Dynamic Parallel Processing with Asynchronous Callbacks
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This n8n workflow template demonstrates how to execute multiple tasks in parallel by initiating sub-workflows asynchronously, then efficiently waits for all of them to complete before continuing the main workflow's execution. It's ideal for scaling operations that require processing numerous independent items simultaneously.
About This Workflow
This sophisticated n8n workflow template empowers users to build robust, scalable automation that leverages parallel processing. It orchestrates a "parent" workflow to dynamically dispatch multiple "sub-workflows," each handling an individual item, via webhooks. The parent workflow then intelligently waits, using callback mechanisms, until all spawned sub-workflows have successfully reported their completion. This "pseudo-synchronous" waiting pattern ensures all parallel tasks are accounted for before the main workflow proceeds, making it perfect for scenarios requiring high throughput and reliable task completion tracking across distributed processes.
Key Features
- Parallel Task Execution: Distribute processing of multiple items across independent sub-workflows simultaneously.
- Asynchronous Communication: Utilize webhooks for seamless, non-blocking communication between parent and child workflows.
- Dynamic Callback Mechanism: Sub-workflows automatically receive and use a unique callback URL to report completion to the correct parent execution.
- Robust Completion Tracking: Efficiently track the status of all parallel tasks and wait until every single one has finished.
- Scalable Architecture: Design workflows that can handle varying loads by distributing work, preventing bottlenecks in a single execution.
How To Use
- Set Up Parent Workflow: Copy the provided JSON snippet into a new n8n workflow. This will be your main orchestrator. The "Simulate Multi-Item for Parallel Processing" node can be replaced with actual data sources to feed items for parallel processing.
- Create Sub-Workflow: Create a separate n8n workflow. This sub-workflow must start with a
Webhooknode (e.g., set to path/parallel-subworkflow-target) to receive calls from the parent. Include your specific processing logic (e.g., API calls, data transformation) after this initialWebhooknode. Finally, add the "Call Resume on Parent Workflow" and "Respond to Webhook" nodes (as shown in the snippet's sub-workflow section) to report completion and respond to the parent's request. - Configure
WEBHOOK_URL: In your n8n instance's environment variables, setWEBHOOK_URLto point to the base URL of your n8n instance, ensuring it can reach the activated sub-workflow'sWebhooktrigger (e.g.,https://your-n8n-instance.com). The "Start Sub-Workflow via Webhook" node will append the specific path (/webhook/parallel-subworkflow-target). - Activate Both Workflows: Ensure both the parent and sub-workflows are activated.
- Test Execution: Trigger the parent workflow (e.g., manually) to observe it launching multiple sub-workflow executions in parallel and waiting for all their completion callbacks.
Apps Used
Workflow JSON
{
"id": "4ee0ea96-2968-4161-8ae8-49924ffe7e37",
"name": "Dynamic Parallel Processing with Asynchronous Callbacks",
"nodes": 12,
"category": "Operations",
"status": "active",
"version": "1.0.0"
}Note: This is a sample preview. The full workflow JSON contains node configurations, credentials placeholders, and execution logic.
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ID: 4ee0ea96-2968...
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