Using Webhooks with Precog

Overview

A webhook is a simple way for one application to automatically notify another when something important happens. Instead of waiting for a system to check for updates, a webhook pushes a message in real time as soon as an event occurs.

In Precog, webhooks let other systems know when a data load has completed. This allows dashboards, automation tools, or workflows downstream to react immediately — ensuring your data ecosystem stays in sync without manual steps or constant polling.

Why It Matters

Webhooks are all about timing and automation. In traditional workflows, connected systems must periodically check if new data is available — which can introduce delays or unnecessary processing. Webhooks reverse that relationship.

By letting Precog proactively notify other systems when a load finishes, webhooks:

• Keep reports and analytics up to date automatically.
• Eliminate manual refresh cycles.
• Allow business systems to act instantly on new data.
• Reduce wasted API calls or data checks.

The result is faster, more responsive data operations — especially valuable when data freshness impacts reporting or decision-making.

How It Works Conceptually

When a data load completes in Precog, it can emit a webhook event — essentially a small, structured message sent to another application via an HTTPS POST request.

That message (called a payload) contains relevant details about the event, such as which source finished loading, when it completed, and whether it succeeded. The receiving system interprets that message and takes action, like refreshing a report or triggering an automation.

This design turns Precog into a publisher of real-time events, while connected systems become subscribers that respond as soon as new data is available. The two systems communicate automatically, without human intervention.

Webhooks do not move data — they communicate about events. The data itself still flows through your configured sources and destinations, while the webhook simply notifies other systems that the data is ready.

Example Scenario

Imagine your organization loads Shopify sales data into a Snowflake destination every night. Instead of having your BI tool check every hour for updates, Precog can send a webhook the moment that nightly load finishes.

That notification can trigger your BI system to refresh dashboards automatically, so teams always see the latest sales figures the next morning — without waiting or manual refreshes.

Practical Insight

Webhooks work best when you want connected systems to respond to Precog events automatically.

• Use them when timing matters — for example, to synchronize updates between Precog and downstream tools.
• Keep webhook messages simple — include only what your receiving system needs to know.
• Combine webhooks with schedules to create fully automated, end-to-end data workflows.

Think of webhooks as a bridge between Precog's data movement and your business automation. They make your data operations more immediate, connected, and intelligent.