Connections
Connections Overview
In MadConnect, Connections represent the bridge between a data source and a destination, using preconfigured connectors to define how and what data is transferred. While connectors define the integration capabilities with a platform, connections are the actual instances where data flow happens.
This page provides a client-facing overview of what connections are, how they function, and how to configure and manage them in the MadConnect platform.
What Is a Connection?
A connection is the specific pairing of a source connector and a destination connector configured to transfer a defined dataset according to a platform schema. It contains the metadata, credentials, and rules necessary for executing that transfer securely and accurately.
For example:
A connection might sync hashed emails from Snowflake to Meta Custom Audiences.
Another might push server-side conversion events from BigQuery to Google Ads.
A third might pull campaign reporting from The Trade Desk into Snowflake.
Key Components of a Connection
Source Connector: The platform and configuration from which data will be pulled (e.g., Snowflake, S3, Redshift).
Destination Connector: The platform to which data will be delivered (e.g., Meta, Google, TTD).
Schema Mapping: Field-level mapping between your data source and the expected schema of the destination platform.
Authentication: Credentials and API keys required to authorize access to both ends.
Transfer Mode: Defines how data is delivered (e.g., full replace, incremental add, daily sync).
Scheduling and Logging: Optional timing controls and full visibility into job status, errors, and delivery results.
Creating a Connection in MadConnect
To create a new connection:
Go to My Connections and click Create Connection
Select your Source and Destination platforms
Choose the relevant Connectors
Input authentication details if not already configured
Define schema field mapping (manual or guided wizard)
Add optional metadata or transfer preferences
Save and Activate the connection
Once active, you can initiate the transfer manually or schedule it as needed.
Managing Connections
View your connections in the Active or In Progress tabs
Use the Reports tab to monitor transfer history, delivery status, and failures
Edit, pause, or remove connections at any time
Re-authenticate if credentials expire
Why Connections Matter
Visibility: Know exactly how your data is flowing across platforms
Reusability: Reconfigure existing connections as your campaign strategy evolves
Reliability: Connections inherit the schema validation and retry logic from MadConnect’s core framework
Need help configuring your first connection? See Initiate First Transfer or reach out to [email protected].
Last updated