> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/patchworks-services/service-connectors/the-anatomy-of-a-service-connector.md).

# The anatomy of a service connector

## Introduction

When you [add](/product-documentation/patchworks-services/service-connectors/adding-a-service-connector.md) or [update](/product-documentation/patchworks-services/service-connectors/updating-a-service-connector.md) a connector, information and options are shown within two tabs:

* [Connector summary](#connector-summary)
* [Connector settings](#connector-settings)

## Connector summary

The connector **summary** tab shows the current [status of the connector](#connector-status), together with snapshot sync/transaction totals and a list of [failed syncs](/product-documentation/patchworks-services/troubleshooting/how-to-manage-failed-service-syncs.md):

<figure><img src="/files/iY95wZtV0Ens2e7RujTN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Connector status

The current status of a connector is displayed at the top of the **summary** tab:&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/CpKtt0CXxlvBkh1841mp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Behind the scenes, Patchworks is checking if connectors are operational - i.e. that the associated system can be reached and authenticated using the details provided. Possible statuses are:

<table><thead><tr><th width="323">Status</th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Connector Operational</td><td>The system can be reached and authenticated with the details provided.</td></tr><tr><td>System Unreachable</td><td>The URL provided for this connector cannot be reached.</td></tr><tr><td>Failed Authentication</td><td>Authentication cannot be completed using the details provided. </td></tr></tbody></table>

## Connector settings

The connector **settings** tab is used to view/update general settings for the connector (name, time zone and date format). It also includes a **credentials** panel - these details will vary, depending on the associated system:

<figure><img src="/files/aLgXHWSUfiZx0IZ5qxWO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Updating connector credentials

If your authentication credentials ever change for a system, you can update them here.&#x20;

You only need to update your single connector - any change will be picked up by all services that are configured to use this connector as a source or destination.