How do I get data from an external system into a process?

Short answer: Pick the route that fits the source: a dataset for lookups, an external data object for a live SQL database, the HTTP connector for an API, or a webhook trigger for tools that can push data.

Why it happens

Kissflow has no built-in trigger for many outside tools, such as Google Forms or Google Sheets. The data has to come in through a dataset, an external data object, or an integration.

How to fix it

To use the data in lookup fields:

1. Import it into a dataset, or keep it in sync with an integration. See Importing and exporting data from a dataset.
2. Add a lookup field in the process form that points to the dataset.

To read a SQL database live, without copying it:

1. Set up an external data connection. This supports MySQL and MSSQL 2017 and later.
2. Configure an external data object and use it as a lookup source.

To pull from a system that has an API:

1. Create an integration and add a HTTP connector action such as Make an HTTP call (GET).
2. Map the response into Create and submit a new item or Update an item.

To receive data from a tool that can't be polled, such as Google Forms:

1. Create an integration with the Webhooks by Kissflow trigger Catch a webhook (POST) and copy its URL.
2. Send the data to that URL with a script or an automation tool.
3. Add Create and submit a new item and map the payload fields.

To send data out, call the other service's API with Make an HTTP call (POST), if it accepts one.