> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.softcrum.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart: Track your first event

> Send behavioral events to Softcrum in five minutes.

## 1. Get your API key

Create a machine role with `core.events.write` in the Console and issue an API key.

## 2. Send an event

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.softcrum.com/v1/core/track \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SOFTCRUM_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "event": "invoice_paid",
    "external_id": "cust_1042",
    "idempotency_key": "inv_889-paid",
    "occurred_at": "2026-08-15T14:03:00-04:00",
    "properties": { "amount": 45990, "currency": "CLP", "invoice_id": "inv_889" }
  }'
```

The API answers `202 Accepted` with an `event_id` — processing (profiles, segments, loyalty rules, notifications) happens asynchronously within seconds.

## 3. See the effects

Open the contact's timeline in the Console: the event, any points earned, and any message sent appear chained by the same correlation id.

<Note>Retries are safe: the same `idempotency_key` never creates a duplicate.</Note>