Use Cases of Event-Driven Microservices
Event-driven architecture (EDA) is used in applications where you require flexibility and processes can react in real-time. We can create, detect and process events using EDM. An event is a change in state, like user input, system notifications, data updates, etc. These events trigger different responses in the system.
Event producers generate events and send them to a message broker (also known as event router and event bus). The message broker propagates the events to the consumers.
Components are loosely coupled in the EDM architecture. Following are the components in the EDM architecture –
- Event Producers − These generate events and send them to the event router.
- Event Routers − These do event routing between producers and consumers.
- Event Consumers − These receive events and do services.
- Event Store − It records all events for audit, debug, and replay purposes.
Event-Driven Microservices have several use-cases, some of which we will highlight in this chapter.
EDM for E-Commerce Platform
We use EDA with microservices to communicate asynchronously. There are advantages because it is a loosely coupled system. So it communicates between independent services. As traditional request-response can fail but EDM does not fail because EDM has a loosely coupled asynchronous system. Services can operate independently using a publish-subscribe model in EDM.
For example, suppose there is an e-commerce platform where you can sell, bill, and warehousing services to fulfill orders. We use EDM to process a sales event without waiting for the availability of downstream services like billing. We fill the service and go offline temporarily. The event will be in the queue and processed once the service resumes. So it avoids disruptions for end users.
EDM for real-Time Customer
We can use EDA to power real-time and customer-facing updates. We connect internal event-driven systems to customer-facing interfaces. We give feedback to users when events occur.
For example, let's consider an online store. If a payment fails, EDA can update the user with the reason (e.g., credit card declined, network issues). There is no dependency required for request-response calls. It improves user experience. So we can update users with real-time information on important transactions.
EDM for Real-Time Data Analysis
We can use EDA on real-time data analysis. We process events as these occur. EDM minimizes delays in data processing, so we analyze in real time. For example, event-driven dashboards can give you real-time updates on package locations, transport delays, etc. We can use data from IoT sensors on vehicles and monitor shipments for up-to-the-minute status and updates to customers and operators alike.
EDM Internet of Things (IoT) Applications
We can use EDA in IoT applications. Devices generate events (e.g., sensor readings, status changes). These devices can send data to subscribed consumers using EDA to monitor and control in real-time.
For example, let's consider the supply chain with IoT where sensors send updates on location, temperature, etc. We use EDA to get these updates. So we can track shipments in real time and respond to disruptions, like deviations in temperature.
EDM for Fraud Detection and Security Monitoring
EDA can detect fraud because of suspicious activities and patterns. It responds to these activities and patterns. EDM prevents unauthorized transactions and security breaches. For example, in a banking application, if an unusual transaction occurs (e.g., a large withdrawal in an unfamiliar location). EDA can trigger an event that alerts both the user and bank fraud detection team for verification.
EDM for Inventory and Supply Chain Management
EDA keeps optimal stock levels because it triggers updates to inventory in real time. So there will be efficient supply chain operations.
For example, in retail, EDA prevents stockouts because it tracks inventory in real-time. When the quantity of an item falls below a given threshold. Then an event is triggered to order more stock and alert a warehouse manager.
EDM for Healthcare Monitoring and Alerts
We can use EDA healthcare for monitoring. So hospitals can respond to critical patient data. For example, patient monitoring devices emit events when vital signs cross given thresholds. EDA routes these alerts to doctors. So they respond to critical conditions.
EDM for End-to-End Transaction Tracking
We can monitor transactions throughout their lifecycle. So it gives you transparency and proactive management. For example, in a payment processing system, each stage of a transaction (authorization, capture, settlement) emits events. We can track and validate these. So we can identify issues at any stage, like failed payments and delays.
EDM for Cross-Region Data Synchronization
We can data replication across multiple regions using EDM. So there will be consistency and redundancy in distributed systems. For example, a video streaming platform can use EDA to synchronize user watchlists and progress data across regions. When a user in one region updates their watchlist. Then an event is triggered to replicate this data in other regions too.
EDM for Customer Notifications
EDA is instrumental in driving real-time. So can respond to customers actions in targeted marketing.
For example, in an e-commerce setting, if a customer adds an item to their cart but leaves the site without purchasing. Then EDA can trigger a follow-up email reminder and a discount notification. It encourages them to complete the purchase.
Conclusion
We use EDA in various applications because of its real-time services. It gives you asynchronous communication between event producers, routers, and consumers. Each component can operate independently because of loosely coupled services.
We can use EDA in e-commerce, real-time analytics, IoT, fraud detection, and healthcare monitoring. Applications can process events as they happen in EDA, so we can track transactions in real-time to optimize inventory and respond to critical patient data.