Distribute Workflow Execution with Round-Robin Logic using Data Tables

Created by

Adrian Kendall

Last update

Last update a day ago

Key Features

Implements a simple round-robin distribution mechanism using a Data Table to track the last route used.

Supports multiple downstream workflows or resources, balancing workload across them sequentially.

Uses Switch and Code nodes for flexible routing logic.

Designed for easy customization — replace placeholder “Route” nodes with sub-workflow calls or API triggers.

Works with any trigger type, and includes merge logic to preserve input data.

Node Name	Type	Purpose
When clicking ‘Execute workflow’	Manual Trigger	Test entry point for manual execution.
Calculate the next route to use	Data Table	Retrieves the last used route number.
Code in JavaScript	Code	Increments the route counter (0–3 cycle).
Update last_used in the datatable	Data Table	Updates the “Last_Used” field to track next route.
Round Robin Router	Switch	Routes workflow execution to the correct path based on Last_Used value.
Route 1 / Route 2 / Route 3	NoOp	Placeholder routes — replace with your own workflows.
Merge trigger data to pass to subworkflow if needed	Merge	Combines trigger data with routing data for sub-workflows.
Sticky Notes	Annotations	Explain workflow logic and intended replacements.

The workflow starts when triggered manually (or by another workflow).

The Data Table node fetches the current value of Last_Used, which identifies which route was last used.

The Code node increments that value, resetting to 0 after 3, creating a round-robin cycle.

The Data Table update node stores the new Last_Used value.

The Switch node reads Last_Used and routes execution to the correct downstream branch.

Each route can represent a duplicated workflow, resource, or API endpoint.

Optionally, the Merge node reattaches trigger data before sending it to sub-workflows.

Trigger the workflow manually or via webhook/cron/etc.

Retrieve current route index using the Data Table node.

Increment route counter with the JavaScript Code node:

If Last_Used = 3, it resets to 0.

Otherwise, increments by 1.

Update Data Table with the new Last_Used value.

Route execution using the Switch node based on that value.

Send data to corresponding subworkflow (Route 1, Route 2, Route 3).

Replace the NoOp nodes with your target workflow or HTTP call nodes for real routing.

Distribute load across multiple API endpoints to prevent throttling.

Run identical sub-workflows on different worker instances for parallel processing.

Simulate load balancing during testing of N8N workflows.

Sequentially alternate between external systems or servers handling similar tasks.

Act as a proof-of-concept for balancing strategies before scaling up.