Data sync from external systems into HubSpot

Data Hub Data Hub
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Hi Guys, we are looking to synch our product info catalog from an external system into HubSpot. Two possible ways to allow the external system to use HubSpot API [https://developers.hubspot.com/docs/api/crm/line-items] to POST (push) the data into HubSpot or using External System API from HubSpot workflow automation to GET the data from external systems. I understand for the handshake, API keys shall be required for both systems allowing them to interact with each other. Just a few questions please:

  1. Please can you guide regarding the Custom Code that will be needed at HubSpot end in case if we use External system API and GET records and then those need to be saved in HubSpot database on regular intervals?
  2. Do we have any limitations for this Custom Code in workflow automation and which languages are supported to write the Custome Code?
  3. In case we find any challenges, the other approach would be to allow an external system to PUT the data into HubSpot through their API. In such a case, we may not need Custom code.

Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers

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Hi there! I won’t be able to go into too much detail myself, but I can tag some people who may be able to help you out!

1. Yes you would need to first have a way to save that product info in HubSpot. One way would be to use HubSpot’s Product Object, or you can create a custom object.

2. Custom Code Actions function within HubSpot Workflows, this means in order to trigger them you need to make sure you have enrollment criteria that will activate the coded action.

3.@Connorj13, @FelipeFelix, @danmoyle , what are your two cents on this matter? Am I missing anything, are there any challenges you see?

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Hi @MWaqar. This is a pretty technical question that I took to me dev team. Here’s what I have for infor for you:

Many insights can be found in this doc and this doc.

  1. You should begin with understanding the usage limits of both APIs, the amount of time the non-HubSpot API will take to respond, how much information you plan on moving at a time, how to transform/store the data from your API in HubSpot, among a number of other factors. The developer I spoke with (Kevin) suggests writing out and/or visually architecting a solution with a tool like mirror or whimiscal in order to vet potential solutions. Basically have a plan and test it!
  2. From the docs above: “Custom code actions must finish running within 20 seconds and can only use up to 128 MB of memory.” Custom Code in workflows supports javascript using Node 12.x with many common libraries like lodash and axios.
  3. This is a very viable solution and with the correct experience on your team might be the solution with fewer hurdles! I’m still talking with the dev team at Impulse Creative, so I may have more info on this question. And if you’re interestedin a deeper conversation, I’m happy to facilitate a chat.

Hope that helps!