Manual Sync

Manual sync is initiated by a user or administrator from the Appian interface, typically through the Record Type Designer or the Sync page.
It performs a full synchronization, pulling all records from the source system into Appian.
This approach is best suited for occasional or scheduled data refreshes, such as a nightly or weekly sync.
Manual syncs are generally used when a complete data reload is required or after major source changes.

Sync Records Smart Service

The Sync Records smart service enables programmatic synchronization of records within a process model.
It supports syncing specific record IDs or batches, allowing incremental and selective updates instead of a full sync.
This is ideal for on-demand synchronization, such as after an external system update or within a workflow to ensure data freshness.
It works with all synced record types and integrates seamlessly into Appian automation processes.

Scenario

A banking application has a Customer Record Type synced from an external CRM system.

What happens

The CRM team performs a bulk data cleanup (duplicates removed, old customers archived).
Appian data is now out of sync with the source system.

Action

Why Manual Sync?

Scenario

A loan application workflow updates a customer’s credit score in an external system.

What happens

Action

Why Sync Records Smart Service?