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Query an entity Data Node configured with a published Entity, a parameter value and a result limit

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Overview

The Query an entity Data Node (a Node that fetches external data for the Workflow) runs a published Datagraph Entity. It then makes the returned rows available to the Nodes that follow. Use it when the data you need lives in several Datasources at once. The Datagraph Entity already joins them for you, so your Workflow simply asks for the answer.
The Datagraph is in beta, and this Node is only available to technical administrators. Ask your Technical Account Manager if you cannot see it in the Data menu.

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Adding the Node

  1. Open your Workflow in the Workflow editor.
  2. Hover over the Data button (database icon) in the bottom toolbar.
  3. Click Query an entity.
Data menu of the Workflow editor with the Query an entity option at the bottom of the list

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Configuring the Node

  1. Pick the Entity you need. Only published Entities appear in the list.
  2. Fill in each field under Entity parameters. The fields change with the Entity you picked.
  3. Set a Result limit to cap how many rows the Node returns.
  4. Click Confirm.
The Node on the canvas then shows the name of the Entity you selected. Query an entity Node on the Workflow canvas, showing the name of the selected Entity

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Entity Parameters

Each parameter accepts either a fixed value you type yourself, or a value coming from the Workflow. Use the picker to choose between the two. Parameter value picker of the Query an entity Node, with a typed value and the Datasources available in the Workflow
Passing a Workflow value, such as a person identifier captured with a URL Parameter Node, is what makes the result personalised for each recipient.

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Result Limit

The Result limit accepts between 1 and 200 rows. It stays greyed out until you select an Entity. Keep it close to what your Content really displays. Asking for three products when you show three products keeps your Workflow fast.

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Using the Data Downstream

The fields returned by the Entity become available to the Nodes that follow, through the Variable Picker. You can use them in your Content, or in a Condition to change what each person sees.
If the Node tells you that no published Entity is available, the Entity you need is still a draft. Ask your data team to publish it in DataHub → Datagraph → Entities.

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Best Practices

  • Preview the Entity in the DataHub first, so you know which fields it returns. The small icon next to the Entity field opens it directly.
  • Give every parameter a value. An Entity that misses a mandatory parameter returns nothing.
  • Re-open the Node after your data team publishes a new version of the Entity, to check that the parameters still match.

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What’s Next?

Datagraph

Understand where Entities come from and how they are built.

Data Nodes

Review the other ways of bringing data into a Workflow.