> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.madconnect.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.madconnect.ai/getting-started/initiate-first-transfer.md).

# Initiate First Transfer

## Step-by-Step: Launching a Transfer

Once your platforms are authenticated and your connectors are configured, you can launch your first data flow in a few simple steps.

#### Step-by-Step: Launching a Transfer

1. **Go to My Connections**
   * Navigate to the MadConnect dashboard and click “Create Connection”
2. **Select Source and Destination**
   * Choose your data source (e.g., Snowflake)
   * Select your destination platform (e.g., Meta, TTD)
3. **Leverage Standard Schema or Implement Custom Mapping**
   * Use MadConnect’s pre-defined **standard schema** for your selected use case
   * Or work with your MadConnect representative to account for any custom mapping to our schema format
4. **Activate the Connection**
   * Review prerequisites including authentication and field-level readiness
   * Click “Activate” once all requirements are satisfied
5. **Initiate Transfer**
   * Go to Active Connections
   * Click “Initiate Transfer” to send the first batch

<figure><img src="/files/AS2el8TVJkT4G6aHShds" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### What Happens Next

* The system will queue the transfer and show progress in the **Reports** tab
* Any schema mismatch or platform-side error will be logged
* You can schedule future transfers or monitor completion in real time

{% hint style="info" %}
For help creating your first connector, see the [Connectors Overview](/connectors.md) page.
{% endhint %}