How do you handle data delays between systems?

Data delays between systems can break automation timing:

Sources of delay: Batch sync schedules (hourly, daily). API rate limits causing queuing. Network latency between systems. Processing time in each system.

Mitigation strategies: Event queuing: Buffer events when destination is slow. Retry logic: Automatically retry failed syncs. Conditional waits: Pause automation until data confirms arrival. Timeout handling: Define behavior when data never arrives.

Design for tolerance: Assume data may be slightly stale. Avoid automation that requires split-second timing. Build in buffer time for critical sequences. Log timestamps from each system for debugging.

Monitoring: Track sync latency between systems. Alert when delays exceed acceptable thresholds. Investigate root causes of persistent delays.

Distributed systems are eventually consistent. Automation design must account for this reality.