  • Output Variables: Store results for subsequent steps
  • Variable Interpolation: Dynamic values with {{variableName}} syntax
  • Data Types: Support for strings, JSON objects, and complex structures

Security and Compliance​

  • Credential Management: Encrypted storage of passwords and API keys
  • Access Control: Role-based permissions for integrations
  • Audit Logging: Complete tracking of all integration activities
  • Data Validation: Automatic validation and sanitization of inputs

Workflow Integration​

Variable System​

Integrations use a unified variable system:

Input: {{variableName}}    # Load data from memory
Output: resultVariable     # Store results in memory

Data Flow Example​

1. Webhook Trigger
   Output: requestBody

2. LLM Action
   Input: {{requestBody}}
   Output: aiAnalysis

3. Email Action
   Subject: AI Analysis Completed
   Body: {{aiAnalysis}}

4. Database Action
   SQL: INSERT INTO reports (content) VALUES ('{{aiAnalysis}}')

Error Handling​

  • Retry Mechanisms: Automatic retry for temporary failures
  • Error Logging: Detailed error logging for debugging
  • Graceful Degradation: Workflow continuation for non-critical errors
  • Notification: Alerts for critical integration failures

Best Practices​

Integration Selection​

  • Purpose-Oriented: Choose integrations based on specific requirements
  • Performance: Consider execution time and resource consumption
  • Maintainability: Prefer simple, well-documented integrations
  • Scalability: Plan for future volume increases

Configuration​

  • Security: Always use secure connections and strong authentication
  • Monitoring: Implement monitoring for critical integrations
  • Testing: Test integrations with realistic data
  • Documentation: Document configurations for team transparency

Workflow Design​

  • Modularity: Structure workflows into logical, reusable steps
  • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling
  • Performance: Optimize data flow and minimize unnecessary operations
  • Monitoring: Monitor workflow performance and success rates

Developing Custom Integrations​

The Vectense Platform supports the development of custom integrations for specific business requirements. Developers can:

  • Custom Triggers: Integrate new event sources
  • Custom Actions: Implement specific business logic
  • API Integration: Create connections to proprietary systems
  • Data Transformation: Develop complex data processing logic

Integrations make the Vectense Platform a powerful tool for automating complex business processes and enable organizations to accelerate their digital transformation.