Pattern for multiple triggers combined to continue workflow
Overview
This template describes a possible approach to handle a pseudo-callback/trigger from an independent, external process (initiated from a workflow) and combine the received input with the workflow execution that is already in progress. This requires the external system to pass through some context information (resumeUrl), but allows the "primary" workflow execution to continue with BOTH its own (previous-node) context, AND the input received in the "secondary" trigger/process.
Primary Workflow Trigger/Execution
The workflow path from the primary trigger initiates some external, independent process and provides "context" which includes the value of $execution.resumeUrl. This execution then reaches a Wait node configured with Resume - On Webhook Call and stops until a call to resumeUrl is received.
External, Independent Process
The external, independent process could be anything like a Telegram conversation, or a web-service as long as:
- it results in a single execution of the
Secondary Workflow Trigger, and - it can pass through the value of
resumeUrlassociated with thePrimary Workflow Execution
Secondary Workflow Trigger/Execution
The secondary workflow execution can start with any kind of trigger as long as part of the input can include the resumeUrl. To combine / rejoin the primary workflow execution, this execution passes along whatever it receives from its trigger input to the resume-webhook endpoint on the Wait node.
Notes
- IMPORTANT: The workflow ids in the
Setnodes marked Update Me have embedded references to the workflow IDs in the original system. They will need to be CHANGED to make this demo work. - Note: The
Resume Other Workflow Executionnode in the template uses the$env.WEBHOOK_URLconfiguration to convert to an internal "localhost" call in a Docker environment. This can be done differently. - ALERT: This pattern is NOT suitable for a workflow that handles multiple items because the first workflow execution will only be waiting for one callback.
- The second workflow (not the second trigger in the first workflow) is just to demonstrate how the
Independent, External Processneeds to work.
n8n Workflow: Combined Triggers and Delayed Response Pattern
This n8n workflow demonstrates a pattern for handling multiple potential triggers, combining their initial data, and then continuing the workflow with a delayed response to a webhook. This is particularly useful for scenarios where a workflow might be initiated by different events but needs to process them uniformly before providing a final response or taking further actions.
What it does
This workflow showcases a flexible pattern for handling incoming data from various sources and then processing it. Specifically, it:
- Listens for Webhook Calls: It can be triggered by an incoming HTTP request to a dedicated webhook URL.
- Allows Manual Execution: The workflow can also be initiated manually from within the n8n editor, useful for testing or one-off runs.
- Edits Fields (Set Node): It includes a "Set" node, which is a placeholder for data transformation. In a real-world scenario, this node would be configured to standardize or enrich the data received from the triggers.
- Makes an HTTP Request: It includes an "HTTP Request" node, which is a placeholder for an external API call. This could be used to fetch additional data, send data to another service, or perform a specific action.
- Introduces a Delay: A "Wait" node is included to pause the workflow for a specified duration. This is useful for rate limiting, waiting for external processes to complete, or simply introducing a delay before the final response or action.
- Responds to Webhook: After processing and waiting, the workflow sends a response back to the original webhook caller. This is crucial for asynchronous operations where the initial trigger needs a confirmation, but the full processing takes time.
Prerequisites/Requirements
- n8n Instance: An active n8n instance (self-hosted or cloud).
- Webhook Configuration: If using the Webhook trigger, ensure your external system is configured to send requests to the n8n webhook URL.
Setup/Usage
- Import the Workflow: Import the provided JSON into your n8n instance.
- Configure the Webhook:
- Click on the "Webhook" node.
- Note the "Webhook URL" it provides. This is the endpoint your external services will call to trigger the workflow.
- (Optional) Configure authentication or specific HTTP methods if required by your use case.
- Configure the "Edit Fields (Set)" Node:
- Open the "Edit Fields (Set)" node.
- Modify the "Values to Set" to transform or add data as needed for your workflow's logic.
- For example, you might extract specific fields from the incoming webhook data or add default values.
- Configure the "HTTP Request" Node:
- Open the "HTTP Request" node.
- Set the "URL", "Method", and any "Headers" or "Body Parameters" required for your external API call.
- This node is currently a placeholder and needs to be configured for your specific API integration.
- Configure the "Wait" Node:
- Open the "Wait" node.
- Adjust the "Delay Time" to your desired duration (e.g., 5 seconds, 1 minute).
- Configure the "Respond to Webhook" Node:
- Open the "Respond to Webhook" node.
- Configure the "Response Mode" and "Body" as needed. For instance, you might want to return a success message or specific processed data back to the caller.
- Activate the Workflow: Save and activate the workflow.
Once activated, the workflow will be ready to receive incoming webhook calls or be executed manually.
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