Notes on Make.com Platform Limitations and Solutions

Introduction

• Presenter: Nick, experienced Make.com user and agency owner
• Objective: Discuss limitations of Make.com and solutions to overcome them.

Key Limitations and Solutions

Limitation 1: No Built-in Delays Longer than Five Minutes

• Problem: Maximum delay with the sleep module is 5 minutes.
• Common Attempt: Chaining multiple sleep modules, but scenario timeouts occur after 40 minutes.
• Solutions:
  1. Use multiple sleep modules up to 40 minutes: Chain up to approximately 40 minutes, but beware of execution time adding up.
  2. HookDeck: Use HookDeck for delays up to one day. HookDeck can queue and delay requests.
  3. Spreadsheet Method: Schedule tasks using a Google Sheets database. Poll the sheet daily for tasks scheduled for the current date.

Limitation 2: Testing Forms Takes Too Long

• Problem: Filling out forms repeatedly for testing is time-consuming.
• Solutions:
  1. List Responses Module: Use to retrieve form responses without refilling.
  2. Parse JSON Module: Use a hardcoded JSON output from an initial form submission for testing.

Limitation 3: Errors End Executions

• Problem: Any error, especially in HTTP requests, stops the entire flow.
• Solution: Use the Resume Module to continue execution and handle errors gracefully by routing based on status codes.

Limitation 4: Default Scheduler Costs a Lot

• Problem: Frequent polling can be operationally expensive.
• Solutions:
  1. Replace Scheduled Triggers: Use instant triggers (e.g., mail hooks) wherever possible.
  2. Optimize API Calls: Use bulk or batch API calls to reduce the number of operations.
  3. Remove Unnecessary Modules: Remove development-time modules like set variables before production.
  4. Use Array Aggregators: Convert multiple bundles into a single array to reduce operations.

Limitation 5: Timeout After 40 Minutes

• Problem: Long-running flows exceed the 40-minute timeout.
• Solutions:
  1. Split Scenarios: Divide into multiple scenarios, use webhooks to pass data between them.
  2. Callback URL: Use APIs that support callbacks to offload processing and notify when complete.

Conclusion

• Despite limitations, Make.com is a powerful tool for quick, high-ROI no-code solutions.
• Emphasis on understanding and adapting to platform constraints.
• Encouragement to engage with the community for support and resources.