Make.com Basics: Master Iterators & Aggregators (+My Favourite Automation)
- Riolyn Murray
- May 5
- 4 min read
Introduction
Automation systems can come with slight difficulties, for instance when you have to handle multiple data entries at once. Whether you're managing customer data, generating invoices, or updating spreadsheets, what you have to understand to simplify your workflow is to learn, how to work with arrays, iterators and aggressors. When you step away from very manual and strenuous workflows and dive into using these automation techniques in your workflow, these techniques significantly, empower and simplify your workflow, providing you with the best results.
Understanding Arrays in Make.com: The Foundation of Data Processing
Before we dive into the more complex aspects of data handling in Make.com, let's understand what arrays are and why they matter for your automation workflows.
An array, in simple terms is essentially a list of items, that often entail multiple objects with similar properties. When you use Make.com, the platform it will bring to your notice that there will be present frequent arrays when dealing with:
Customer data from CRM systems
Invoice line items
Spreadsheet rows
Task lists
Contact information
Each array is denoted by square brackets [ ] and can contain multiple objects (represented by curly braces { }). For example, a customer data array might look like this:
```json
{
"clients": [
{
"name": "John Doe",
"email": "john.doe@example.com",
"price": 123,
"purchase_date": "2024-08-16",
"membership_status": "gold",
"tags": ["loyal customer", "high spending", "VIP"]
},
{
"name": "Jane Smith",
"email": "jane.smith@example.com"
// ... more client data
}
]
}
```
If your are ready to revolutionize your workflow system, schedule a Free Automation Consultation Call with our experts at https://www.growwstacks.com/get-free-automation-consultation to learn everything related to automation and how you can grow with the system itself.
Mastering Iterators: Processing Data One Item at a Time
Iterators are one of Make.com's most powerful features, allowing you to process array items individually. Think of an iterator as a loop that goes through your data one piece at a time, making it perfect for:
Adding multiple rows to a spreadsheet
Creating individual customer records
Processing invoice line items
Sending personalized emails to a list of recipients
Here's a practical example of using an iterator:
Start with a JSON array of customer data
Use the iterator to process each customer individually
Add each customer's information to a Google Sheet
Apply filters to remove unwanted entries (e.g., zero-value purchases)
Use array functions to remove duplicates
Pro Tips for Using Iterators:
Always use the "Distinct" function to remove duplicates when needed
Apply filters within the iterator to process only relevant data
Utilize array functions like "Contains" for conditional processing
Monitor your operation usage as each iteration counts towards your plan limits
Aggregators: Bringing It All Back Together
After processing individual items with an iterator, you often need to combine the results back into a single array. This is where aggregators come in handy. Common use cases include:
Combining processed customer data for bulk updates
Merging multiple PDF files into one
Creating comprehensive reports from individual entries
Preparing data for batch API requests
Get started with Make.com using our special offer: 10,000 free operations when you register through our magic link: https://www.make.com/en/register?pc=growwstacks
Real-World Application: Automated Document Generation
One of the most powerful applications of iterators and aggregators is in document generation. Here's a practical example:
Start with customer and product data
Use iterators to process each line item
Apply business logic (taxes, discounts, quantities)
Aggregate the processed items
Generate a professional document with all components
Best Practices for Document Automation:
Structure your data properly from the start
Use clear naming conventions for variables
Implement error handling for missing data
Test with various data scenarios
Document your workflow for future maintenance
Advanced Array Functions in Make.com
Make.com provides several powerful array functions that can transform your data processing capabilities:
Length: Count items in an array
Keys: Get array indices
Slice: Extract specific portions
Join: Combine array elements
Merge: Combine multiple arrays
Contains: Check for specific values
Sort: Order array elements
Reverse: Invert array order
Tips for Working with Array Functions:
Test your functions with sample data first
Use the appropriate function for your specific needs
Consider performance implications for large arrays
Document your array transformations
Getting Started with Your First Array Automation
Ready to implement these concepts in your own workflows? Here's your step-by-step guide:
Identify processes that handle multiple items
Map out your data structure
Plan your iteration strategy
Implement appropriate filters
Test with sample data
Monitor and optimize performance
Build your automation workflow with us - Visit Us at https://www.growwstacks.com/
Conclusion and Next Steps
When you incorporate iterators and aggregators in your Make.com workflow system they have the capability to immensely, transform your business automation capabilities to great heights. It allows you to simplify the way you look at complex data and helps you strategize them correctly. This saves you time and reduces manual labour.
To get started:
Download the example blueprints provided
Test them in your Make.com account
Modify them for your specific needs
Scale your automation gradually
Have specific automation requirements? Contact our experts at admin@growwstacks.com
Comentarios