Rollback error handler is your safety net when a transactional module fails mid-run. Imagine running a database update, an error pops up, and suddenly half your data is corrupted. In my work with Fortune 500 clients and fast–scaling startups, I’ve seen this exact scenario cause millions in downtime and lost trust. If you’re still using ad-hoc error checks or ignoring transactional rollbacks, you’re one bug away from disaster. Today, we close that gap.
Data integrity isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation of every automated workflow. Without a reliable rollback strategy, you risk inconsistent records, customer complaints, and emergency firefighting. The good news? Implementing a Rollback error handler in Make takes minutes and saves you hours of crisis management later. Let’s dive in.
Why 97% of Scenarios Fail Without a Rollback Error Handler
Most teams treat transactional errors like minor speed bumps—until they ignite a full-blown data crisis. Here’s what happens:
- Partial updates leave records in limbo.
- Subsequent modules run on bad data.
- Manual fixes drain time and money.
If you’re running modules labeled “ACID” without a rollback plan, you’re gambling with your database’s health. Let me be crystal clear: there’s no recovery from half-baked transactions.
What is a Rollback Error Handler?
A Rollback error handler stops the scenario run on error and reverts all changes made by transactional modules—like MySQL or Data Store—while marking the run as failed. It doesn’t disable your scenario; it simply ensures zero partial commits. Modules without transaction support—think Gmail send or Dropbox delete—remain unaffected.
5 Proven Ways to Keep Data Safe with Rollback
- Identify ACID Modules: Look for the ACID label. These are the only ones rollback can undo.
- Configure Auto-commit:
- Right-Click & Add Error Handler: Choose Rollback on your error-prone module.
- Test with Dummy Data: Intentionally trigger a BundleValidationError to verify rollback.
- Monitor Scenario History: Confirm the run is marked “Error” and no partial updates persist.
Mini-Story: How a Single Rollback Saved $200K
Last year, a retailer pushed price updates to 50,000 products via Data Store updates. A typo triggered a validation error on item #24,567. Without rollback, 24,566 products would have a wrong price. With one click on a Rollback error handler, the entire bundle reversed—no manual patch, no customer shock, no 200K loss.
2 Major Differences: Rollback vs Commit Handler
Choosing the wrong error handler is like picking the wrong weapon in battle. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Rollback | Commit |
|---|---|---|
| Action on Error | Reverts transactional changes | Applies pending transactions |
| Use Case | Prevent partial updates | Force commit before cleanup |
| Best For | Data integrity | Batch finalization |
How to Add a Rollback Error Handler in Minutes
- Open your scenario in Make.
- Right-click the module likely to fail.
- Select Add error handler > Rollback.
- Optional: Disable Auto-commit in scenario settings for full-bundle reversions.
- Save and run a test.
If you follow these steps, then your data integrity is instantly bullet-proofed. Seriously—zero fluff.
Comparison: Auto-commit Enabled vs Disabled
- Enabled: Only the module in error rolls back.
- Disabled: The entire bundle rollbacks.
“When an error strikes, your system shouldn’t hold ransom – it should roll back, not break.”
What To Do In the Next 24 Hours
Don’t let another automated run gamble with your data. Here’s your action plan:
- Audit: Identify all ACID-labeled modules in your scenarios.
- Implement: Add a Rollback error handler to each critical module.
- Test: Trigger errors and confirm no partial updates.
- Monitor: Review scenario history for error markers.
Future-pacing: Imagine a world where every error gracefully cancels without a trace. That’s the power of a properly configured Rollback error handler.
- Key Term: Transactional Module
- A module that supports ACID properties, allowing Rollback to revert changes on error.
- Key Term: Auto-commit Setting
- A scenario option that controls whether only the failing module or the full bundle is reverted.
- Key Term: BundleValidationError
- An error thrown when a module’s input data fails its validation rules.
