> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kernel.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kernel.ai/integrations/clay.md).

# Clay integration

Run Kernel actions in Clay and review connected company records in your Kernel workspace.

Use Kernel in Clay to resolve company identities, enrich firmographics and understand company hierarchies. Each resolved company has a persistent [KERN ID](/concepts/kern-id.md), which connects that entity across your workflows.

## Choose your guide

| Guide                                                                            | Use it when                                                             |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Use a Clay key](/integrations/clay/use-a-clay-key.md)                           | You want to run Kernel actions using the Clay-managed Kernel account.   |
| [Use a Kernel key](/integrations/clay/connect-your-kernel-account.md)            | You use both Kernel and Clay and want to connect your Kernel workspace. |
| [Find your Clay records in Kernel](/integrations/clay/find-your-clay-records.md) | You have connected your workspace and want to find and review a record. |

The Kernel app is available to Kernel customers. A Salesforce connection is not required to connect Clay. If you use Kernel actions through Clay alone, you can review the results in your Clay table. To explore using the Kernel app, [book a demo](https://www.kernel.ai/book-a-demo).

## What Kernel returns

| Clay action                      | Result                                                                                                  |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Resolve company entity**       | A resolved company identity, KERN ID, confidence and reasoning.                                         |
| **Enrich company firmographics** | Operational status, location, headcount and revenue for a supplied KERN ID.                             |
| **Resolve company hierarchy**    | Parent, top parent, top operating parent and regional-subsidiary classification for a supplied KERN ID. |

Start with company information, resolve the entity, then pass its KERN ID into the enrichment actions your workflow needs. If you already have the verified KERN ID for the intended entity, you can use it directly in the firmographic or hierarchy action.

Keep the company's own KERN ID separate from its parent IDs. The [data dictionary](/data/data-dictionary.md) explains individual fields.

## Give each action time to finish

Kernel actions run asynchronously. Wait for the completed result before using its fields in another step.

* Run one row and review the result before applying the setup to more rows.
* Set run conditions so firmographic and hierarchy actions wait for a KERN ID.
* Make other providers wait for the specific fields they require, such as a website.
* Review any error before retrying.

## Keep your record ID

Map a stable source identifier into **Your record ID** in **Resolve company entity**. The field is optional, but it makes it easier to reconcile your source record with Kernel. Keep the same identifier when rerunning that record.

Your record ID identifies your source record. KERN ID identifies the company Kernel resolved it to.

## Understand empty results

First check that the action completed. Then review the supplied inputs, returned fields and reasoning. An empty field is different from zero or false.

Confirm that the result represents the company you intended, especially when a subsidiary and its parent share a name or website.