PipelineΒΆ

A pipeline represents a unit of work that is modeled using Data Exchange Framework. Virtually anything can be modeled in a pipeline, but usually a pipeline models some sort of data transfer or data synchronization process.

Examples of pipelines are:

  • Load contacts from a CRM into Sitecore
  • Update product information in Sitecore from a PIM
  • Remove expired accounts from a CRM

In Data Exchange Framework, a pipeline is represented by a Sitecore item. The following image shows the pipelines that make up the synchronization processes for the Dynamics CRM Provider for Data Exchange Framework:

../../_images/pipeline-items.png

Hint

If you are familiar with Sitecore, you are probably already familiar with the concept of a pipeline. In Sitecore, a pipeline is also used to model a unit of work. Conceptually, pipelines in Sitecore and pipelines in Data Exchange Framework serve the same purpose.

The main difference between the pipelines Sitecore pipelines and Data Exchange Framework is that Sitecore pipelines are tightly coupled with Sitecore. Sitecore pipelines can only run within Sitecore.

Data Exchange Framework pipelines are configured in Sitecore, but they do not have to run within Sitecore. It is possible to run a Data Exchange Framework pipeline from within Sitecore. It is also possible to run one from a standalone .NET application.