Webhooks offer a versatile solution for real-time communication & integration between applications. They provide a way for applications to communicate & share information without the need for constant polling or manual intervention.
The process typically starts with an application that wants to carry out notifications (the "sender" or "source") & then setting up a webhook URL in the recipient application (the "receiver" or "destination"). The webhook URL acts as an endpoint to which the sender will send HTTP requests. When the specified event or trigger occurs in the sender application, it will initiate an HTTP request to the webhook URL provided by the receiver. This request contains relevant data or information related to the event. The receiver application can then process this data, perform specific actions, or trigger further processes based on the received information.
Outgoing Webhooks
Outgoing webhooks are a mechanism from Act-On to send real-time notifications & data to another system in response to specific Act-On events. Instead of waiting for a client or external system to request information, the Act-On will initiate the communication by sending a webhook to a predefined endpoint URL. This outgoing webhook carries data related to the event that occurred. For instructions on how to set up outgoing webhooks click the Outgoing Webhook Management article. You can review some examples of how webhooks can be used to facilitate your workflows between Act-On & third parties. For information
Incoming Webhooks
Incoming webhooks in Act-On are special endpoint URLs that act as communication channels between a third party (which is triggering the Outgoing Webhook) and Act-On. The purpose of the incoming webhook is to receive the message (the payload), parse it, and take action based on it.
These communication channels can be used for any type of use case, from updating Act-On databases to triggering specific processes in Act-On. Currently, Act-On supports channels for All Contacts and Custom Touch Point Behaviors.
For instructions on how to create incoming webhooks, and examples of how webhooks can facilitate workflows between Act-On and third parties, see the Audience Center Contacts Webhook article.