Choose the simplest connection that can do the whole job responsibly.

Describe the trigger, data, destination, timing and expected result. Does information move one way or both? Does a change create a record, update one or just prepare a report? Include exceptions such as corrected records and missing values. A clear workflow makes it easier to check whether an existing connector covers the actual need.

Check the current supported triggers, fields, filters and actions for the exact products and plans. “Connects to our CRM” does not prove that it can update the field you need or handle your record type. Ask for a small demonstration using fictional records and a written list of limitations before committing to a broader rollout.

Find out how failures are surfaced, how duplicates are prevented and what happens after an interruption. Confirm who reviews errors and whether you can reconcile an uncertain result before trying again. These responsibilities exist with either approach. A connection that quietly loses exceptions is not complete just because its usual path works.

Use only the permissions required for the agreed job and decide who owns the connection. Current provider documentation should guide authentication, available operations and request limits. For example, GitHub recommends responding to its API rate-limit signals and honoring Retry-After when supplied. That is a provider-specific instruction, not a universal allowance to keep retrying every service.

A native connector may reduce custom code, but its subscription, supported features and vendor changes still matter. Custom code needs a maintainer, deployment process, monitoring and a handover. Compare those responsibilities alongside setup cost. Do not assume custom work removes the limits of the connected products or makes unsupported actions available.

Record each requirement as supported, unsupported or unverified for both options. Add the evidence link or demonstration result, ongoing owner and unresolved question. Choose the native route when it meets the important requirements clearly. Consider custom work when the missing capability is material, the API supports it and the expected value justifies maintaining it.

A hypothetical pilot might copy one approved project-status update into a reporting system while leaving edits in the original tool. Test a normal update, a repeated event and a failure before adding more records or two-way editing. This is an example test plan, not a completed integration. Keep expansion tied to the evidence from the pilot.

Official guidance checked 2026-10-26.