This document outlines the functionality and characteristics of the Airtable Updater node, which enables users to update existing records in Airtable bases.

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Node Inputs

The Airtable Updater node requires several inputs to operate effectively. These inputs include:

  • Base: The specific Airtable base containing the records to be updated
  • Table: The particular table within the selected base where updates will be made
  • Search Column: Specifies which column to use for identifying the record(s) to update
  • Updater Mode: Determines whether to update a single row or multiple rows
    • “Update a Single Row” (default mode)
    • “Update Multiple Rows” (batch update mode)
  • Search Value:
    • For single row mode: Takes a text input
    • For multiple rows mode: Accepts a list of text values
  • Update Fields: Dynamic fields based on the selected table’s schema that specify the new values to be updated

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Node Output

The Airtable Updater node outputs:

  • A text link to the updated table
  • Confirmation of successful updates
  • Any error messages if updates fail

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Node Functionality

The Airtable Updater node is designed to modify existing records within Airtable bases.

Key features include:

  • Exact value matching for precise record identification
  • Dynamic parameter adjustment based on Airtable configuration
  • Support for both single and multiple record updates
  • Secure authentication with Gumloop

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When To Use

The Airtable Updater node is particularly valuable in scenarios requiring automated data maintenance and updates in Airtable. Common use cases include:

  • Data Maintenance: Automatically update records when information changes in connected systems
  • Batch Processing: Update multiple records simultaneously based on a list of criteria
  • Workflow Automation: Integrate with other nodes to create automated update workflows
  • Data Synchronization: Keep Airtable records in sync with external data sources

Some specific examples:

  • Updating status fields based on external triggers
  • Modifying customer information across multiple records
  • Refreshing data points based on calculations or external inputs

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Example

Let’s say you have a customer order tracking table:

Your table has columns: Order ID, Customer Name, Status, Last Updated

To update an order status:

  • Search Column: “Order ID”
  • Search Value: “ORD-123”
  • Connect your data to the column inputs, eg:
    • Status: “Completed”
    • Last Updated: current timestamp

The node will find the row with order ID “ORD-123” and update the corresponding columns, leaving other data unchanged.

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Important Considerations:

  1. The node can only update existing records; it cannot create new ones. [You can use Airtable Writer node for that]
  2. Search values must exactly match the data in the specified search column
  3. Requires Authentication with Airtable - Set it up in the credentials page

In summary, the Airtable Updater node provides a powerful way to automatically modify existing records in your Airtable bases. Whether you need to update a single record or perform batch updates, this node streamlines the process while ensuring data accuracy through exact value matching.

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