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

# Import and sync data sources

> Use the Data Sources workflow to add, sync, inspect, and maintain audience inputs for TruAgents.

## Summary

The **Data Sources** workflow is where teams manage the upstream systems that feed audience data into TruAgents.

This is broader than a one-time import. It includes adding a source, mapping fields, syncing updates, inspecting the source later, and deleting or correcting sources when they are wrong.

## Who this is for

* Operators responsible for audience quality
* Admins connecting external systems
* Campaign managers who need confidence in the underlying contact data

## Where to find it in the app

* **Contacts**
* **Contacts → Data Sources**

## What the current app flow suggests

The current page structure supports:

* viewing all data sources in one place
* opening a pane for a specific source
* adding a new source from several provider types
* syncing all data sources
* deleting data sources when needed

## Typical workflow

1. Open **Contacts → Data Sources**.
2. Choose **Add data source**.
3. Select the import path or provider you need.
4. Complete mapping or credential setup.
5. Verify that contacts appear correctly under **Contacts**.
6. Revisit the source later to sync, adjust, or remove it.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/truagents/VZr9vfxgb7kk_70a/images/truagents-data-sources-empty.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VZr9vfxgb7kk_70a&q=85&s=4b8f7bdf54dfd3d0bfc421a2068fbee7" alt="TruAgents data sources page showing sync controls, filters, and the add-data-source entry point" width="3840" height="2160" data-path="images/truagents-data-sources-empty.png" />

This page is where you manage ongoing ingestion, not just one-off uploads. The empty state is still useful because it shows the filters, sync controls, and the exact **Add data source** entry point.

## How to choose the right path

### File upload

Best when speed matters more than long-term sync behavior.

### Provider-backed sources

Best when the source system needs to stay connected to TruAgents over time.

### SFTP or structured external feeds

Best when the team already has an operational data pipeline and wants TruAgents to plug into it.

## Supported paths visible in the app today

* file upload
* HubSpot
* Mailchimp
* Salesforce
* SendGrid
* SFTP

## What to verify before trusting a new source

Before you move on from setup, confirm:

* the source name is recognizable to future teammates
* the provider selection is correct
* important identity and routing fields are mapped correctly
* imported contacts appear under **Contacts**
* the team knows whether this source should be synced later or treated as a one-time load

## One-time import vs. ongoing sync

This is one of the most important distinctions in the whole workflow.

| If your team needs...                        | Best mental model                       |
| -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| a fast initial population of contacts        | One-time import                         |
| regular updates from another system          | Ongoing sync                            |
| a reliable source of truth outside TruAgents | Provider-backed source or external feed |

Do not assume every connected source behaves like a live two-way integration.

## Common mistakes

* importing data without checking a sample of the results
* forgetting whether a source is meant to sync later
* assuming a connected source automatically means the data is ready for campaigns
* diagnosing bad campaigns before checking contact ingestion and mapping
* leaving data sources unnamed or ambiguously named

## Operational checks

* [ ] The source is easy to identify later by name and provider.
* [ ] Required fields like email, phone, name, and timezone are mapped correctly.
* [ ] A sync produces expected contact results.
* [ ] The team knows whether this source should be treated as one-time import or ongoing sync infrastructure.

## Related pages

* [Import your first contacts](/getting-started/import-your-first-contacts)
* [Manage contacts](/workflows/manage-contacts)
* [Integrations overview](/integrations/overview)