Skip to main content
Question

Synchronize data exchange between two databases through forms


Forum|alt.badge.img+1

Hello, please tell me how to synchronize data exchange between two databases through forms

How to implement this data exchange logic between two databases?

STEP 1: The partner fills out the “Invitation to become a partner” form. The data goes into the “Partners” database. This database records:

  • Company Name
  • Contact Person
  • Logo
  • etc.

STEP 2: After submitting the form, the partner proceeds to the “Add Delegate” form (via the “Continue/Add delegates” button). IMPORTANT: In this form, the “Company Partner” field (i.e., the company name) must either:

  • Be auto-populated, OR
  • Allow the partner to select their company from a list (BUT they should only see their own company, not all).

STEP 3: The partner fills out the delegate information in the “Add Delegate” form. The data goes into the “Delegates” database. That database will record:

  • Delegate Name
  • Position
  • Delegate Email
  • And a link to the “Company Partner” field (from “Partners”).

🔄 WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN AUTOMATICALLY:

TASK 1: When a new delegate is created in the “Delegates” database:

  1. An Airtable Automation looks up in the “Partners” database the company that matches the delegate’s “Company Partner” field.
  2. The automation adds this new delegate to the “Delegates” column in the “Partners” database (a Many-to-One relationship).

✅ RESULT:

  • In the “Partners” table, the “Delegates” column automatically shows all delegates of that company.
  • In the “Delegates” table, the “Company Partner” column always refers to the correct company from “Partners.”


    As a result, the bass should look like this

     

2 replies

ScottWorld
Forum|alt.badge.img+20
  • Brainy
  • 8751 replies
  • March 22, 2025

There’s not a way to do this with Airtable’s forms, unless you reveal all the other partners to the user. However, you can do all of this — with JUST ONE UNIFIED FORM — by using Fillout’s advanced forms for Airtable. It’s 100% free, and it can all be done from one form. Fillout offers a ton of advanced form features for Airtable.

- ScottWorld, Expert Airtable Consultant 


Alexey_Gusev
Forum|alt.badge.img+12

Hi,
Airtable has 2 types of data exchange/connection:
Linking: between tables in the same database
Syncing: between different databases.

They working ​​​​​​in a very different way. Also, automation works only within a scope of it’s database.
From your description, i’m not sure you are really need two different databases.

The linking field works exactly as you described. It’s like intersection of both tables, visible from both sides. Note that links, representing relations between records, are set by user (could be bulk-pasted or set by automations).
 


Reply