Running Flows on Historical Data (Bulk Transfer & More)

When building automations in viaSocket with database applications like Google Sheets or Airtable, users often configure the trigger as "New Row Created". This works well for real-time operations but does not automatically handle existing rows already present in the data source.

To support bulk data processing, backfilling, or migrating existing records, viaSocket provides an optional step immediately after publishing your flow: Run the flow on historical data.

When to Use This

Typical scenarios include:

• Bulk transfer of existing records from one system to another.

• Reprocessing older rows with updated workflow logic.

• Migrating data from legacy apps using a newly built automation.

• Testing workflows with a real data batch before going live.

How It Works

1. Configure the Flow

• Set up your flow in viaSocket with the appropriate steps.

• Use "New Row Created" as the trigger, connecting your data source (Google Sheets, Airtable, etc.).

2. Publish the Flow

• Click Publish once the flow is ready.

3. Prompt to Run on Historical Data

• After publishing, a confirmation prompt will appear:

  "Do you want to run this flow for historical data?"

• Choose Yes to continue.

Selecting and Running Historical Data

Once confirmed, a dedicated interface opens where you can view and manage the historical data:

Data View

• A structured table will show all existing rows from the connected data source.

• Each row corresponds to a potential trigger input for the flow.

Actions Available

• Filter rows by specific column values.

• Sort rows by any column.

• Select individual or multiple rows.

Execution

• Once selection is complete, click Run Flow.

• The system will execute your flow for each selected row, processing the data through the same steps defined in the automation.

• All executions are recorded and visible in Flow History.