--- title: Connect Implementation Process description: Step-by-step overview of the CONNECT implementation process, from data setup to launch, ensuring accurate, secure, and seamless district communication. --- [Skip to content](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.catapultcms.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![catapult-cms-logotype](https://support.catapultcms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/catapult-cms-logotype.png?width=300&height=59&name=catapult-cms-logotype.png)](https://support.catapultcms.com/migration?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.catapultcms.com/kb-tickets/new) - [CatapultCMS.com](https://catapultcms.com/) [CatapultCMS.com](https://catapultcms.com/) Welcome to Catapult Support Knowledge Base! - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. 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[Implementation](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#implementation) # Connect Implementation Process ## CatapultCONNECT is a centralized communication platform that allows your district to send targeted messages to families using data from your Student Information System (SIS). ### **![Rocket Sequence - CONNECT (2)](https://support.catapultcms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rocket%20Sequence%20-%20CONNECT%20(2).png?width=670&height=233&name=Rocket%20Sequence%20-%20CONNECT%20(2).png)** [CONNECT Implementation Process](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#Onboarding-process) - [Week 0 — Mission Start Phase (Data Intake & Alignment)](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-1) - [Week 1–2 — Automation Setup Phase (System Configuration)](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-2) - [Week 2–3 — Access Configuration Phase (User Setup)](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-3) - [Week 3–4 — Validation Phase (Data Review & QA)](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-4) - [Week 4–5 — Alignment Phase (Training & Readiness)](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-5) - [Week 5–6 — Launch & Liftoff Phase](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#step-6) [Optional Features](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#optional-features) [Ongoing Support](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect-implementation-process#ongoing-support) --- ### **How CONNECT Works** CONNECT uses data from your systems to build messaging groups automatically. - Student and staff data comes from your SIS (and optionally HR system) - This data is uploaded regularly (typically nightly) - CONNECT uses this data to send messages to the correct recipients This ensures your contact lists stay accurate and up to date without manual maintenance --- ### **CONNECT Implementation Process** #### **Week 0 — Mission Start Phase (Data Intake & Alignment)** To begin setup, your district will provide data from your SIS. Most districts will: - Export data as CSV files - Upload files to a secure SFTP location provided by CatapultCMS Required files typically include: - Student data - Staff data - Student to staff relationships (class/roster data) These files allow CONNECT to correctly match students, staff, and contacts for messaging **Alternative integrations may be available**, including: - Aeries API - ClassLink (OneRoster) #### **Week 1–2 — Automation Setup Phase (System Configuration)** For best results, data should be updated automatically. - Most districts configure nightly uploads - This keeps student, staff, and contact information current - Our team will assist with setup and validation #### **Week 2–3 — Access Configuration Phase (User Setup)** CONNECT supports multiple login options: - Google - Microsoft - Active Directory - Standard username and password Single Sign-On (SSO) allows staff to log in using their existing credentials #### **Week 3–4 — Validation Phase (Data Review & QA)** Once your data is connected: - Our team reviews your files for accuracy - We work with you to resolve any issues - Site structure (schools) is confirmed - Staff, students, and contacts are verified This step ensures everything is working correctly before launch. #### **Week 4–5 — Alignment Phase (Training & Readiness)** Before going live, we will schedule a Data Check meeting with your team. During this meeting, we will: - Review staff and student data - Confirm class rosters and relationships - Verify contact information - Test login access - Answer any questions This is the final step before launch. #### **Week 5–6 — Launch & Liftoff Phase** Once your data is approved: - CONNECT is ready for use - Staff can begin sending messages - Data will continue updating automatically --- ### **Optional Features** Depending on your setup, you may also use: **Attendance Alerts** - Automatically notify families of absences - Requires additional attendance data setup **Other Alerts** - Additional features can be configured based on your district’s needs --- ### **Ongoing Support** Our team is here to help after launch. - Submit support requests through our [ticketing system](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en). - We assist with updates, troubleshooting, and improvements #### **Tips for Success** - Ensure your SIS data is accurate and complete - Automate uploads whenever possible - Test messaging with a small group before full rollout #### **What CatapultCMS Handles** - Secure data setup and configuration - File validation and troubleshooting - System configuration and testing - Guidance throughout onboarding - [CMS](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started with Catapult CMS](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-catapult-cms) - [The Dashboard](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#the-dashboard) - [General Editing Information](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#general-editing-information) - [Basic Elements](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#basic-elements) - [Visual Elements](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#visual-elements) - [File Management](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#file-management) - [Integrations](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#integrations) - [Compliance](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#compliance) - [Configuration](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#configuration) - [Implementation](https://support.catapultcms.com/cms?hsLang=en#implementation) - [Connect](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manage Users](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#manage-users) - [SIS Configuration](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#sis-configuration) - [Dashboard](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#dashboard) - [Other](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#other) - [Organization & Site Resources](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#organization-site-resources) - [Messages](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#messages) - [Emergency Resources](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#emergency-resources) - [Implementation](https://support.catapultcms.com/connect?hsLang=en#implementation) - [APP](https://support.catapultcms.com/app?hsLang=en#main-content) - [App Management](https://support.catapultcms.com/app?hsLang=en#app-management) - [What's New](https://support.catapultcms.com/whats-new?hsLang=en#main-content) - [What's new at CatapultCMS](https://support.catapultcms.com/whats-new?hsLang=en#whats-new-at-catapultcms) - [Contact Us](https://support.catapultcms.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Incident Report](https://support.catapultcms.com/incident-report?hsLang=en) - [Implementation](https://support.catapultcms.com/implementation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Professional Add-On Services](https://support.catapultcms.com/implementation?hsLang=en#professional-add-on-services) [![catapult-cms-logotype](https://support.catapultcms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/catapult-cms-logotype.png?width=250&height=49&name=catapult-cms-logotype.png "catapult-cms-logotype")](https://catapultcms.com/) [CatapultCMS.com](https://catapultcms.com/) [CMS Login](https://www.catapultcms.com/Login.aspx) [CONNECT Login](https://www.catapult-connect.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F) Copyright © 2026, CatapultCMS