Definition
A connector is a module built once for a given piece of software, which knows how to authenticate with it, read or write its data through its API or its exports, and translate it into a common format. It links the tool to the data foundation, the cockpit or the agent that needs it.
There are standard connectors, already available for common tools, and custom connectors, developed for a specific piece of software or an internal database.
Why it matters to a business owner
For a business owner, the connector is what lets you keep your tools in place while bringing their data together in one place. Each source is plugged in once; the figures refresh on their own, and nobody spends Friday consolidating exports any more.
It also drives the cost of a steering project: a common tool connects quickly, an exotic piece of software or a home-made database requires dedicated development.
What Stratedge Consulting does
The Cockpit Starter, at €3,000 excl. VAT, includes configured standard connectors: spreadsheets, invoicing tools, common CRMs, analytics and advertising. A specific source is handled as a Sprint from €6,000 excl. VAT. See the Cockpits and dashboards page.
In a data architecture project, connectors feed a consolidated base refreshed every night, with quality rules and alerts on anomalies. The database, the connectors and the documentation are yours. Stratedge OS Team subscribers get the standard connectors included in the plan.
Common mistakes
Underestimating data quality at the source. A connector faithfully pulls in duplicates and empty fields; cleaning is settled upstream, or in the foundation, never in the dashboard.
Multiplying connectors with no owner and no monitoring. A connector that breaks silently produces wrong figures that look right. Every connector must be monitored and documented.