What are Webhooks?
Webhooks are real-time event callbacks sent from one system to another.
Technical detail
Instead of polling for changes, webhooks notify your workflow when something happens, such as a new lead, payment update, or status change. They are key for responsive automation. Production webhook handling should verify signatures, handle retries, and be idempotent. Without those controls, duplicate or missed events can occur.
Why it matters
- Enables near real-time workflow execution.
- Reduces infrastructure load compared with polling.
- Improves customer response speed.
- Supports reliable event-driven architecture.
Example
A payment provider sends a `checkout.completed` webhook. The workflow marks billing as paid, grants entitlements, and creates onboarding tasks in seconds.
How Retailbridge relates
Retailbridge uses webhook-driven steps for time-sensitive workflows and tracks outcomes in timeline events. Teams can monitor delivery quality and recover quickly from failures.