# Connect apps and pass data between agent actions

Canonical HTML: [https://collty.com/help/ai-agents/connect-apps-and-map-data](https://collty.com/help/ai-agents/connect-apps-and-map-data)
Audience: Company owners, managers and contributors
Reading time: 6 min
Updated: 2026-09-27T00:00:00.000Z

Select a connected account and resource, then map its output into the next step instead of re-entering identifiers.

## Connect the account the agent should use

1. **Open Connections:** Use the application menu to open Connections and choose a supported service.
2. **Authorize your account:** Complete the provider’s sign-in or supported connection setup. Select the account with access to the resource you need.
3. **Return to the action map:** Choose an action supplied by that connection. Available operations depend on the MCP server, account permissions and provider availability.

## Select the resource and bind the inputs

Use resource pickers where the connector provides discovery. Select the spreadsheet or document, then any required worksheet or range. A spreadsheet identity alone is not necessarily enough for a read-values action.

The next action can take values from the preceding result. Inspect the selected output fields and the action’s required inputs; connecting two cards does not make unrelated data compatible.

## Example: task → spreadsheet → message → row update

1. **Read matching tasks:** Use a task source and the relevant tag/status filter.
2. **Read the intended table:** Select the connected Google account, spreadsheet and range required by the read action.
3. **Choose the recipient source:** Use an email column, another preceding source or a fixed address. Recipients may be resolved when the run has the data; they do not always need to be typed into the map in advance.
4. **Prepare or send the message:** Choose the correct mail operation and configure subject, content and approval behavior. A draft and a send are different actions.
5. **Update the original row:** Use the row identity from the read result and update status only on the successful route. Define what to do when an email or row is missing.

## Handle missing data as a route

For a task-to-CRM route, check whether company or contact facts are available. A spreadsheet link is a source to read, not the client data itself.

When there is no matching task or usable record, finish without writing or request the missing information through a configured action. This makes the map reusable before new tasks arrive.

## When a provider cannot complete an action

- An expired account session may need reconnection.
- The provider can restrict a tool, resource or preview service even if another action on the same connection works.
- Read the failed operation’s message and check which earlier actions already succeeded before retrying.
- Do not switch to a different connected account without checking whose data it would access.

## Related guides

- [Understand Agent Center](https://collty.com/help/ai-agents/understand-agent-center)
- [Control Agents With Operating Rules](https://collty.com/help/ai-agents/control-agents-with-operating-rules)