Fetching Exchange Server Info Using n8n
Hey everyone! I’m trying to pull some basic user details from our Exchange server and store them in a database. Specifically, I want to grab email addresses, first names, and last names.
I’ve been doing some research and it looks like I need to use the Microsoft Graph API to make this happen. The endpoint I’m looking at is something like:
GET /users/{id | userPrincipalName}/contacts
Has anyone successfully set this up in n8n before? I’m a bit new to the whole workflow automation thing, so any tips on how to configure the HTTP Request node or if there’s a better way to do this would be super helpful!
Also, if you’ve got any pointers on how to structure the database for storing this info, I’m all ears. Thanks in advance for any help!
I’ve implemented a similar integration recently. For the database structure, I’d recommend a simple table with columns for email, first_name, and last_name. This allows for easy querying and updates.
Regarding the n8n workflow, after setting up the HTTP Request node as CreatingStone mentioned, you’ll want to use the JSON Parse node to extract the data from the response. Then, use the Database node to insert or update the records.
One tip: implement error handling in your workflow. The Microsoft Graph API can sometimes be finicky, so adding a few ‘If’ nodes to check for successful responses can save you headaches later on. Also, consider implementing pagination if you have a large number of users to fetch.
hey jackhero, i’ve done smth similar b4.
u’ll need to set up azure ad app registration first to get the right permissions. then use the HTTP Request node with OAuth 2.0 auth. for the endpoint, try /users?$select=mail,givenName,surname to get wat u need in 1 go.
good luck!
As someone who’s worked extensively with Exchange and n8n, I can offer some insights. First off, the Microsoft Graph API is indeed the way to go. However, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.
One thing I’d strongly recommend is implementing a caching mechanism in your workflow. The Graph API has rate limits, and you don’t want to hit those when you’re dealing with a large number of users.
For the database structure, consider adding a ‘last_updated’ timestamp column. This can be incredibly useful for tracking changes and implementing delta updates.
Also, don’t forget about security. Make sure you’re only storing the data you absolutely need and that you’re handling it in compliance with your organization’s policies. Trust me, it’s much easier to build this in from the start than to retrofit it later.
Lastly, document your workflow thoroughly. You (or someone else) will thank you later when you need to troubleshoot or modify the integration.