Database sync process
How SupporterBase synchronizes data with NationBuilder
SupporterBase stays connected to NationBuilder through a series of sync processes, some running in real time on webhooks, others on a schedule or on demand.
Real-time vs scheduled updates
NationBuilder webhooks cover changes to a supporter's profile, and tag changes reach SupporterBase only in the overnight sync.
| Change in NationBuilder | How SupporterBase picks it up |
|---|---|
| Form submission | Immediately, through a NationBuilder webhook |
| Profile details edited | Immediately, through a NationBuilder webhook |
| Tag added or removed on a profile | In the full supporter sync, which runs overnight, once a day |
Manual sync for time-sensitive work
An admin can trigger a manual sync to bring supporters tagged in NationBuilder into a SupporterBase group straight away, before a time-sensitive SMS or email.
- Go to your Supporter Group's main profile panel.
- Click More actions > Sync supporters from NationBuilder.
Captains and vice-captains do not see this option, and your supporter group's data will be fully up-to-date within minutes.
Engagement level updates
Changing a supporter's level of engagement in SupporterBase runs a round trip through NationBuilder, and it keeps the two systems aligned for reporting and filtering.
- The tags from their old engagement level are removed.
- The tags for their new engagement level are applied.
- NationBuilder confirms the changes.
- SupporterBase stores the updated profile data.
Data flow overview
| Data type | Sync direction | Frequency / notes |
|---|---|---|
| People | SB ↔ NB | Immediate (webhooks) + nightly full sync |
| Contacts | SB ↔ NB | Immediate (webhooks). A daily catch-up fills in supporters with no contact history yet |
| Tags | SB ↔ NB | Immediate from SB to NB. NB to SB in the nightly full sync |
| Events | SB ↔ NB | Hourly background sync (NB to SB) |
| RSVPs | SB ↔ NB | Hourly background sync (NB to SB) |
| Groups/calendars | SB ↔ NB | When created/updated. Background sync for NB to SB |
| Leaders/admins | SB ↔ NB | SupporterBase creates the NationBuilder record and tracks the ID. A daily job pulls each user's name and mobile back from NationBuilder |
Common sync delays
Watch out for these delays
- Tags: May take until the overnight sync unless manually triggered.
- Events and RSVPs: Updates flow hourly, not instantly.
- All other data: Normally immediate (webhooks) or covered by the overnight sync.