Webhooks, events and the AR API for engineering teams

The Problem

For B2B finance teams, maintaining consistent and accurate data across multiple systems is a critical need. Event feeds that rely solely on application layer triggers often miss changes made through cron jobs, CSV imports, or third-party callbacks. This results in downstream systems gradually drifting out of sync, creating discrepancies that can go unnoticed for weeks. Such inconsistencies can lead to incorrect financial reporting, delayed payments, and damaged customer relationships. For finance teams relying on accurate data, these issues can have significant operational and financial consequences.

Industry Standard Practices

Most providers in the accounts receivable space handle event feeds by firing them from the application layer. This approach typically covers changes initiated through user interfaces or direct API interactions. However, it falls short by neglecting data changes that occur through automated processes like cron jobs, data imports, or external system integrations. As a result, downstream systems often miss critical updates, causing data mismatches and operational inefficiencies. Without a comprehensive solution, finance teams are left to manually reconcile discrepancies, wasting valuable time and resources.

ARPilot's Approach

ARPilot takes a fundamentally different approach by triggering webhooks directly from database changes. This means that every path capable of altering data — whether through the user interface, REST API, scheduled tasks, or third-party systems — produces an event. These webhooks come with signed payloads and a robust retry ladder, ensuring that no event is missed and that all systems remain in sync. By addressing the root cause of data drift, ARPilot ensures that all financial records are accurate and up-to-date, regardless of how or where changes are made.

Key Benefits and Measurable Outcomes

By utilizing ARPilot's database-triggered webhooks, finance teams can achieve several key benefits:

• Real-Time Synchronization: All paths that change data, including UI, REST API, cron jobs, and payment processors, trigger events, ensuring real-time data consistency.
• Reliability and Security: Signed payloads and a documented retry ladder provide an additional layer of security and reliability, guaranteeing that events are not lost or duplicated.
• Custom Integration: For enterprises with specific needs, custom adapters can be developed under an Enterprise agreement, allowing seamless integration with existing systems.
• Operational Efficiency: By eliminating data discrepancies and manual reconciliation, finance teams can focus on strategic tasks that drive business value.

FAQ

What are webhooks and why are they important for finance teams?

Webhooks are automated messages sent from apps when something happens. They are crucial for finance teams because they ensure that all systems receive real-time updates, maintaining data accuracy across platforms.

How does ARPilot ensure that no events are missed?

ARPilot emits webhooks directly from database changes, capturing every data alteration regardless of the source. This ensures that all events are recorded and downstream systems remain synchronized.

Can ARPilot integrate with my existing financial systems?

Yes, ARPilot offers flexible integration options, including QuickBooks Online synchronization, REST API, CSV import, and custom adapters for enterprise agreements, ensuring compatibility with various financial systems.

What makes ARPilot's approach to webhooks different from other providers?

Unlike most providers that trigger events only from the application layer, ARPilot’s webhooks are fired from database triggers, capturing changes from every data path, including cron jobs and third-party callbacks.

Is there a free trial available for ARPilot's services?

Yes, ARPilot offers a free tier for managing up to 10 invoices a month, allowing you to explore its features and benefits before committing to a paid plan.