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Organizations rely on Airtable for database management, but a common challenge emerges: data becomes fragmented across multiple bases and external systems. This fragmentation creates operational inefficiencies, data inconsistency, and manual reconciliation overhead that prevents teams from achieving real-time data synchronization across their operational infrastructure.
The core limitation lies in Airtable's approach to external system integration. Airtable sync lets users import data from external sources like Google Calendar, Zendesk, Box, and more into a base, but these integrations operate unidirectionally, preventing true airtable bidirectional sync capabilities required for operational workflows.
Two primary methods exist for achieving Airtable data synchronization: Airtable's native sync feature for internal and limited external connections, and purpose-built integration platforms like Stacksync that deliver automated data sync between applications with true real-time data synchronization capabilities.
The Airtable sync feature allows users to sync records from a source to one or more destination bases in Airtable. Syncs can be configured to be only one-way, two-way, or to bring multiple sync source data into a single table via multi-source syncing.
Setting up a sync requires a shared view that's enabled for syncing. Navigate to your source table and select Share and sync, then Sync data to another base.
The main, and very important, difference with two-way syncs is that you need to enable the option Allow edits from other bases. If this toggle is not enabled, then two-way syncing cannot occur.
Once configured, changes in your source view update in the synced table automatically. For two-way internal syncs, targets with two-way sync turned on are only able to edit records created in the sync source.
The main difference between single and multi-source syncs is that multi-source syncs require field mapping. Since data in a destination table's fields can be provided by multiple sources, your choices during the sync setup process will determine how the source fields map to the destination's synced fields.
To keep automatic syncs active make sure that some kind of action (i.e. create a record, update a record, create a new view, etc.) is being performed in the base on a regular basis by automations, humans, or a combination of the two. Automatic syncing is only available on paid Airtable plans.
External System Constraints:
Operational Performance Issues:
Permission and Configuration Complexity:
Stacksync eliminates Airtable's architectural constraints by providing two-way sync technology engineered to keep your data consistent and up-to-date across all connected systems in real time. When you enable two-way sync, any update, whether it's a new record, a change, or a deletion made in one application is automatically and instantly propagated to all other linked systems.
This approach addresses the fundamental limitation where external integrations with Airtable traditionally operate as one-way data imports, enabling true bi-directional sync tools for operational workflows.
Edits made to data in your CRM will instantly update in your Database, and vice-versa. To set up a sync, users simply have to connect the two chosen apps in one click and select the tables they want to sync, that's it!
Performance and Scale:
Enterprise Architecture:
Building an Airtable sync with Stacksync requires minimal technical configuration:
Unlike Airtable's limited external connector ecosystem, Use 700+ pre-built connectors or connect to any other system via API. Workflows support SaaS tools, Database transformation automation, IoT, Sensors and more.
Supported Systems:
Stacksync supports all standard and custom objects in your systems. Sync your business system objects to existing tables in your database or let Stacksync create new tables perfect data types to get started in seconds.
The Airtable sync feature allows users to sync records from a source to one or more destination bases in Airtable. Syncs can be configured to be only one-way, two-way, or to bring multiple sync source data into a single table via multi-source syncing. However, two-way functionality is limited to internal Airtable-to-Airtable connections.
Navigate to your source table and select Share and sync, then Sync data to another base. The main, and very important, difference with two-way syncs is that you need to enable the option Allow edits from other bases. Configure field mappings and select your destination base.
Airtable's external integrations operate unidirectionally only. You can sync data from multiple third-party tools including: Jira cloud, Google calendar, Google drive, Box, Outlook calendar, Github issues, and Zendesk. For true bi-directional external system integration, organizations require purpose-built real-time data synchronization platforms.
Like other syncs, it can be refreshed manually or automatically (every 6 hours). To keep automatic syncs active make sure that some kind of action (i.e. create a record, update a record, create a new view, etc.) is being performed in the base on a regular basis by automations, humans, or a combination of the two. Automatic syncing is only available on paid Airtable plans.
A two-way sync maintains data consistency by propagating changes in either direction between connected systems. Two-way sync lets each team centralize their workflows in their own apps, while also enabling seamless bi-directional updates between essential tables. Everyone is automatically kept informed and aligned within the shared workflow without needing to take extra steps to ensure data accuracy.
Organizations seeking operational consistency require more than basic data movement—they need bi-directional sync tools that maintain enterprise-grade reliability and performance. Connect all your systems saving 90% engineering time, no maintenance required.
When to Use Airtable Native Sync:
When Stacksync Delivers Superior Value:
The choice between native Airtable sync and purpose-built integration platforms depends on your operational requirements for airtable two-way synchronization capabilities. For organizations requiring operational data consistency beyond Airtable's internal ecosystem, Stacksync eliminates the architectural constraints inherent in Airtable's external sync limitations while providing enterprise-grade reliability and performance.
Contact Stacksync to implement true bi-directional synchronization between Airtable and your operational systems, achieving real-time data consistency without architectural limitations or ongoing maintenance requirements.
