--- title: "Run a connector function in a trigger" slug: "run-a-connector-function-in-a-trigger" updated: 2023-05-03T15:36:36Z published: 2023-05-03T15:36:36Z canonical: "support.tulip.co/run-a-connector-function-in-a-trigger" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.tulip.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Run a connector function in a trigger ## Overview In order to access information from an MES or other external system, Tulip uses [Connectors](https://support.tulip.co/docs/what-are-connectors) Once the [Connector Functions](/r230/docs/how-to-write-a-sql-connector-function) have been built, they can be initiated within an app via **Triggers**. This means that when an operator presses a specific button within the Tulip Player, or uses a specific connected device like a barcode scanner, you can retrieve or store data in an external system. Here's how the data will travel through Tulip to your system of choice: 1. Specify the Connector Function that should run within the Trigger 2. Specify the inputs for the connector function (if any are needed). These are usually [Variables from an app](https://support.tulip.co/docs/data-types-in-tulip) 3. If there are outputs from the connector function, specify which Variable should store theses values. Here's a visual of the pathway: Variable (or static value) in app --> Inputs to Connector Function --> Connector function runs --> Outputs --> Other Variable in app This can be achieved by following the steps described below: ## Create The Trigger 1- Click on the "+" sign beside Triggers under the Step Tab of the Side Pane. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/How%20to%20Call%20a%20Connector%20Function%20using%20Triggers_92226899.png) 2- Fill in a name for the new Trigger in the Trigger Editor. 3- Select **When** the trigger should run. ## Add the "Run Connector Function" Trigger Action 4- Select a Condition that will determine if the Trigger should run in the **If** section. 5- Add New Action by filling the section under “Then”: - Select "Run Connector Function" - Select the connector you wish to run - Select the desired data input to the function (e.g a barcode scan, from a variable or even a static value) - Select the Variable where you would like to store the outputs of the function (the variable will be an [array or object](https://support.tulip.co/docs/how-to-use-arrays-in-apps) depending on the connector function) Here's an example: ![](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/How%20to%20Call%20a%20Connector%20Function%20using%20Triggers_92246558.png) - "Run Connector Function" connector: "Server Assembly DB" "Get_Configuration" - configuration: "Static Value" "text" - and save result as: "Variable" "config_information" NOTE In case the data received from the connector function contains several variables, Tulip will save each data input as a separate property within an object and you’ll be able to access each property separately. ## Further Reading - [How To Use Arrays and Objects](https://support.tulip.co/docs/how-to-use-arrays-in-apps) - [Examples of SQL Connector Functions](https://support.tulip.co/docs/common-sql-connector-functions) - [Example of an HTTP Connector Function In An App](https://support.tulip.co/docs/http-connectors-by-example-part-1) --- Did you find what you were looking for? You can also head to [community.tulip.co](https://community.tulip.co/?utm_source=intercom&utm_medium=article-link&utm_campaign=all) to post your question or see if others have faced a similar question! **Connectors** **Connectors** enable real-time connectivity between your Tulip solution and a transactional system (e.g. an ERP). The output of a Connector Function can be used in Tulip Apps, Automations, and Functions. - **HTTP Connectors** utilize HTTP API endpoints. - **SQL Connectors** can enable connectivity with certain SQL databases. - **MQTT Connectors** can connect to MQTT brokers for machine monitoring. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/connector.gif) **Connector Function** **Connector Functions** are individual operations to interact with an HTTP or SQL Datasources. Connector Functions can have inputs and outputs, and can be called from: Triggers, Functions, Automations, and AI Agents. Once pulled, data can be used throughout your applications. **Trigger** **Triggers** are groups of logic that are tied to an app event, such as step open, timer, widget interaction, etc. App builders can add triggers to **widgets**, **machines**, **devices**, **apps**, and **steps**. **Triggers** can contain **actions**, **transitions**, and **conditions**. **Tulip Player** **Tulip Player** is the Windows/Mac executable program where users can run Tulip apps. Tulip player allows you to create a more seamless user experience by removing the need for a web browser and allows increased IT controls. **Variables** **Variables**are a location to store app information. Variables have a specific type that must match the contents they can store. Variables are only accessible within a single application and are cleared when the app is restarted or completed. **Variable** **Variables**are a location to store app information. Variables have a specific type that must match the contents they can store. Variables are only accessible within a single application and are cleared when the app is restarted or completed. **Trigger** **Triggers** are groups of logic that are tied to an app event, such as step open, timer, widget interaction, etc. App builders can add triggers to **widgets**, **machines**, **devices**, **apps**, and **steps**. **Triggers** can contain **actions**, **transitions**, and **conditions**. **Step Tab** In the **Side Pane**, the**Step Tab**is where you can adjust all of the **Step-level**settings, including **Step Triggers,**Step background, Step resolution, and more.![](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/Step%20Tab.png) **Side Pane** **(Context Pane)** The**Side Pane**is the configuration pane on the right side of the **App Editor**where steps, apps, and widgets can be configured. **Triggers**can be added to adjust widget behavior.![](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/Context%20Pane.png) **Action** **Actions**are different operations that can be executed in **Triggers. Actions**cannot move users to other apps, or other**steps.** Many **Actions**can be added to a single **Trigger.** *ex. Store the value of variable x to table field y, Print app step, Adjust Edge device GPIO pin.*