Hey everyone,
I’m trying to figure out a way to keep my Postgres database in sync with Airtable, specifically when it comes to deleting records. Right now, I’m using Zapier to handle the connection between the two.
The problem is, I can only find Zapier triggers for when a new record is created or an existing one is updated in Airtable. But what about when a record is deleted?
Is there a straightforward method to make Zapier notice when I delete a record in Airtable and then automatically remove the corresponding entry from my Postgres database?
I’ve been scratching my head over this for a while now. Any ideas or workarounds would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!
I’ve grappled with this exact problem in my work. While Zapier’s limitations with Airtable deletions are frustrating, I found a clever workaround using Airtable’s automation features. Here’s what I did:
- Set up an Airtable automation that triggers when a record is deleted.
- Have this automation create a new record in a separate ‘Deleted Records’ table, capturing the ID of the deleted record.
- Use Zapier to watch for new entries in this ‘Deleted Records’ table.
- When Zapier detects a new entry, it can then trigger the deletion in your Postgres database.
This method keeps your databases in sync without relying on Zapier to directly detect Airtable deletions. It’s a bit roundabout, but it’s robust and has worked well for me across multiple projects. Just remember to periodically clean up your ‘Deleted Records’ table to keep things tidy.
hey, i had a similar issue. one trick i used was to add a flag for deletions in airtable and then have zapier catch that to remove the record in postgres. not perf, but it worked for me!
I’ve tackled this issue before in a project. Unfortunately, Zapier doesn’t offer a direct trigger for Airtable deletions. A workaround I found effective was implementing a soft delete approach. Instead of physically removing records in Airtable, mark them with a ‘Deleted’ checkbox field. Then, set up a Zapier trigger for when this field is checked. Your Zap can then execute the actual deletion in Postgres.
This method maintains data integrity and allows for potential record recovery if needed. It does require some additional management in Airtable, but it’s a reliable solution for keeping your databases synced. Remember to periodically clean up your Airtable to prevent it from becoming too cluttered with ‘deleted’ records.