Connector Syncs Don't Run Until Their dbt Transformations Are Complete

Question

Why do my syncs only run once their associated dbt transformations are complete?

Environment

Transformation for dbt Core with integrated or custom scheduling.

Answer

Fivetran will only start a new pipeline once the previous one ends. Combining a connector sync and transformation run in one pipeline may cause perceived delays in connector syncs.

For example, if a connector has a one-hour sync schedule, but the downstream transformation with integrated scheduling run takes two hours, Fivetran will only run the next sync once the transformation has finished.