Understanding Make's Execution Model

Scenario Architecture

Each scenario in Make consists of sequential or branched modules, executed based on triggers (scheduled, webhook, or instant). Execution proceeds in left-to-right order, but data dependencies and simultaneous module runs can lead to non-deterministic outcomes without proper constraints.

Data Bundles and Iteration

Modules pass "bundles" of data between steps. Iterators and aggregators allow handling multiple items, but incorrect mapping or poorly configured filters often leads to partial or duplicated processing.

Common Problems in Complex Scenarios

1. Race Conditions Between Parallel Paths

When two branches write to the same resource (e.g., Google Sheets or Airtable), updates may overwrite each other if not serialized. Make does not guarantee write order unless explicitly controlled.

2. Webhook Timeouts or Duplicates

Incoming webhooks may be retried by the sender (e.g., Stripe, Shopify) if Make does not respond within a specific timeout window. This can cause duplicate processing.

// Simulated webhook response handling delay
Make Module 1: Wait 10s (delay)
Module 2: Write to Database
Sender resends request before original finishes

Use webhook response modules early in the flow or store deduplication tokens (e.g., `event_id`) to skip repeats.

3. API Rate Limits and Silent Failures

Some APIs (like Salesforce or Gmail) impose strict rate limits. Make may skip modules silently or return partial data without hard failure.

Enable "Advanced Error Handling" to route these cases to a separate branch and capture logs using Make's error output functions.

Diagnosis and Logging Techniques

Use the Scenario Run History

Every execution in Make is logged. Review input/output of each module, timestamps, and any skipped steps to determine where data loss or branching errors occurred.

Enable Full Error Handling

• Configure module-specific error handlers to route errors to Slack, email, or a database.
• Log external IDs and timestamps to identify data processing sequences accurately.

Test with Minimal Data

Run scenarios with a single test record to trace full path and watch for bundle mismatches or incorrectly mapped fields.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Automation Failures

1. Dealing with Race Conditions

• Serialize actions using routers with delays or conditional steps.
• Use "Set Variable" + filters to control data paths more deterministically.

2. Preventing Webhook Duplication

• Immediately respond with a 200 OK using a "Webhook Response" module near the start.
• Implement deduplication via storage modules or third-party APIs that cache UUIDs.

3. Managing API Quotas

• Throttle requests using "Sleep" modules between iterations or use Make's "Queue" functions.
• Capture rate-limit headers via HTTP modules and log thresholds to avoid breaches.

Best Practices for Resilient Make Automations

• Modular Scenario Design: Split large workflows into sub-scenarios triggered via webhooks or data stores.
• Deduplication: Always store external IDs of processed events to prevent double-processing.
• Use the Repeater Log: For iterators, log each bundle to a data store (like Google Sheets or Airtable) for full traceability.
• Versioning and Notes: Label each scenario version clearly and document logic using the module "Notes" feature.

Conclusion

Make offers exceptional flexibility for automating business processes, but its visual simplicity can obscure complex runtime behaviors. Enterprise-grade automation demands defensive design: deduplication, error handling, and strict execution control. By leveraging run history, logging best practices, and modular architectures, developers can stabilize Make-based systems and scale automations with confidence.

FAQs

1. How can I prevent duplicate webhook processing in Make?

Respond to webhooks immediately and implement deduplication using event IDs stored in a data module or external system.

2. What do I do when Make silently skips a module?

Enable advanced error handling and inspect run history. Add logging via tools like Slack, email, or Sheets to capture skipped executions.

3. Can I throttle API requests in Make?

Yes. Use the Sleep module or queue processing via data stores. For APIs with rate-limit headers, log and parse limits dynamically.

4. How do I debug data mismatches in iterators?

Run a single test item through the scenario and inspect the mapping in each module. Validate JSON structure and field naming consistency.

5. Is there a way to version control Make scenarios?

Make does not support true version control, but you can clone scenarios and label versions explicitly. Document changes in module notes and backup logic externally.