One of the most inevitable consequences of business growth is that organizations increase their reliance on software solutions. They quickly add new software applications to their IT ecosystem in order to bring about greater efficiency and productivity. Although these systems can offer significant improvement to your business operations, a growing IT ecosystem can eventually create problems. Disconnected applications can lead to redundant processes, siloed data, inefficient workflows, and much more. This has paved the path for software integration.
What is Software Integration?
Here is a brief software integration definition:
What is software integration?
Software integration involves the process of combining separate software solutions into an integrated system, allowing them to work together and exchange data seamlessly.
By connecting the different applications in your environment, software integration ensures enhanced communication and improved functionalities across the company. Software integration happens through different methods. It ensures that data silos are eliminated. It also results in efficient workflows.
DID YOU KNOW: According to SAP, companies that use SAP Integration Suite saw a 345% return on investment over three years.
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What are the Benefits of Software Integration?
When implemented with proper planning and evaluation, software integration can bring about a wide array of benefits to your organization. So, let us have a look at some of the major software integration benefits:
Increased Productivity and Efficiency:
Software integration can lead to enhanced business efficiency by ensuring that there is seamless communication between the different software components. Businesses can connect their applications and streamline their business operations. This further results in increased business productivity.
Improved Data Accuracy and Consistency:
By leveraging software integration, companies can easily eliminate data inconsistencies, which mainly result from non-integrated and disparate systems. The company officials are presented with a unified view of data. This allows for better decision-making. The overall effectiveness of the company’s various business operations also improves.
Enhanced Collaboration:
Because of software integration, seamless communication and data sharing happen between the various teams. This fosters collaboration. The members of different teams can remain on the same page at all times. They can also offer better services to the customers.
Scalability and Flexibility:
As companies add new software solutions to their IT stacks, they need to be careful that disconnected data doesn’t create business bottlenecks. Software integration ensures that all the systems can communicate seamlessly. This helps in triggering business growth by allowing companies to adapt and expand operations without any constraints.
Cost Savings:
Integrating the various software systems can bring about significant cost savings. You no longer have to manually sync data between the different systems. You can also avoid expensive fines and penalties, thereby further contributing to greater cost savings.
| A Forrester study commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS) found that a composite organization experiences a net present value (NPV) of $5.8 million and an ROI of 33%. |
Improved Customer Experiences:
When a company’s software solutions are properly integrated, the customer experience can improve significantly. Integrated software solutions allow customer service representatives to gain access to integrated data. As a result, they can offer more accurate data and solve customer queries on time.
Enhanced Decision-Making:
With an enhanced software integration strategy, you will be able to improve the entire process of decision-making. You can rely on unified business data to gain insights about your business. This leads to enhanced decision-making, which can further lead your organization to growth and prosperity.
You must keep in mind that the various benefits of software integration can also be experienced if you choose a reliable software integration service provider like APPSeCONNECT.
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Types of Software Integration
Here are some of the major types of software integration that you need to know about:
Application programming interfaces (APIs):
APIs are the most common type of software integration method. A particular type of protocol and a set of guidelines known as APIs determine how the various software components must communicate with each other. APIs allow different software solutions to communicate and receive structured data. API integration can be used in various situations, like custom integrations, integration of business extensions, etc. It is also a suitable choice for integration in ERP and CRM systems.
Webhooks:
Webhooks are a suitable substitute for APIs. They allow for real-time event-driven system communication. A webhook is triggered when a certain event takes place in any of the systems. The webhook then makes use of HTTP POST requests to a pre-specified URL in another system. Webhooks work well in situations like inventory management, order processing, etc., when real-time changes are needed.
Integration services components (ISCs):
The disparate systems of an organization can be streamlined with the powerful framework, Integration Service Client or ISC. ISC acts as a common communication layer that allows easy interactions across various software applications. ISC offers a single interface for accessing and using the various features of each of the systems while removing the associated technological complexities.
Orchestration:
The orchestration technique involves coordinating different systems to accomplish a particular business goal. It outlines workflows that indicate the order in which the different systems must function and the information that has to be shared when several systems need to be coordinated. For complex business processes, orchestration is the best option that you have at hand. It allows you to easily fulfill your business goals without having to go through various complexities.
Top 4 Software Integration Methods:
- Application programming interfaces (APIs)
- Webhooks
- Integration services components (ISCs)
- Orchestration
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What are the Best Practices for Effective Software Integration?
What is meant by best practices in software integration? Software integration best practices involve following certain steps which will ensure that the entire integration process gets carried out in the best possible way without any hindrances. |
Here are some of the best practices for software integration:
Clearly Define Integration Goals:
Before diving into the software integration process, it is really important to clearly define the goals. Knowing the goals will help you ensure that your integration activities are properly aligned with your various business strategies. This will help you to reap the benefits of software integration.
Conduct a Thorough System Analysis:
Next, you need to assess the applications in your environment. Identify the apps that drain your employees’ time and energy and require constant switching. Try to pinpoint the software integration of which systems will yield you the best outcome.
Choose the Right Integration Approach:
Carefully evaluate your resources and needs to select the most appropriate software integration method. You can also opt for assistance from a reliable integration service provider in integrating the systems in the best possible way.
Prioritize Data Quality and Governance:
Now here’s yet another important aspect of the software integration process. Ensure that the data Quality is maintained. This can be done by standardizing the data, removing duplicate elements, etc. You must also have proper data governance strategies in place to avoid having to pay extra penalties.
Test and Deploy Thoroughly:
Repeatedly test the systems before you actually integrate them. The integrated system should be tested thoroughly for any kind of errors before it actually goes into production. The integration should also be carried out by highly experienced integration professionals.
Document Everything Extensively:
The various phases of the software integration process must be documented carefully. This will ensure that the integration process gets carried out smoothly. You will also be able to have a clear idea of the integration infrastructure and bring about necessary changes whenever required.
Monitor the Integration Continuously:
After launching the integration, it is really important for you to continuously monitor the system and keep track of its performance. This will ensure that any issue that arises is resolved promptly. You can also connect feedback from the employees and implement the necessary changes.
Consider Security and Compliance:
The security aspects will also have to be considered. Make sure that proper security measures are followed during integration. You must also adhere to important compliance requirements through the various stages of the integration process.
Leverage Automation and AI:
In this ever-evolving world of technology, leveraging AI and automation in the integration process can bring about several benefits to your company. It can ensure that the integration process gets carried out seamlessly without much hindrance.
As per IDC, the revenue from cloud-based deployments of AI platform software is expected to grow at a CAGR of 50.9%, which is faster than on-premises.
Maintain and Update Regularly:
Software integration is not a one-time process. You need to maintain and update the systems regularly. Only then will you be able to gain the maximum benefits from the integration process.
By implementing the best practices, you can reap the maximum benefits from the software integration process.
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How to Choose the Right Integration Strategy?
Here’s how you can choose the right software integration strategy:
Understand what exactly you want to achieve through the integration:
Now, this is the most important thing that you need to consider before you actually start with the integration process. It is important that you understand what exactly you wish to achieve through integration. This will help you in ensuring that your integration needs are fulfilled.
Evaluate your system complexities:
You must already have several systems in place. Before you make any move, you need to understand how complex the systems are and whether they will be able to work in integration.
Analyze the workflow requirement:
You must also take a closer look at how data moves across the different departments in your organization and what bottlenecks might arise. The integration needs to smooth out all the wrinkles and make the business process efficient.
ROI evaluation is also important:
Now let’s talk numbers. You must evaluate the costs and benefits of the software integration. How much are you going to spend, and what is the return on investment? It’s not just about the initial cost. You need to consider the long-term savings and revenue generation as well, so that the integration becomes worth the effort.
Choosing your integration strategy: Points to follow
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Future Trends in Software Integration
According to Statista, the global revenue in the ‘Enterprise Software’ segment of the software market is forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by a total of 106.1 billion USD. This revenue growth will be mainly projected by the future trends in software integration:
AI-driven and automation integration:
Artificial intelligence is currently revolutionizing the software integration process. By automating complex workflows and data mapping, AI-powered integration tools can be used to optimize routing, predict data silos, and even suggest improvements to the existing process. According to a survey conducted by McKinsey, 78% of respondents say their organizations use AI in at least one business function.
Cloud-native and iPaaS solution:
The rapid popularity of cloud-based services is causing the adoption of cloud native integration. iPaaS platforms have been specifically designed for dynamic cloud-first environments. They offer enhanced flexibility and scalability. The trend is also driving innovation in the integration process.
Integration of IoT, edge computing, and 5G:
The explosion of the Internet of Things and devices, paired with other advanced technologies like edge computing and 5G connectivity, is also bringing about new integration opportunities. With over 50 billion IoT devices, the global need for IoT integration is evolving. This can be used to deal with complex systems.
Rise of low-code/ no-code platforms:
The rise of low-code/no-code platforms is again revolutionizing the software integration process. These tools allow non-technical business users to design integration workflows without requiring extensive programming expertise. This trend is also triggering digital transformation. It is allowing greater collaboration between the business units and the technical teams.
APPSeCONNECT: Your Most Trusted Software Integration Partner
APPSeCONNECT serves itself as one of the most ideal platforms for connecting the different systems in the environment. Being one of the most trusted iPaaS solution providers, APPSeCONNECT can help automate various business processes across CRM, ERP, E-Commerce and other apps. It comes with pre-configured templates, AI-powered technology, and easy set-up options, which allow you to reap the various benefits associated with software integration.
APPSeCONNECT’s enhanced features:
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APPSeCONNECT has already helped transform over 1,250 organizations across the globe. It also got positive reviews from customers from all across the world.
Related Read: APPSeCONNECT Becomes the Highest-Rated Integration Software on Capterra Shortlist!
APPSeCONNECT’s Security and Compliance Features:
APPSeCONNECT’s services are:
✅ ISO 27001 certified
✅ SOC 2 (Type II) certified
✅ GDPR Compliant
APPSeCONNECT also follows various measures while offering its services, like:
✅ SSO (SAML)
✅ RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
✅ SCIM provisioning
✅ 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
The company also adheres to geo-specific and industry-specific compliance requirements like CLOUD ACT, HIPAA, etc.
Mini Case Study: APPSeCONNECT helped Trimwel Ltd. bring about rapid growth in this business and revenue generation through its enhanced integration strategy. The company used APPSeCONNECT’s enhanced integration workflows to integrate Shopify with SAP Business One. |
What Makes APPSeCONNECT Better Than Other Integration Service Providers?
Here is a quick table of comparison which will help you understand why APPSeCONNECT is better than Jitterbit and Workato:
| Feature | APPSeCONNECT | Jitterbit | Workato |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Implementation | ✔️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Cost Efficiency | ✔️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Pre-Built Connectors and Templates | ✔️ | ⚠️ | ✔️ |
| Customization | ✔️ | ⚠️ | ✔️ |
| Customer Support | ✔️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Business ROI | ✔️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
Companies like Workato and Jitterbit also offer enhanced integration solutions. However, when it comes to meeting all your integration needs on a budget, APPSeCONNECT is your best choice. APPSeCONNECT can also be used for Shopify integration!
Real‑World Integration Examples
Now, let us look at some of the real-world software integration examples:
Facebook and Instagram:
Facebook bought Instagram in 2012, post which they went for software integration. The companies now share technology, ideas, and users by teaming up. Post the merger, they began to rule the world of social media.
Apple:
Apple handles all aspects of its business, from creating the software and gadgets to managing the app store. This is a type of vertical integration. By integrating the services, Apple makes sure that the experience is smooth. It also helps the company stay ahead in the tech game.
African American Expressions:
African American Expressions, which happens to be a highly reliable black-owned greeting card company in America, relied on APPSeCONNECT to create integration workflows for its business. This allowed it to witness 50% increase in revenue generation.
Learn more about the case study -> Click here!
Final Thoughts
So, if you are interested in the various aspects of software integration and would like to explore more, you must get in touch with the experts at APPSeCONNECT, and we will help you out with all the necessary details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, you need to evaluate the individual systems along with your integration goals and then pick the right method of integration for your business.
Well, the exact time frame depends on your business needs. You can reach out to the experts at APPSeCONNECT for a more detailed understanding of the integration process.
Yes, software integration comes with enhanced capabilities that will allow you to integrate CRM and ERP in the best way possible.
