# Set up your first connector

Connectors bring account, entitlement, and activity data from your source
systems into Mesh, where it is correlated against the identities from your IdP.
Start with one high-value system — an HR system, a cloud directory, or an ITSM
tool works well.

## Choose a connector

Connectors are organized by source-system category:

- **Identity providers** (already connected in step 1)
- **HR systems** — authoritative worker data
- **ITSM** — ticketing and access requests
- **Cloud & directory** — cloud IAM and directory services
- **Endpoint** — device and endpoint posture

Browse the [Connectors & Integrations](../connectors/index.md) section to see
what each connector collects and its prerequisites.

## Steps

1. In **Admin → Connectors**, choose **Add connector** and pick your source
   system.
2. Provide the authentication the connector requires (API token, OAuth app, or
   service account). Follow the per-connector **Authentication** and **Setup**
   sections.
3. Configure the collection scope and schedule.
4. Save and run an initial collection.

## Verify

- The connector reports **Connected** and completes its first collection.
- Accounts from the source system are correlated to identities and visible in
  the dashboard.

## Next step

Now orient yourself in the dashboard:

➡️ [Your first dashboard view](./first-dashboard-view.md)