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Connections

The Connections tab in SyncEngine is where all integrations begin.
It serves as the central hub for managing external systems through webservices, defining credentials, and configuring secure data connections that power your automations.

With a unified interface, you can connect to APIs, file servers, databases, and the local filesystem — allowing SyncEngine to retrieve, transform, and send information across your entire ecosystem.

Overview

Use the Connections tab to:

  • Configure and manage integrations with external systems
  • Authenticate and securely store credentials
  • Test and validate connections in real time
  • Reuse connections across multiple automations, flows, and routines
  • Extend available connection types by installing modules

Built-in Connection Webservice Types

SyncEngine ships with a rich set of built-in webservice connectors to cover the most common integration needs. Each connector comes with its own configuration options and can be reused across automations.

Connection Webservice Type Description
SFTP and FTP Secure file transfers using SFTP (SSH) or classic FTP.
HTTP No Auth Make HTTP requests to endpoints without authentication.
HTTP Basic Auth Access endpoints protected by basic username/password credentials.
HTTP Bearer Token Authenticate with a static bearer token (e.g., API key, JWT).
HTTP Auth Server Authenticate via an external authorization server that issues tokens dynamically.
Local Filesystem Read or write files directly on the SyncEngine host.
SOAP Integrate with SOAP-based services using WSDL definitions.
SOAP Multistep Server Support complex SOAP workflows with multiple chained requests.
SQL Connect to databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MSSQL, etc.) for structured data exchange.

Tip: Install external modules to unlock even more connection types (for example, CRM or cloud service APIs).

Credential Management

SyncEngine supports two secure storage mechanisms: Vault Storage and Database Storage. For credentials you should only use the Vault Storage, this is more secure and easy reuasble. Some connections require temporary tokens, these can also be stored (and updated) in config of your connection.

Vault Storage

Credentials are stored securely using Symfony Secrets Vault.
Click the + icon beside a credential field to add a new secret. Provide a descriptive name and the value, this name will then appear as a reusable option in future configurations. All credentials are encrypted locally in the Vault, ensuring they remain secure even if your database is ever compromised. With Vault encryption, your credentials never leave your SyncEngine host unprotected even in the unlikely event of a database breach, your secrets stay safe and inaccessible.

Creating a Connection

  1. Open the Connections tab from the SyncEngine dashboard.
  2. Click Create new and choose a connector type (FTP, HTTP, SQL, etc.).
  3. Configure the connection fields such as host, credentials, port, and paths.
  4. Save the connection, using Vault for secrets where possible.
  5. Test the connection to verify connectivity and authentication press the "Connect" button. Once successful, it becomes available for any automation or flow.

Security

  • All credentials (in the vault) are encrypted.
  • User access is managed through Symfony’s role-based permissions.
  • System administrators can configure trusted IPs and environment-based access controls.
  • SyncEngine never exposes secrets in logs or through the user interface.

Troubleshooting

If your connection test fails:

  1. Double-check hostnames, ports, and credentials.
  2. Verify firewall or VPN settings that may restrict access.
  3. Check whether the target service requires specific authentication headers.
  4. Review the SyncEngine log for the exact error message.
  5. For SQL connections, verify DSN formatting and ensure permissions for the user.

Best Practices

  • Store all secrets in the Vault.
  • Use least-privilege credentials for every connection.
  • Reuse connections across multiple automations for consistency.
  • Test connections regularly and update expiring tokens in advance.

By managing your connections effectively, SyncEngine becomes a unified bridge between systems securely transferring files, calling APIs, and querying databases with reliability and control.